Taylor Swift Announces Engagement to Travis Kelce—What's the Price of the Engagement Ring? A Comprehensive Guide to the "Vintage Feel" and Price Range of Old Mine Cut Rings

Preface—“Love Story” Becomes Reality

The "modern fairy tale" of a global pop icon and an NFL champion happily moves to the next chapter with a joint Instagram post. The moment of kneeling in a garden surrounded by flowers and the large diamond on the left ring finger—announced on August 26, with the lighthearted caption, "Your English teacher and PE teacher are getting married," also became a topic of discussion. Japanese media reported it all at once. CNN.co.jp

Facts and Timeline of the Engagement Announcement

• Announcement Date: Joint Instagram post on August 26, 2025 (U.S. time). People.com

• Proposal Timing: According to Kelsey's father, Ed, the actual proposal took place "about two weeks ago" at Kelsey's home. It was an intimate setting where he knelt down while enjoying wine before dinner. People.com

• Floral Arrangement: Experts estimate the decoration using over 2,000 flowers could reach up to $38,000. The completeness of the arrangement resulted in "painting-like photos." People.com

Ring Design—“Old Mine Brilliant × 18K Yellow Gold”

The features deciphered from the announcement photo are as follows.

• Center Stone: An elongated cushion-type "Old Mine Brilliant" with an antique feel. High-color antique large stones in the market are rare, and the difficulty of procurement drives up the price. People.com

• Metal & Setting: Warm 18K yellow gold metal. With bezel to pillow-like proportions, the sides are accented with what appear to be half-moon and round shapes, creating an overall vintage feel. People.com

• Harmony with “Their Style”: The delicate design reminiscent of the Victorian to Edwardian era strongly resonates with Swift's aesthetics. Domestic media also point out the trend of "Old Mine revival." Vogue Japan+1

Who Made It?—Designer and Workshop

It is reported that **Kindred Lubeck (Artifex Fine Jewelry)** designed it together with Kelsey. The trend of "artisanal × antique stones" is strengthening even in celebrity engagement rings, symbolizing an era where the value lies more in "authorship" than brand names. People.comBrides

The Most Curious "Price"?—Reasons for Estimation Variability

The exact price is not disclosed, butestimates vary widely. The background involves the complex interplay of "carat weight," "color/clarity," "historical rarity of the stone itself (Old Mine)," "design and production costs," and "brand/designer premium." The estimates from various companies are as follows.

• Brides: Estimated at$550,000 (approximately 80 million yen). Brides

• Forbes: Experts estimate around$650,000 (possibly 13 carats). Forbes

• People: In addition to estimates of$250,000 to $500,000, another expert suggests$1.3 million to $1.5 million, and a renowned jeweler suggests$3.5 million to $5 million, presenting a wide range of$250,000 to $5 million. The rarity of high-quality Old Mine stones pushes the upper limit. People.com

• Page Six: Viewed as up to$1 million. Page Six

For convenience, estimating at 1 dollar ≒ 155 yen, it ranges fromapproximately 40 million to 770 million yen. Estimates may continue to fluctuate unless the "actual specs of the stone" are disclosed.

Wide Range Due to “Technical Reasons”

• Individual Differences Unique to Old Mine: Originating from 19th-century handcrafting, even with the same weight, "face-up" (apparent size) and light return vary widely.

• Color/Clarity “Classical × Modern” Evaluation Differences: Antique stones are difficult to compare simply with modern standards, leading to a range in market evaluation.

• Handwork on Side Stones and Setting: Hand engraving and complex shank shapes amplify costs. Artisan wages in the high jewelry market are reflected.

Behind the Proposal—“Intimacy Over Grandiosity”

Father Ed testifies that it was anintimate proposal at Kelsey's home. He knelt while enjoying wine before dinner, and immediately afterward, they reported to both families via FaceTime, revealing the "genuine moment." People.com

Circle of Congratulations—Huge Reaction from Sports and Entertainment Worlds

Posts of congratulations flooded in from the sports world, including official NFL and NHL accounts, and SNS was filled with a chorus of "It's a Love Story." The intersection of Swift's pop culture and the NFL's massive fandom created a buzz akin to a commemorative day. ESPN.com

The Trend of “Old Mine Revival”

Fashion and jewelry media both domestically and internationally point out the resurgence in popularity ofOld Mine CutandYellow Gold. The strong presence of the center stone alone makes it attractive for its design freedom, even with minimal decoration, and the competition for premium stones in the antique market is expected to accelerate further. Vogue Japan

Deep Dive into Materials & Specifications—A “Viewing Points” Guide

1. Carat and Dimensions: Even with the same weight, the appearance changes with the aspect ratio; "elongated" tends to make fingers look longer. People.com
2. Setting: Bezel pairs well with antique stones and enhances everyday safety. The half-moon + round sides create a "frame effect," highlighting the classical nature of the center. People.com
3. Metal: 18K Yellow Gold is a classic that satisfies both skin tone and vintage feel. It excels in creating a "warmth" compared to white metals. People.com

The Economic Ripple Created by “Their Style”

• Demand for Floral Decor: The estimated cost of this production (up to $38,000) stimulates demand for "engagement venue" needs offlowers × photogenic. People.com

• Jewelry Market: Competition for antique large stones and price pressure, increased attention toartist workshops. Vogue Japan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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