Halle Berry Follows Celebrity Trend for Vintage Diamonds

 

Halle Berry shifted the focus back to vintage diamonds with her latest engagement ring.

The US actress, producer, and former beauty queen showed off her bezel-cut diamond on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, as she confirmed her engagement to the singer/songwriter Van Hunt.

Berry, 59, is the latest celebrity to opt for a vintage stone, following in the well-publicized footsteps of Taylor Swift.

The two rings are, however, starkly different, in style, price and likely influence on the diamond market.

Swift’s engagement ring, presented to her by NFL player Travis Kelce, sparked a huge media buzz last August and has boosted long-term demand for antique cuts by as much as 200 per cent.

The ring featured featuring a large (somewhere between 7 carats and 10-carats) elongated old mine cut diamond in yellow gold designed by Kindred Lubeck.

Berry’s ring has a far smaller center stone (1.5 carat to 3.0 carat) set with dark accent stones – onyx or sapphire – in an 18k yellow gold geometric setting. It is priced in the low hundreds of thousands of dollars, rather than the estimated million or so for Swift.

The trend toward vintage engagement rings reflects a cultural shift that prizes authenticity, personalization, and heirloom appeal over mass-produced modern brilliants.

Berry has been married three times before, to baseball player David Justice (1993-1997), musician Eric Benet (2001-2005), and actor Olivier Martinez (2013-2016). She’s been with Hunt since April 2020.

Source: DCLA

Will Taylor Swift’s Engagement Ring Spark a Revival of Old Mine Cut Diamonds?

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement has captured global attention but it’s the diamond on Swift’s finger that has the jewellery world talking. The ring, created by Kindred Lubeck of Artifex Fine Jewelry, showcases what appears to be an old mine cut diamond, set in a delicate yellow gold bezel band. Its vintage charm, impressive size, and famous wearer have already made it one of the most talked-about engagement rings of the year.

What Makes Old Mine Cut Diamonds Special?

Old mine cuts are antique diamonds, hand-cut in the 18th and 19th centuries, before modern technology standardised proportions. Each one is truly unique, known for:

Chunky facets that give off a soft, romantic sparkle.

A high crown and small table, creating depth and character.

An open culet, a tiny facet at the bottom that adds to its antique charm.

Unlike today’s round brilliants, no two old mine cuts are ever the same—making them a perfect choice for those who want something one-of-a-kind.

The Value of Swift’s Diamond

Experts estimate Taylor’s diamond to be between 8 and 15 carats, with valuations ranging anywhere from USD $400,000 to over $1 million depending on its exact specifications. While few engagement ring budgets stretch quite that far, her choice highlights a rising trend: a return to antique and vintage stones.

Why Are Couples Choosing Antique Cuts?

In recent years, there’s been a growing interest in diamonds with personality and heritage. With the rise of lab-grown diamonds offering affordability and size, many buyers are instead turning to antique stones for uniqueness and history. As one jeweller put it: “Antique stones offer character you simply can’t replicate.”

A Timeless Trend

Taylor Swift’s engagement ring has brought the old mine cut back into the spotlight, and for many couples, it’s a reminder that engagement rings don’t have to follow the latest modern style. Choosing an antique cut is about more than sparkle—it’s about individuality, history, and wearing a diamond with a story.

At the Diamond Certification Laboratory of Australia (DCLA), we see growing demand for antique diamonds, and we understand why. They’re rare, distinctive, and timeless—just like the love stories they represent.

Source: DCLA