Prounis Jewelry Launches, Rooted in Ancient Technique

Leave it to a 24-year-old to reconsider the hard-won rules of jewelry. Jean Prounis this week introduces her namesake jewelry brand, Prounis — based not on flash and bling, but rather handcrafted subtleties and ancient goldsmithing techniques. Formerly a studio assistant to Jemima Kirke and a design apprentice at Ghuran, Prounis focuses on unpolished gold, cabochon stones and softer-than-typical metal, which molds to reflect the imperfect nicks and knocks of everyday life. “I felt like there was a hand touch missing in a lot of jewelry — everything I make is made in New York. I [personally] make 90 percent of what I sell and the rest is made by three very talented jewelers in the jewelry district. There was a really sterile feel in the environment and I wanted to have jewelry with character that shapes to how you wear it everyday,” Prounis said. A look from Prounis.  Courtesy Photo Handmade pieces include a braided chain necklace that takes one week’s worth of man hours to complete, priced at $13,000. Prounis’ collection is made from 22-karat gold that mimics the chemical compositions used in ancient Greek and Roman jewelry. This ratio of gold, copper and silver allows Prounis to utilize traditional granulation techniques. Granulation —

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