Taylor Swift Engagement: All about Kindred Lubeck, the designer of the pop star’s ‘one-of-a-kind’ engagement ring

Taylor Swift has finally found her lover, and as it turns out, that lover, Travis Kelce, has sealed the deal!On August 26, the pop star and her NFL beau (now fiancé) announced their engagement on social media, effectively sending the whole internet into a frenzy, and what was the point of attraction (apart from all the Easter eggs)? It’s THE ring!To put it simply, it’s a jewel made of vintage tales!Featuring an Old Mine Brilliant Cut (or elongated antique cushion cut) diamond, bezel-set in yellow gold with intricate side accents, it’s everything the world expected from the queen of lyrical gems and "vault" anthems.While the spotlight shone on the pop queen, the true artisan behind that sparkly fairy tale is Kindred Lubeck, a jewelry designer whose name is now trending across the globe.From unexpected beginnings studying psychology, to hand-engraving masterpieces in NYC, Lubeck’s journey is as charming as her creations. Her brand, Artifex Fine Jewelry, blends antique charm with modern elegance, leading Kelce to co-design a piece that feels equal parts sentimental heirloom and personal statement.Want to know more about the designer who made Taylor’s Victorian-era vintage dreams into a stunning reality?

From psychology to precious metal: The path Kindred Lubeck carved

Picture this: an old mine brilliant-cut diamond, framed in warm yellow gold, glowing like candlelight and echoing a storybook charm. What makes it extra special? This ring was designed with love, intention, and tiny engraved details by the Florida-born, New York-based goldsmith who knows her way around antique beauty.

So, who is Kindred Lubeck?After earning a psychology degree from Florida State University and briefly working at a law firm, Kindred realized her heart wasn’t in legal briefs. At 24, she turned to her father, veteran goldsmith Jay Lubeck of Neptune Beach, Florida, for part-time work, just to “figure things out.” That fateful decision ignited her true calling.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, her father taught her the craft of goldsmithing. She began with sterling silver before moving to gold, mastering hand engraving, a precise process she likens to “tattooing rings” using delicate tools to carve intricate designs. In 2023, she decided to launch her own brand: Artifex Fine Jewelry. By June 2024, she had relocated to New York City and built her studio from scratch, without loans, investors, or fanfare. It was sheer grit, passion, and vision.

Artifex Fine Jewelry: A brand of vintage dreams and heirloom charm

Artifex specializes in vintage-style heirlooms. Think of hand-engraved pieces in timeless, romantic styles; Kindred’s craftsmanship centers on attention to detail and old-world charm.

But that’s not the most intriguing part. True to her name, Kindred’s connection with Taylor isn’t entirely out of the blue. In a delightful nod to Taylor, Kindred recently released “The Vault Collection,” a gallery of 11 unique antique and vintage-inspired pieces ranging from $4,300 to over $33,000. The name and mystique echo Swift’s beloved Vault tracks, making the pairing feel almost cosmic, and ‘Swift’!Lubeck’s engraving isn't just decorative; it’s filled with personality.

Her quotes emphasize precision and a deep commitment to quality, traits that mirror Taylor’s own artistic sensibilities.

A bedazzled ring, fit for the pop queen

For the special day, Taylor’s beau, Travis Kelce, didn’t just pick this sparkler; he co-designed it with Kindred. The result is a testament to their collective vision and collaborative effort: a tailor-made heirloom for Taylor, rich in meaning and style.

The ring features an old mine brilliant (or elongated cushion) diamond, estimated between 7 and 10 carats, set in yellow gold with hand-engraved filigree and accent stones.

Its antique flair is unmistakable and utterly memorable. As expected, according to industry experts, Lubeck’s name is now legendary. In fact, Fox Business quoted, “If you didn’t know Lubeck’s name yesterday, the whole world knows it today.” From now on, her design is expected to spark a revival in vintage-inspired trends.

Why the ring speaks equally of Kindred, as it does of Taylor

Yes, the ring is the perfect fit for Taylor. Yes, it complements her inclination toward the Victorian-era charm, laced with vintage dreams.

But the ring is also a shining testament to Kindred’s brilliant artistry.

Why? Because it’s straight out of a fairytale itself: a classic underdog tale. Once upon a time, Kindred had thought (and told) that she couldn’t be a jewelry designer. From there, she turned her doubt into determination and is now crafting high-profile pieces that make headlines.From artisan hand-carving to crafting the symbol of a celebrity power couple, Kindred’s work bridges small-scale craftsmanship and global pop culture. Every engraving, every carefully shaped diamond is steeped in narrative, just like Taylor’s songwriting. Together, Swift and Lubeck created more than a ring; they created a love story!