The paradigm shift took place over lunch in Florence, Italy, circa 1992. Betony Vernon, a striking flame-haired jewelry designer, was showing off her most recent creation: the 18-karat-gold O-ring, designed with a nod to a bondage collar, with a smaller ring affixed to its front.
Playfully, Vernon's partner put his pinky through the smaller ring as she donned the larger one. Then, the unexpected happened. “There was an electric impulse running through this piece,” she recalls. “We both felt it.” The feeling changed her life. “That was the moment I knew that jewelry can provide sensation and reinforce an intimate bond.”
Enabling others to experience electric moments like that — to “bring luxury, fantasy and sensual possibilities to the fine-jewelry world” — has been Vernon's aim ever since. “Sex and luxury were never associated,” she noticed, and the jewelry designer set out to change that. The result was her 1992 Sado-Chic collection, which became the Paradise Found collection.
Vernon grew up in Virginia and studied art history, religion and goldsmithing at Virginia Commonwealth University. Following her graduation in 1990, she moved to Florence, later earning a master’s in industrial design from the Domus Academy in Milan. Europe has been home ever since.
Vernon's designs are provocative, sexy. But if you look no further than that, you’re missing a much bigger (and more interesting) point. Vernon’s rings, necklaces, bracelets and other accessories represent a vital part of what she sees as her life’s mission.
“Pleasure,” she explains, “has been associated with sin, wrongness and naughtiness, not with joy, happiness and bonding.” Vernon has set out to demolish that “pleasure taboo.”
So, how is pleasure reflected in the design of Vernon's jewelry (and remember, we are talking sensuality not sexuality)? Early in the design process, she asks, “How many senses can I turn on?” Every detail relates to a sensual experience.
That crisp snap a clasp makes when opening or closing? A pleasure to the ear.
The softness and spring of noble metals, silver and gold? A pleasure to the touch.
And always, Vernon believes, jewelry embodies memory, legacy. A pleasure for the soul.
Find a collection of Betony Vernon jewelry on 1stDibs.
Betony Vernon "Mantra Kit" Bracelet and Necklace Sterling Silver 925
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "Mantra Kit" Bracelet and Necklace is an original design by Betony Vernon made in 2018 and handcrafted in lost wax elements and a rolo chain. The "Mantra Kit" contains two rolo c...
Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "O-Ring Cuff Medium" Bracelet Sterling Silver 925
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "O-Ring Cuff Medium" Bracelet was designed by Betony Vernon in 1992 and manufactured in lost wax elements. Paradise Found collectors have appreciated the "O-Ring" collection over...
Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Wrist Cuff Large Set" Bracelet Pair with link Sterling 925
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The Betony Vernon's signature "O'Ring Wrist Cuff Set", composed of 2 cuffs and removable bond-link, was originally designed in 1992. It is manufactured in sterling silver sheet metal...
Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "O-Ring Cuff Mini" Bracelet Sterling Silver 925
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "O-Ring Cuff Medium" Bracelet was designed by Betony Vernon in 1992 and manufactured in lost wax elements. Paradise Found collectors have appreciated the "O-Ring" collection over...
Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "O-Ring Wrist Cuff Large" Bracelet Sterling 925 in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
Betony Vernon's "O-Ring Wrist Cuff Large" was designed in 1992 and manufactured in lost wax element. The classic Sterling Silver 925 "O-Ring Wrist Cuff Large" won’t date in your wardrobe or in the boudoir. Discover the exciting and arousing possibilities it provides especially when worn with Attachments or Pendants. The ball-and-ring mechanism...
Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "Three Button Cuff" Bracelet Sterling Silver 925 in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
Betony Vernon designed the "Three Button Cuff" in 1996 and the empowering piece remains a favorite of BV collectors. Hand-crafted in Sterling Silver 925 sheet metal with three rivete...
Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "Mantra Bracelet" Sterling Silver 925 Bracelet
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "Mantra Bracelet" is an original design by Betony Vernon made in 2018 and handcrafted in lost wax elements and a rolo chain. The "Mantra Bracelet" chain follows a pendant that can contain your most valuable wishes. The jewel is accompanied with a miniature booklet composed of 50 tear-off sheets for your personal mantras. The "Mantra Bracelet" is designed to help make your dreams come to fruition. The act of writing down your desires is proven to reinforce the likelihood of their manifestation. Imagine what happens if you carry them with you in all actions! Available as a kit, the "Mantra Bracelet" can be combined with the "Mantra Necklace...
Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "Double Sphere Bracelet" Bracelet Sterling 925 in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
Betony Vernon designed the "Double Sphere Bracelet" in 1996 and manufactured in lost wax element. The Sterling Silver 925 "Double Sphere Bracelet" embo...
Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Wrist Cuff Large" Bracelet 18 Karat Gold
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
Betony Vernon's "O-Ring Wrist Cuff Large" was designed in 1992 and manufactured in lost wax element. The 18-Karat gold "O-Ring Wrist Cuff Large" won’t date in your wardrobe or in the boudoir. Discover the exciting and arousing possibilities it provides especially when worn with Attachments or Pendants. The ball-and-ring mechanism on the "O-Ring Wrist Cuff Large" serves to put all of Betony Vernon's Pendants with hooks literally at hands reach...
18k Gold, Gold
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Cuff Mini" Bracelet 18 Karat Gold in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "O'Ring Cuff mini" Bracelet was designed by Betony Vernon in 1992 and manufactured in lost wax elements. Paradise Found collectors have appreciated the "O'Ring" collection over t...
Gold, 18k Gold
Betony Vernon "Five Pearls Bracelet" Sterling Silver 925 in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "Five Pearls Bracelet" was designed and handcrafted in 2000 by Betony Vernon using Sterling Silver 925 sheet, lost wax elements and premium quality natural salt water pearls...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "Noble Knot Bracelet" 18 Karat Gold Sterling Silver 925 in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "Noble Knot Bracelet" was designed by Betony Vernon in 2017 and manufactured in lost wax elements with hand knotted 18 Karat Gold and Sterling Silver 925 cords. Material: 18 Kar...
18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Gold
Betony Vernon "O-Ring Cuff mini Diamond Pavée" Bracelet 18 Karat Gold in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "O-Ring Cuff mini Diamond Pavée" Bracelet was designed by Betony Vernon in 1992 and manufactured in lost wax elements. Paradise Found collectors hav...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Cuff Mini" Bracelet 18 Karat Gold in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "O'Ring Cuff mini" Bracelet was designed by Betony Vernon in 1992 and manufactured in lost wax elements. Paradise Found collectors have appreciated the "O'Ring" collection over the years for its symbolic and aesthetic appeal as well as for its functional purpose. The ball-and-ring mechanism...
18k Gold, Gold
Betony Vernon "Five Pearls Bracelet" Bracelet 18 Karat Gold
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "Five Pearls Bracelet" was designed in 2000 by Betony Vernon using 18 Karat gold sheet, lost wax elements and premium quality natural salt water pearls....
Pearl, Gold
Betony Vernon "Pleasure Puff Cuff" Bracelet Sterling Silver 925 in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "Pleasure Puff Cuff" was designed by Betony Vernon in 1996 to tickle your every fantasy and that of anyone who beholds its glamorous beauty. The cocktail bracelet's sensual presence makes for a sensation in and beyond the boudoir. How to adorn: The feathery puff can be sprayed with your favorite perfume to tantalize the sense of smell, as well as the sense of sight and touch. In spite of their delicate appearance, feathers are very resistant and can be vapor-cleaned and fluffed. Avoid that the feathers come into contact with essential and massage oils. Note: For a full initiation to tickling see chapter 13 - The Touch of a Feather, in Vernon's book The Boudoir Bible...
Sterling Silver
Pandora Moments 925 Sterling Silver Snake Chain Bracelet Barrel Clasp 7.5"
By Pandora
Located in Addison, TX
Details Brand: Pandora Collection: Moments Metal: Sterling Silver Purity: 925 Style: Charm Bracelet Design: Snake Chain Clasp: Signature Barrel Clasp Bracelet Length: 7.5 Inches (19 ...
Silver, Sterling Silver
English Sterling Silver Charm Bracelet 1970s
Located in London, GB
Delightful English sterling silver charm bracelet with a heart lock clasp. The safety chain is missing. There are ten charms: 2 x 21 keys, wizard, four leaf clo...
