The Purr-fect Jewel: Unraveling the Tale Behind Taylor Swift’s Feline-Inspired Ring

Instagram’s trending topics sparked a storm of perfectionism—Gigi Hadid commissioned London-based fine jeweler Cece to create a custom ring for Taylor Swift.

Imagine the details of their transaction—Cece Fein Hughes is in her West London studio when the phone rings. “It’s Gigi, you know, Gigi Hadid. I want to create a special ring for my best friend Taylor Swift,” the supermodel says.

Cece then brainstorms with Gigi on how best to capture Taylor’s beloved blue-eyed cat Benjamin Button, including some private, hidden messages, and a nod to her boyfriend Travis Kelce. “I’ll see what I can do, Gigi,” Cece might say, spinning in her chair, giving her team a winning gesture, and expressing an awe-struck look.

Designer Cece Fein Hughes created a custom ring for Taylor Swift featuring an enamel painting of her cat Benjamin Button.

As Taylor Swift performs her Eras tour in the UK, there’s eager anticipation for this creative collaboration to adorn her finger. The gold signet ring features a miniature enamel portrait of her tabby cat Benjamin Button, surrounded by a circle of pearls and two brilliant-cut diamonds.

One side of the ring is decorated with a flame heart in pink, red, and yellow enamel, while the other side showcases a thorn-pierced heart with the number 87 (pictured below), a tribute to her boyfriend Kelce’s jersey number for the Kansas City Chiefs. The letters “TTPD” engraved on the ring are a subtle nod to her 2024 album “The Torture Poets Department”.

On the other side of the ring, the number 87 alludes to Taylor Swift's boyfriend Travis Kelce, which is his jersey number for the Kansas City Chiefs American football team. — On the other side of the ring, the number 87 alludes to Taylor Swift’s boyfriend Travis Kelce, which is his jersey number for the Kansas City Chiefs American football team.

Cece grew up in the rugged wilderness of misty Dartmoor in western England, part of a free-spirited artistic family. Combined with her love for fairy tales and fantasy, this laid the foundation for her exceptional craftsmanship. Her father’s tattoos and her mother’s introduction to decorative arts and jewelry at London’s V&A Museum ignited her passion.

This led her to study art history at Exeter University, followed by design at the British Academy of Jewellery, where she honed her skills and creativity.

Like all of Cece's jewelry, Taylor Swift's custom ring is handcrafted in London using traditional techniques such as champlevé enameling, hand-set gemstones, and engraving forms inspired by Victorian jewelry. — Like all of Cece’s jewelry, Taylor Swift’s custom ring is handcrafted in London using traditional techniques such as champlevé enameling, hand-set gemstones, and engraving forms inspired by Victorian jewelry.

I first encountered Cece’s jewelry five years ago when she launched her collection at Liberty, the renowned London department store. Founded in 1875, Liberty is housed in a Tudor Revival building just behind Regent Street. I was captivated by the delicate, colorful enamel miniatures that evoked rich stories and ancient myths.

Talismanic motifs like the all-seeing eye, swallows, and mermaid tails recalled sailors’ superstitions. Hearts, daggers, and chubby cherubs summoned the romance of bygone eras, all embodied in Victorian-style signet rings and pendants suspended from proper round fob chains and spring clasps.

Liberty, a British institution known for collaborations with outstanding textile designers including William Morris, has established itself as a temple of creativity. The company continues to seek out independent designers and makers, often attending graduate shows and exhibitions to discover new talent. Cece’s jewelry stands out for its unique style, originality, and emphasis on craftsmanship, with an air of antiquity and otherworldliness.

Cece's signet ring design for Taylor Swift is pictured alongside an engagement ring. Is this a hint from the designer to Kelce? — Cece’s signet ring design for Taylor Swift is pictured alongside an engagement ring. Is this a hint from the designer to Kelce?

The hand-painted champlevé enamel on Taylor’s ring was first sketched by Cece in watercolor, then painted in enamel on 18k gold by artisans in London’s renowned Hatton Garden jewelry district (pictured above). Old-world techniques include five diamonds set in yellow gold.

Cece shared on her Instagram: “It’s such an honor to create something special for Taylor Swift. Seeing her shine on stage in London was amazing, and we’re all keeping our eyes peeled, hoping to spot her wearing it soon.”