Why Taylor Swift's New Ring Might Pay Tribute To Travis Kelce
Taylor Swift celebrated her 34th birthday on December 13th with friends and commemorated the night out by sharing photos of her birthday bash on Instagram. In the pics, she can be seen posing with fellow A-list celebrities, including Gigi Hadid, Zoe Kravitz, and Blake Lively.
In her photos, Swift complemented a stunning celestial-themed outfit with her new gemstone-studded ring, which she wore on the middle finger of her right hand. Rumors have circulated on TikTok to explain the possible connection between the impressive oval ring and her current partner, Travis Kelce, tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs, who was not in attendance for the singer's party in New York due to reportedly having mandatory football practice in Missouri.
Swifties believe the ring may have been a thoughtful birthday gift from her boyfriend due to a video doing the rounds on TikTok, which theorizes the potential symbolism behind the ring's design. According to TikTok user @swiftieinkc, the opal stone and the ring of blue gems tie into the respective birthstones of both Swift (December) and Kelce (October). Fellow Swifties have since chimed in to expand on this theory and break down the meaning behind Swift's eye-catching new ring in relation to Swift and Kelce's relationship.
The fan gift theory
Taylor Swift's statement ring is adorned by a large opal stone that's encircled by an oval-shaped halo of dark-blue gems. Coincidentally, this ring design follows a popular halo engagement ring trend, which only contributes to the buzz surrounding Swift's relationship. As pointed out in @swiftieinkc's TikTok video, the tiny jewels that make up the outer edge of the ring closely resemble blue topaz — possibly London blue topaz — Swift's December birthstone. But the Swiftie sleuths don't stop there. TikTok user @lesleeey13 posted a video in response where she explained the ring looks similar to a piece shared on Jay Feder Jewelers' Instagram page. She also pointed out that Travis Kelce follows the jeweler's account, which has fueled speculation that Travis Kelce bought the ring for Swift.
However, another online video suggests the ring was instead designed by Sutra Jewels, which conflicts with the main fan theory. In @saywhaaatt1's video, the TikTok user includes a screenshot of an Instagram post shared by Sutra Jewels in 2014 to thank Swift for wearing the brand's jewelry at the Billboard Music Awards. All comments have been removed from Swift's birthday post on Instagram, so it's difficult to verify this new take on the ring debate.
What's more, another image that has thrown Swifties for a loop shows Swift with actor Keleigh Sperry and her husband, Miles Teller. In the photo, Swift shows off the ring to her friends, who are "rumored to be the potential Cupid matchmakers of Taylor and Travis," according to TikTok user @swiftieinkc, who also claims that the photo "is giving 'gift'" and "giving 'look what he got me'."
The ring's symbolic meaning
The meaning behind Taylor Swift's mystery ring plays a key role in her fans' gift theory. Rare Carat gemologist Karly Bulinski told Page Six that the ring is "very sentimental," not only due to the suspected presence of both opal and blue topaz — the couple's birthstones — but because of the spiritual meaning of the gems themselves. Bulinski explained to Page Six that blue topaz, Swift's birthstone, is "said to help channel your inner wisdom." On the other hand, "Opal is said to represent hope and purity."
Mike Fried of The Diamond Pro also weighed in to Page Six: "Since ancient times, opals have symbolized good luck, fortune, and power — which seems to be particularly fitting for Taylor Swift." He also pinpointed the blue gems as tanzanite, which is "said to carry high energy and improve vitality." According to Tiny Rituals, tanzanite is also believed to bring about a sense of calm in chaotic situations and put a stop to negative patterns — two more properties that feel very fitting for Swift and Travis Kelce's union.
Taylor Swift has long loved opals
Despite opal being Travis Kelce's birthstone, Taylor Swift has previously admitted to her affinity for opal. "When I was bullied in school, my mom used to take me to T.J. Maxx after school to look at the opal jewelry," she revealed to Us Weekly back in 2016. "I thought opals were so beautiful, and somehow it made me feel better." Therefore, both opal and blue topaz hold personal meanings for Swift, which do not necessarily relate to her relationship with Kelce.
While it's unknown whether the ring was, in fact, a gift, it's safe to say the ring holds sentimental value and pays tribute — whether that be directly or indirectly — to the couple's relationship. Although we don't have any solid proof to back up this Swiftie theory, the fact stands that the gemstones align with the couple's October and December birthstones, and thus would make a heartfelt birthday gift from Kelce to Swift.