It's been another busy few weeks in the jewellery world. From one of the year's biggest celebrity weddings to a remarkable archaeological find and an unusual keepsake trend, there's been no shortage of stories reminding us why jewellery continues to fascinate.
Taylor Swift's engagement ring puts antique diamonds back in the spotlight
Taylor Swift's recent wedding to Travis Kelce has sparked fresh interest in her engagement ring, with antique-cut diamonds and vintage-inspired designs once again attracting plenty of attention.
Taylor's reported engagement ring features what experts believe is an Old Mine cut diamond set in yellow gold – an antique style dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Unlike modern brilliant-cut diamonds, Old Mine cuts are hand-cut, with chunkier facets and a softer sparkle that many collectors find full of character.
Jewellery specialists say the "Taylor Swift effect" has already fuelled increased interest in vintage-inspired engagement rings, heirloom jewellery and antique-cut diamonds. Couples are increasingly looking for rings with individuality and history rather than simply opting for the largest diamond.
The trend isn't limited to Taylor. Other celebrities, including Dua Lipa and Zendaya, have also helped drive demand for distinctive wedding and engagement rings that move away from traditional round brilliant diamonds. East-west settings, elongated cushion cuts, chunky yellow-gold bands and bespoke designs continue to feature strongly throughout 2026.
Rare 400-year-old gold ring discovered in the Cotswolds
Sometimes the most valuable jewellery isn't found in a jeweller's window.
A metal detectorist in the Cotswolds recently unearthed a rare late 16th or early 17th-century diamond cluster gold ring. Believed to date back around 400 years, the remarkable find later sold at auction for approximately £17,000.
Before the auction, the 19.2-carat Tudor-era gold ring was assessed by specialists at the British Museum. An expert told the BBC that it perfectly reflected the fashion of its time, when elaborate rings were designed to stand out. She also highlighted the ring's unusual flower-shaped setting, which features a rare cluster of eight hogback diamonds, although two of the stones are now loose.
The discovery highlights the enduring appeal of antique jewellery, with collectors increasingly valuing provenance, craftsmanship and historical significance alongside precious metal and gemstone content.
Brighton jeweller transforms pet fur into treasured keepsakes
One of the more unusual jewellery stories this month comes from Brighton, where a local business, Fur & Forever, has been creating bespoke keepsakes using the fur of much-loved pets.
Rather than traditional memorial jewellery incorporating ashes, the carefully cleaned fur is transformed into handcrafted pieces that allow owners to carry a lasting reminder of a beloved companion.
The business says demand has grown as more people seek deeply personal jewellery with emotional meaning rather than purely decorative value.
It's another example of the wider move towards bespoke jewellery, where sentiment and storytelling are becoming just as important as diamonds or precious metals.
More than just beautiful jewellery
Although these stories couldn't be more different, they all demonstrate how jewellery is increasingly about personal meaning.
It's also a timely reminder to ensure your own pieces are professionally valued every few years. Rising gold prices and changing gemstone values can mean older jewellery valuations no longer reflect today's replacement costs.
Keeping your jewellery insurance and valuations up to date can help ensure treasured pieces remain appropriately insured if they are ever lost, stolen or damaged.
