Make The Whole Place Shimmer

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard the news Taylor Swift is engaged to Travis Kelce  and the ring is nothing short of enchanted. Although it is, perhaps, unexpected for the two A-list celebs. We chatted with WhitLauter by Leann Parker, a local purveyor of fine and estate jewelry to get a better handle on what we’re looking at and what that means for the jewelry industry.

Taylor’s ring is an old mine cut, which is a type of hand cut diamond that emerged in the 1830s. “There are no two alike,” she says, “It gets you excited if you understand even a little bit of the history behind it.” The diamond most likely originated in India, according to Leann that’s where most diamonds of that time period came from.

“I found it tremendously interesting that he chose something so unique but they’re both just one of a kind people,” she says. In other words, it makes sense for the ring to have a “you belong with me” kind of vibe that won’t look like anyone else’s. “I think old mine cut and old European cut will definitely have a resurgence now,” she says. 

Leann has come across an array of estate jewelry in her 53 years in the industry but old mine cut gems have a special place in her heart. “You just treasure these pieces,” she says. An early twentieth century French ring in with an old European cut surrounded by old mine cut diamonds just came into the shop last week, giving her the perfect opportunity to show off the differences between those and the modern brilliant cut most people know today. Rings like this, and Taylor Swift’s, are considered true antiques. “It’s amazing how many unique things are even just in this area, that I come across when dealing with estates. I’d like to know the history of her ring,” says Leann.

The cut of diamonds affects not only its shape but also the way it reflects light. Leann explained that older hand cut rings were made to reflect candlelight, not today’s world, so they can noticeable even across a room. “I think she’s brought back the element of antiquity and depth with this ring,” says Leann. While the mounting of Taylor’s ring is simple antique gold, Leann notes that they didn’t go overly large and they didn’t need to because a vintage gem like that speaks for itself.