Sterling Silver
$294 / item
H 0.12 in W 0.12 in L 6.89 in
.925 Sterling Silver 1/6 Carat Diamond Ball Bead Cuff Bangle Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
Simple yet elegant, this bangle cuff bracelet is a great anytime look. Strands of sleek sterling silver come together to form round ball links. Loops of diamond accented bands alter...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sterling Silver
$3,198Sale Price|20% Off
H 1.57 in W 2.36 in L 6.25 in
HERMES Paris "Eclypse" Small Cuff Bracelet In Solid .925 Sterling Silver & Box
By Hermès
Located in Miami, FL
Eclypse cuff bracelet designed by Hermès. This is a classic iconic cuff bracelet created in Paris France by the house of Hermès. This small Eclypse vintage bracelet has been crafted...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Konstantino Charm Bracelet 7 1/2" - Sterling 925 & Yellow Gold 18k Coin-Inspired
By Konstantino
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Konstantino Metal Content: Sterling Silver & 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearl Color: White Style: Charm Bracelet Fastening Type: Toggle Clasp Theme: Coin-I...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Dian Malouf Turquoise Heart Cuff Bracelet 6 1/2" - Sterling Silver 925 Love
Located in Greensboro, NC
Designer: Dian Malouf Metal Content: Sterling Silver Stone Information Natural Turquoise Treatment: Routinely Enhanced Color: Bluish Green, Tan, & Brown Style: Cuff Fastening Type...
Turquoise, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & Co. Celtic Knot Weave Cuff Bracelet 6 1/4" - Sterling Silver 925
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Tiffany & Co. Design: Celtic Knot Weave Cuff Bracelet Metal Content: Sterling Silver Bracelet Style: Cuff Fastening Type: N/A (slides over wrist) Measurements Inner C...
Sterling Silver
$225Sale Price / item|50% Off
W 0.39 in D 0.13 in L 8 in
Unique Blue Sapphire & Ruby Studded Elephant Bracelet in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
Unique Blue Sapphire and Ruby Studded Elephant Bracelet in sterling silver showcases endlessly sparkling natural blue sapphire, ruby, weighing 3.56 carat. It measures 7.25 inches lon...
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
$2,398Sale Price|20% Off
L 7.85 in
OCTOPUS Italian Sculptural Massive Cuff Bracelet In Solid .925 Sterling Silver
Located in Miami, FL
A sculptural octopus wrist-arm cuff bracelet. This is a fabulous oversized cuff bracelet crafted in Italy in the shape of a big octopus in solid .925/.999 sterling silver. The massi...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Native American Navajo Turquoise Sterling Silver 925 Vintage Cuff Bracelet
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Highly Desirable Native American Navajo Turquoise 925 Sterling Silver Large Cuff Bracelet Centering a large Turquoise Matrix. Hand crafted in 925 Sterling Silver. A...
Turquoise, Turquoise Matrix, Sterling Silver
Tiffany & CO 1837 Sterling .925 Silver Wide Wrist Cuff Bracelet Stamped Logo
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
- Silver exterior Condition: The bracelet is in overall decent condition with no major imperfections Measurements: ( Approximately In Inches ) Circumference of 6 inches
Vintage Sterling Silver Modernist Sculptural Link Cuff Bracelet 1970's
Located in North Miami, FL
This wonderful vintage sterling silver cuff bracelet has great weight to it. It is modernist, minimalist and sculptural all at th...
Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "Mantra Kit" Bracelet and Necklace Sterling Silver 925
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "Mantra Kit" Bracelet and Necklace is an original design by Betony Vernon made in 2018 and handcrafted in lost wax elements and a rolo chain. The "Mantra Kit" contains two rolo c...
Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "Mantra Kit" Bracelet and Necklace Sterling Silver 925 in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "Mantra Kit" Bracelet and Necklace is an original design by Betony Vernon made in 2018 and handcrafted in lost wax elements and a rolo chain. The "Mantra Kit" contains two rolo c...
Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "Double Sphere Bracelet" Bracelet Sterling 925 in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
Betony Vernon designed the "Double Sphere Bracelet" in 1998 and manufactured in lost wax element. The Sterling Silver 925 "Double Sphere Bracelet" embo...
Sterling Silver