As traditional marriage rates continue to decline, designer Jean Prounis is seeing a new form of commitment take shape—one rooted in personal vows, enduring relationships, and self-devotion. To honor these evolving expressions of loyalty, Prounis has launched the Vow collection, a line of handcrafted rings designed to reflect modern commitments beyond the institution of marriage.
“People want to express the individuality of their commitment with a ring that reflects their story,” Prounis said in an interview with Only Natural Diamonds. The New York-based jeweler has seen a notable rise in requests for custom devotion rings, prompting the launch of this new collection. “These are designed to mark modern commitments,” she explained.
A Tradition Reimagined
The idea of wearing rings to symbolize loyalty dates back thousands of years, when individuals pledged fealty to religious orders, royalty, or romantic partners. Prounis’ Vow collection draws on these historical roots, combining classical references with contemporary design.
Her aesthetic is deeply influenced by her Greek heritage and the rich visual history of Versailles, a nightclub once owned by her great-grandparents. Each piece in the collection is meticulously crafted in 22-karat gold by artisans in New York, giving the rings a distinctly heirloom feel.
Launching with History and Style
The Vow collection debuted in April through a collaborative installation with Desert Vintage, known for curating period clothing spanning the early 20th century to the 1970s. The showcase took place in Brooklyn, offering a nostalgic backdrop for the timeless designs.
Clients interested in the collection can visit Prounis’ New York showroom, where a dedicated Vow salon allows them to choose loose diamonds and co-create custom rings or select from a limited range of ready-made designs—available by appointment only.
“People love being part of the design process because it’s such a personal item,” Prounis said. “They don’t want what everyone else has; they want a ring that feels true to themselves.”
Rings with Character and Craft
The Vow rings combine antique aesthetics with modern craftsmanship. The collection features antique diamonds and newly cut stones that emulate old-world charm, often with wider facets to enhance their soft, glowing sparkle. Unlike traditional prong-set rings, many of Prounis’ designs are heavier and more robust, such as the bold Hamer signet ring and the brushed gold Capsa ring.
Diamonds are often set into platinum or rhodium-plated gold to amplify their brilliance. “The diamonds have faceting on top, which reflects the light from above and creates the brilliance,” she explained.
Even eternity bands receive a distinctive treatment. Rather than a uniform line of diamonds, Prounis’ versions are handmade using old mine or cushion-cut stones, each set individually in gold. One standout, the Masona band, takes inspiration from ancient masonry—symbolizing resilience and enduring beauty.
Prices for the Vow collection begin at approximately $10,000.
Shifting Preferences in Jewelry
After years of creating custom pieces, Prounis has noticed a shift in what clients are seeking. Many now choose diamond eternity bands over traditional solitaire engagement rings, while others opt for a combination of a classic solitaire and a more relaxed band to suit different settings.
This broader trend is echoed by other jewelry designers who report increased demand for chunkier, more tactile diamond styles. The trend marks a move away from delicate prong settings toward sturdier, more expressive pieces.
As expressions of commitment diversify, so too do the symbols used to represent them. With its emphasis on craftsmanship, historical influence, and personal storytelling, the Vow collection captures a new generation’s desire for meaningful, lasting symbols of devotion.
