Get the Look: Taylor Swift's Engagement Ring

Swift's engagement ring is a stunning example of vintage-inspired luxury jewelry at its finest. The ring features what apepars to be an old mine brilliant cut, or an antique elongated cushion, that is approximately 7 to 10 carats. The diamond is set in four prongs and a button back, or a small bezel around the stone, which adds an extra layer of security and visual intrigue.

The setting itself is a work of art in beautiful yellow gold. The setting features a thicker band in yellow gold that tapers and is accentuated with side stones that appear to be trillion cut and round cut. The engraved detailing on the band and setting gracefully frames the stone. This creates a beautiful vintage aesthetic while providing the security of modern craftsmanship.

What makes the engraved details on Swift's ring particularly special is the authentic hand-engraving technique used to create them. Hand engraving is a lost art that's become increasingly rare in modern jewelry making, requiring exceptional skill and countless hours of meticulous work.

"Hand engraving is a highly skilled and laborious process of using a sharp tool to carve details directly into the metal," explains Ken Leung, Founder of Ken & Dana Design. "There's a lot of confusion among consumers about classic hand-engraving versus similar techniques done in CAD. The CAD method is supposed to look like the real thing, but because the design is created on a computer, it looks fundamentally different than when details are carved by hand with a knife."

The difference is remarkable when you know what to look for. Hand engraving creates sharper, more defined details, with the engraving knife acting as a polishing tool that brightens the recessed areas. In contrast, CAD-created engravings often have dull recessed areas that can't be properly polished, and the designs typically protrude from the surface rather than being carved into the metal itself.

The designer and craftswoman, Kindred Lubeck of Artifex Fine Jewelry, who created Taylor Swift's ring is among a small handful of jewelers worldwide who still practice this traditional technique. Ken & Dana Design is also part of this exclusive group of jewelers who specialize in authentic hand-engraved rings.

Old mine cut diamonds are having a major moment, with Zendaya also opting for an old mine cut diamond. The old mine cut was the most common diamond cut from the early 18th century to the late 19th century, during the Georgian and Victorian eras. These antique cuts feature a square diamond with rounded corners and distinctive hand-faceted craftsmanship.

"Old mine cuts have this incredible warmth and depth that you simply can't replicate with modern cutting techniques," notes Ken Leung. "Each stone tells a story through its slightly irregular faceting and that distinctive shape with softly rounded corners. The way they catch and reflect light has a completely different quality, it's more like candlelight than the sharp fire of a modern brilliant cut."

When selecting an old mine cut diamond or antique cut diamond, there are several key characteristics to consider. These antique cuts were hand-faceted, which means each stone has its own unique personality and charm. The faceting creates a softer, more romantic sparkle compared to modern brilliant cuts, perfect for someone who appreciates vintage character over maximum brilliance.

The elongated cushion shape of Swift's diamond is particularly striking. The ring features what appears to be close to a 1.40 ratio, which adds to its distinct appeal. This modification of the classic squarish old mine cut creates a more finger-flattering silhouette while maintaining all the vintage charm of the original cut.

Most antique diamonds exhibit warmer colors because they were cut to sparkle in candlelight's warm tones rather than electric lighting. This historical context adds to their romantic appeal and actually works beautifully with yellow gold settings like Swift's ring. When searching for an old mine cut, expect to see stones with warmer color grades, which enhances their vintage charm rather than detracting from their beauty.

When choosing your own old mine cut, consider the diamond's proportions carefully. Look for stones with good symmetry within the hand-cut aesthetic. Some irregularity is expected and adds to the charm, but the overall proportions should be pleasing to the eye.

The key to capturing Taylor Swift’s engagement ring look is understanding the design elements that make her ring so captivating, and deciding which feel meaningful to incorporate into your own design.

Start with the diamond cut. Old mine cuts and antique cushion cuts are available in a range of sizes and qualities. While Swift's substantial center stone is certainly impressive, a smaller carat old mine cut in a similar setting can capture the same romantic vintage vibe. Look for stones with good proportions and that characteristic soft, romantic sparkle that makes old mine cuts so special.

The yellow gold setting is crucial to achieving this look. The warm tones of yellow gold complement the vintage aesthetic perfectly and enhance the natural warmth found in most antique diamonds. Choose 14k yellow gold for the richest color and durability, and pay attention to the setting details that make Swift's ring so distinctive. The combination of prong and bezel elements creates visual interest, while the tapered band, side stones, and hand-engraving add to the vintage character.

"The beauty of a vintage-inspired engagement ring design is that you can capture the romance and elegance of pieces like Taylor's ring while making it uniquely your own," shares Ken Leung. "Whether you choose a smaller center stone or modify the side stone configuration, the most important thing is working with a jeweler who understands antique design principles. The proportions, the metalwork, the way the setting frames the stone—these details make all the difference in achieving that authentic vintage look."

With so many stunning elements to Taylor Swift’s engagement ring, there is a lot to be inspired by. If the diamond itself has captured your heart, our Katie is a classic example of how to elegantly and simply showcase a gorgeous old mine cut diamond in a bezel setting and brushed yellow gold.

If you love the tapered band and intricate hand engravings, there are so many directions you can go. With Glory, we paired an emerald cut diamond with Victorian era details of a substantial halo, milgrain, and hand-engraved band. For Paulina, a 3 carat cushion cut diamond is surrounded with brilliant diamonds and endless hand-engraved details.

And if Swift’s engagement ring has sparked, or even renewed, your love for vintage-inspired designs, Lexeen and Skyla are beautiful examples of how to incorporate the romantic hallmarks of the style with a fresh perspective. Both rings feature a split band with carefully placed embellishments for an elegant, sophisticated, and truly enchanting look.

The most important aspect of capturing Taylor Swift's engagement ring look isn't copying every detail exactly—it's understanding what makes her ring so special and incorporating those elements in a way that feels right for your love story. Just like other recent celebrities Zendaya, Emma Roberts, and Lily Collins who embraced antique cuts, the combination of antique romance, thoughtful craftsmanship, and personal meaning is what makes any engagement ring truly special.