Ralph Lauren, diamonds trend in China after Swift’s engagement

News of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement has dominated headlines worldwide, but in China, the spotlight quickly shifted to the unusual choice of ring: a pale yellow old mine-cut diamond valued at $500,000 to $1 million. Photos of the couple in Ralph Lauren outfits circulated widely, fueling fashion commentary and discussion over the vintage-style ring. On Chinese social platforms, the engagement sparked conversation among fashion and pop culture enthusiasts around the appeal of “imperfect”-looking, old mine-cut and yellow diamonds. This might be just the push the diamond industry needs, as prices for polished natural diamonds have dropped by 15% to 20%, pressured by global economic challenges and the rise of lab-grown alternatives, as Jing Daily has reported. Although Ralph Lauren has allegedly stayed quiet on the couple’s choice of clothing, other brands wasted no time capitalizing on the moment. Pinterest linked the ring’s vintage style to its 2025 Wedding Trends Report, calling it part of a “Gen Z ring revival.” Vintage charm is the new luxury On Xiaohongshu, many users praised Swift’s preference for a vintage design over the conventional “bigger and whiter” diamond standard. A blogger named “Caroline’s aesthetic tree hole” wrote, “Taylor Swift is undoubtedly a fan of vintage style, and her aesthetic is truly unique,” adding that her decision “will undoubtedly push the vintage trend to a new peak.” The same user described old mine cuts as possessing “the gentleness cultivated by time,” noting that their honeyed hue is less a flaw than a symbol of elegance and individuality. Others emphasized the cultural resonance of Swift’s custom-made ring. User “Mia runs slowly” said that the ring was “a fusion of old world meets new narrative.” The blogger tied the ring to Swift’s personal journey, posting that she has “always been true to herself, living a genuine and passionate life.” Some fans injected humor into the discussion. “The dress in question sold out in seconds,” one noted, screencapping the sold-out status of the striped dress Swift wore, on Ralph Lauren’s online store. Another user, “Jellyhorse,” joked “This diamond ring is not expensive at all, why do I feel it is too cheap?” Meanwhile, “Cat eating mango” announced plans to buy the same design, while “Small hammer for moving bricks” asked why an eight-carat ring did not appear big on Swift. “Because she is 1.8 meters tall,” retorted another netizen. Implications for the natural diamond market For the diamond industry, this latest spotlight could offer a timely boost. As Jing Daily reported, this spring, De Beers revealed it would wind down Lightbox, its lab-grown diamond jewelry line, a notable retreat by one of the industry’s most powerful businesses. The decision highlights the evolution of the turbulent lab-grown diamond market, a space that has expanded rapidly, but also faces significant challenges. Lab-grown stone prices continue to decline. Once positioned as a “value-for-money” option, they are increasingly seen as losing their worth. Industry data shows that while a one-carat lab-grown diamond averaged around $1,100 in 2022, prices have since plunged to roughly $139 (1,000 RMB). For Chinese consumers, Taylor Swift’s diamond ring appeals less in technical perfection and more in the narrative of individuality and timelessness. And in a market where lab-grown stones dominate with standardized clarity and color, Swift’s embrace of an “imperfect” cut highlights a potential brand opportunity in pieces that celebrate uniqueness and storytelling. Additional research by William Zhou

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Ralph Lauren, diamonds trend in China after Swift’s engagement