Introducing: Heritage and JD Signature Prongs
Written by: Jean Dousset
Jean Dousset’s engagement ring collection is now defined by a choice between two “baskets” and prong settings, each carrying its own story: Heritage prongs, sometimes called the hidden halo , and JD Signature prongs, a design I developed just over a year and a half ago when I created Elle. These settings are not just technical solutions; they are milestones in my design evolution, embodying the philosophy that guides my work.
Heritage prongs trace back more than 14 years to the creation of the Chelsea design. That project shifted my way of thinking about rings. Until then, I had focused primarily on the top view, as most jewelers do. But a ring doesn’t exist only when viewed from above. Your hands are in constant motion—you gesture, you reach, you hold. At every angle, your ring adapts, catching light, reflecting facets, revealing fleeting glimpses of itself. This circular perspective of rings as dynamic objects experienced in motion became a foundation of my design language.
Engagement Rings exclusively feature JD Signature and Heritage Prongs
From a structural standpoint, a ring is an act of engineering: the stone rests on a seat, and prongs secure it under pressure. Traditionally, this structure is invisible, hidden by metal. I wanted to bring meaning to those hidden parts, to elevate the unseen into the seen. That’s why I began setting diamonds along the seat. Instead of finding a dull bar of metal beneath the stone, you discover a hidden halo: a new detail, revealed only at certain angles, but one that adds depth, surprise, and personality to the piece.
At the same time, I was not satisfied with how the diamond’s side profile was concealed. The prongs blocked too much, crossing over the midsection of the stone. My solution was to redesign the support beneath the stone, opening up the prongs to expose the full side view of the diamond. To maintain strength, I introduced the double prong: delicate in appearance, strong in function. From this experiment, JD Signature prongs were born; a setting that frees the diamond completely, allowing it to radiate without obstruction.
FAQ’s:
1. What is a Hidden Halo on an Engagement Ring?
A hidden halo is a row of finely set diamonds placed beneath the center stone. Unlike a traditional halo that frames the diamond from above, this detail is visible only from the side, adding dimension and brilliance without changing the top view.
Which Setting Shows More of the Diamond: Heritage or Signature Prongs?
Signature prongs are designed without a hidden halo, which opens up more of your center stone’s side view. Heritage prongs include the hidden halo, creating dimension from the side while maintaining a classic top view.
3. Are Jean Dousset’s Prong Settings Different from Traditional Prongs?
Traditional prongs are primarily functional, while Jean Dousset prongs elevate structure into design. Heritage prongs incorporate a hidden halo, while Signature prongs reveal more of the diamond’s profile. Both are crafted to highlight the beauty of your center stone.
4. Can You Customize Jean Dousset Engagement Rings with Different Prong Styles?
*Jean Dousset engagement rings are customizable in your choice of Heritage or Signature prongs.
*Excludes Elle, Alyssa, Jane, and Kate designs.
5. How Do I Choose Between Heritage and Signature Prongs?
Heritage prongs are ideal for those who appreciate refined design details, like the hidden halo beneath the center stone. Signature prongs open up the side view of the diamond, revealing more of its profile. Both settings are designed to enhance the diamond. Your choice depends on the look you’re drawn to most.
