Taylor Swift's Engagement Ring Sparks Surge in Demand for Antique Old-Mine-Cut Diamonds
Interest in old-mine-cut diamonds has skyrocketed following Taylor Swift's engagement ring, which showcases a seven-to-10 carat antique-style elongated cushion-cut gem. Dealers Charlie Barron from Barron London and Guy Burton of Hancocks London have noted a frenzy among collectors, with a 5.01 carat old-mine-cut diamond commanding a 25% premium compared to contemporary stones. Barron is experiencing high demand, with a waiting list for five to ten carat diamonds. This rising trend stands in contrast to lab-grown diamonds, as the natural imperfections of antique stones confirm their authenticity. Originating from Brazilian mines since the 1720s, these diamonds feature a soft square shape and a warmer luster, attracting younger clientele through designers like Santi, Jessie Thomas, and Rachel Boston.
Key facts
- Taylor Swift's engagement ring features an estimated 7-10 carat antique-style old-mine-cut diamond.
- Demand for genuine old-mine-cut diamonds has surged, with a 5.01ct stone fetching 25% more than a modern equivalent.
- Charlie Barron of Barron London has a waiting list for diamonds of 5 to 10 carats.
- The trend is partly a counter to lab-grown diamonds, as imperfections indicate natural origin.
- Old-mine-cut diamonds originate mainly from Brazilian mines discovered in the 1720s.
- Designers Jessie Thomas and Rachel Boston in London create contemporary jewellery with antique diamonds.
- Charlie Pragnell of Pragnell acquired an untreated 8ct antique cushion-cut Kashmir sapphire from the 1880s.
- Hancocks London specializes in modern gypsy rings set with rare coloured stones like Burma rubies.
Entities
Artists
- Taylor Swift
- Travis Kelce
- JAR
- Viren Bhagat
- Santi
- Margaret
- Charlie Barron
- Alistair McCallum
- Guy Burton
- Amy Burton
- Charlie Pragnell
- Jessie Thomas
- Rachel Boston
Institutions
- Barron London
- Hancocks London
- Marcus McCallum
- Pragnell
- GemGenève
- Palexpo
- FT
Locations
- Paris
- Mumbai
- London
- Geneva
- India
- Brazil
- Golconda
- Kashmir
- Colombia
- Burma
- Switzerland