The Story Behind The Cat-Inspired Diamond Ring And The Freedom Lab Diamonds Offer
Written by: Jean Dousset
I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of stretching what’s considered possible in jewelry design, especially when it comes to diamonds. There’s a certain reverence around them, and for good reason. But historically, that reverence came with heavy restrictions: the weight of tradition, expectations, and, of course, cost.
Natural diamonds are beautiful, rare, and extremely expensive. Because of that, for decades the industry leaned heavily into safe shapes (rounds, ovals, emerald cuts) that would sell, perform well under standardized grading systems, and appeal to the widest market. As a designer, that made it hard to explore new territory. Even if you had a fresh idea, you couldn’t justify the financial risk of experimenting with a one-of-a-kind shape on a stone that costs tens of thousands of dollars. The creative cost of working with natural diamonds was, in many ways, a form of artistic limitation.
That’s where lab-grown diamonds have changed everything for me.
These stones open a kind of creative freedom I’d never had before. They’re chemically and optically identical to natural diamonds, but far more affordable. That affordability isn’t just about price, it’s about opportunity. It gives me space to explore, to try ideas that feel a little wild, to fail and try again, and to push the technical and visual boundaries of what a diamond can look like.
Jean Dousset’s high polish Cat Ring
A New Canvas
Cutting diamonds into unconventional shapes isn’t as simple as drawing a new outline. The real challenge is creating a stone that’s both artistically expressive and optically brilliant. Diamonds rely on precise internal angles and facets to bounce light around and return it to the viewer’s eye. That’s what gives them their sparkle. If the balance is off, the stone will go dull, no matter how “cool” the shape is.
Lab diamonds let me go deeper into the experimentation process. I can iterate. I can test new facet patterns. I can cut a shape that no one’s ever seen before and see how it reacts to light. That’s not just exciting, it’s freeing. It means I get to be a designer, an engineer, and a kind of inventor, all at once.
The first time I tested these ideas, I cut a diamond into the shape of a horse’s head. It was a personal challenge, and a way to see if I could preserve the diamond’s brilliance in such a unique outline. Eventually, that experiment turned into a ring I made for Beyoncé, which showed me what was possible when you trust your instincts and take creative risks.
Showcasing a cat-shaped lab-grown diamond,
this version features hand-set pavé
A Cat, A Spark, And A Second Try
More recently, inspiration struck again when I came across a photo of Taylor Swift holding her cat. It was just a small moment, but something about it caught my attention. Her obvious love for animals, her style, and her presence—it all connected. I found myself wondering: What would a cat-shaped diamond look like? Could I actually make it work?
It took a couple of tries to get it right. The first stone didn’t quite hold the light the way I wanted. The second had the shape, but something was off in the symmetry. Eventually, I landed on a cut that felt balanced, technically sharp, but emotionally soft. It had ears. It had personality. It sparkled.
That’s how the Cat Ring was born. It started from a passing image, a bit of curiosity, and the freedom to explore without the weight of fear or cost holding me back.
Shop Jean Dousset’s pavé Cat Ring
Looking Ahead
I see lab-grown diamonds not just as an alternative to natural diamonds, but as a gateway to creative evolution. They’re a tool; one that lets designers dream without penalty. There are so many shapes, ideas, and symbolic expressions that haven’t yet been explored because we’ve always been boxed in by cost and convention. But now, that’s changing.
I’m not saying every diamond needs to be shaped like an animal. But when you’re given the space to create without limitations, the possibilities get interesting. It’s not just about decoration, it’s about storytelling, identity, and pushing past what’s expected.
That’s the spirit behind the Cat Ring. And that’s where I hope to keep heading, with ideas that feel personal, unexpected, and a little bit brave.
You can explore the Cat Ring now on our site and keep an eye out. More shapes may be coming soon.
FAQ’s:
1. What Inspired the Cat Ring by Jean Dousset?
The Cat Ring was inspired by a photo of Taylor Swift holding her cat. It sparked a creative challenge to design a cat-shaped diamond that was both technically brilliant and emotionally expressive, celebrating individuality, personality, and the bond between people and their pets.
2. What Makes the Cat Ring Different From Other Diamond Rings?
The Cat Ring features a unique, custom diamond cut in the shape of a cat’s head, with defined ears, symmetry, and brilliance. It breaks away from traditional round or oval cuts, blending storytelling with design innovation.
3. Is the Cat Ring a one-of-a-kind design?
Yes, the Cat Ring is a one-of-a-kind concept created exclusively by Jean Dousset. It was born out of a desire to break traditional design boundaries and explore the expressive potential of diamonds.
4. How do unconventional diamond cuts affect sparkle and brilliance?
Unique diamond cuts, like the cat shape, must be engineered with precision to maintain brilliance. Jean Dousset’s team carefully tests and refines facet patterns to ensure the stone sparkles beautifully, even in non-traditional forms.
5. Where can I buy the Cat Ring?
You can explore and purchase the Cat Ring exclusively on Jean Dousset’s official website. Availability may be limited due to the custom nature of the design.