While a good Love Story may not last forever, a stone like the one Travis Kelce gave Taylor Swift does.
By now, the couple, that has been together since mid-2023, has broken the internet with news of their engagement. The duo announced it on August 26 with a romantic Instagram post. The garden photos show Kelce down on one knee and a close-up of the star of the show: the ring.
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A high-quality diamond, like the yellow-gold, old mine brilliant-cut, isn’t just a symbol of commitment, it’s an asset with staying power: liquid, tradable and sometimes even appreciating long after the relationship is over.
The piece, reportedly designed by Kindred Lubeck of New York-based Artifex Fine Jewelry, has already set fans speculating about the cut, carat weight and hidden details.
“It features the personal and romantic qualities that we all feel are perfect for her,” Rebecca Selva, chief creative officer of Kwiat and Fred Leighton, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Jewelry experts say a stone of this caliber could be worth seven figures, putting it in the million-dollar range. Here’s why some consider them an asset class of their own and how you can protect your own gem if you’re about to put a ring on it.
When love meets the market
Swift’s engagement ring isn’t just romantic, it’s a work of art. An 18-karat yellow gold band anchors an antique diamond: elongated, cushion-shaped, brilliant-cut and weighing 10 carats. Four prongs at the corners and a low-profile bezel make the design timeless and intentional.
But putting a price on a diamond like this isn’t simple.
“Evaluating a stone you haven’t seen in person is an impossible task,” Frank Everett, vice chairman for jewelry at auction house Sotheby’s, told The Hollywood Reporter. “Based on those factors alone, diamonds can really run the gamut [in price]. If you’re looking at a 10-carat diamond with outstanding color and clarity, that could be a million-dollar stone.”
Some jewelers estimate even more. Neil Dutta, managing director at Angelic Diamonds, told People that he thinks the ring’s value is between $1.3 million and $1.5 million.
Beyond sentiment, high-quality jewelry can play a meaningful role in a diversified portfolio. Like gold and silver, fine pieces often act as a hedge in uncertain times. Rare gemstones and designer creations from prestigious brands tend to hold their worth, and in some cases, appreciate. Unlike real estate or certain collectibles, jewelry is also relatively liquid, meaning it can be sold quickly if cash is needed. Still, resale values can be unpredictable, with prices fluctuating with demand, interest rates, global events and even fashion trends.
That kind of uncertainty happens with traditional markets, too. The S&P 500 has long been considered a dependable gauge of U.S. markets, covering about 80% of total market value, but even it is starting to lose its once “set-it-and-forget-it” reputation.
″Our advice for people who are looking at their performance on a one-year or three-year horizon is no, we don’t think that the set-it-and-forget-it, S&P 500-only strategy is the right strategy,” Lisa Shalett, chief investment officer at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, told CNBC.
Whether you’re holding equities or eyeing alternative assets like diamonds, investors today are being forced to rethink old playbooks. A diamond might sparkle forever, but its market value, like the S&P, won’t always shine as brightly.
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Protecting forever
For most couples, an engagement ring is the most valuable accessory they’ll ever own. Safeguarding that kind of asset takes more than sentiment. Standard homeowners and renters insurance typically offer limited jewelry coverage, often capped far below the value of a high-carat stone.
That gap has fueled the growth of specialized jewelry insurance, a niche market that functions more like luxury asset management, and standalone policies are becoming the preferred route for high-value pieces. They’re designed to cover theft, accidental loss, mysterious disappearances, international travel and even repairs.
Just like fine art or luxury handbags, the first step is getting a professional appraisal. Since diamond prices fluctuate with the market, insurers require regular updates. Protecting an heirloom, like Swift’s 10-carat cultural statement, means making sure its shine lasts well beyond the proposal.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.