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 "Venus Cuff" Bracelet Sterling Silver 925
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The “Venus Cuff” was designed by Betony Vernon in 1997 to fit snuggly onto the wrist. This piece celebrates the feminine and it is an emblematic invitation to express your sensual se...
Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "O-Ring Cuff Kit" Medium Bracelet Chain Ring Sterling Silver 925
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
Betony Vernon "O-Ring" timeless signature pieces has been appreciated since 1992 for their symbolic and aesthetic appeal. This medium "O-Ring Cuff Kit" includes one "O-Ring Band Large Ring" and one "O-Ring Cuff Medium" that are linked together with a removable "O-Ring Signature Chain Small Bracelet". How to Adorn: The pieces may be worn individually or linked together to create a BV signature ensemble. Betony Vernon "O-Ring Cuff Kit" groups 3 different jewels: Betony Vernon "O-Ring Band Large" Ring Sterling Silver 925: Material: Sterling Silver 925 Hall marks...
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 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 "O-Ring Cuff Kit" Large Bracelet Chain Ring Sterling Silver 925
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
Betony Vernon "O-ring" timeless signature pieces has been appreciated since 1992 for their symbolic and aesthetic appeal. This large "O-Ring Cuff Kit" includes one "O-Ring Band Large Ring" and one "O'Ring Cuff Large" that are linked together with a removable "O'Ring Signature Chain Small Bracelet". How to Adorn: The pieces may be worn individually or linked together to create a BV signature ensemble. The Betony Vernon "O'Ring Cuff Kit" groups 3 different jewels: Betony Vernon "O'Ring Band Large" Ring Sterling Silver 925: Material: Sterling Silver 925 Hall marks...
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 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 "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 "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 Cuff Kit" Medium Bracelet Chain Ring 18 Karat Gold
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
Betony Vernon "O-Ring" timeless signature pieces has been appreciated since 1992 for their symbolic and aesthetic appeal. This medium "O-Ring Cuff Kit" includes one "O-Ring Band Large Ring" and one "O-Ring Cuff Medium" that are linked together with a removable "O-Ring Signature Chain Small Bracelet". How to Adorn: The pieces may be worn individually or linked together to create a BV signature ensemble. Betony Vernon "O-Ring Cuff Kit" groups 3 different jewels: Betony Vernon "O-Ring Band Large" Ring 18 Karat Gold: Material: 18 Karat Gold Hall marks...
Gold, 18k Gold
"Ostrich Feather Tickler with O'Ring Cuff" Bracelet Sterling Silver 925 in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "Ostrich Feather Tickler with O'Ring Cuff" groups two Betony Vernon's classical jewels to combine all together or wear separately. The "Ostrich Fea...
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 "O'Ring Cuff with Locket" Bracelet Sterling Silver 925
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
Betony Vernon designed the "O'Ring Cuff with Locket" in 1998. The ball-and-ring mechanism serves to put all of Vernon's Attachments literally at hands reach...
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 Cuff Kit Mini" Bracelet Ring Chain 18 Karat Gold
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
Betony Vernon "O'Ring" timeless signature pieces have been appreciated since 1992 for their symbolic and aesthetic appeal. This "O'Ring Cuff Kit Mini" includes one "O'Ring Band Ring Mini" and one "O'Ring Cuff Bracelet Mini" that are linked together with a removable "O'Ring Signature Chain Mini". How to Adorn: The pieces may be worn individually or linked together to create a BV signature ensemble. Betony Vernon "O'Ring Cuff Kit Mini" groups 3 different jewels. (production lead time 6-8 weeks) Betony Vernon "O'Ring Band Ring Mini" 18 Karat Gold: Material: 18 Karat Gold Hall marks...
18k Gold, Gold
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Cuff Kit" Bracelet Chain Ring Sterling Silver 925 in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
Betony Vernon "O'ring" timeless signature pieces has been appreciated since 1992 for their symbolic and aesthetic appeal. This "O'Ring Cuff Kit" includes one "O'Ring Band Mini Ring" and one "O'Ring Cuff mini" that are linked together with a removable "O'Ring Signature Chain Mini". How to Adorn: The pieces may be worn individually or linked together to create a BV signature ensemble. Betony Vernon "O'Ring Cuff Kit" groups 3 different jewels Betony Vernon "O'Ring Band Mini" Ring Sterling Silver 925: Material: Sterling Silver 925 Hall marks...
Sterling Silver
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 "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 Diamond Pavée Kit" Bracelet Ring 18k Gold
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
Betony Vernon "O'ring" timeless signature pieces has been appreciated since 1992 for their symbolic and aesthetic appeal. This "O'Ring Cuff mini" includes one "O'Ring Band Mini Diamond Pavée Ring" and one "O'Ring Cuff mini Diamond Pavée" that are linked together with a removable "O'Ring Signature Chain Mini". How to Adorn: The pieces may be worn individually or linked together to create a BV signature ensemble. Betony Vernon "O'Ring Cuff Diamond Pavée Mini Kit" groups 3 different jewels. "O'Ring Band Mini Diamond Pavée Ring" Ring 18 Karat Gold Material: 18 Karat Gold and Diamond pavée Hall marks...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Cuff Three Mechanisms" Bracelet Sterling Silver 925
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "O-Ring Cuff Three Mechanisms " was designed by Betony Vernon in 1996 Paradise Found collectors have appreciated the "O-Ring" collection over the years for its symbolic and aesth...
Sterling Silver
Vintage Italian Sterling Silver Modernist Geometric Link Cuff Bracelet 1970's
Located in North Miami, FL
This gorgeous, modern and oh so chic vintage geometric sterling silver Italian cuff bracelet is signed P.R.X. 925 Italy. This was a workshop of artisans that have vanished. It is a forever bracelet...
Sterling Silver
$152Sale Price / item|20% Off
German Kabirski Veldt Oxidized 925 Sterling Silver Ring
By German Kabirski
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Veldt is a tribute to the raw, unrefined beauty of the natural world. Crafted in oxidized 925 sterling silver, its organic wrinkled texture mimics the cracked earth, aged bark, or fa...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$300 / 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
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
Barry Kieselstein Cord 2004 Sterling Silver & 14k Gold Frog Flower Cuff Bracelet
Located in Honolulu, HI
Barry Kieselstein Cord Cuff Bracelet in sterling silver and14k yellow gold. The bracelet features a 3-D frog in between 2 3-D flowers with 14k yellow gold petals. Hallmarked "Barry Kieselstein Cord" and stamped "2004," "925," "14K," "Thailand," on the inside. This cuff bangle measures 29 mm wide, 58 mm long and weighs 78.5 grams. This is a pre-owned Barry Kieselstein Cord bracelet...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Modernist Silver Designer Cuff Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
Bracelet in silver. Important and massive, this silver cuff is made up of patterns with geometric and convex lines hinged together. The bracelet is semi rigid and closes with a hinge...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$100Sale Price / item|50% Off
Unique Blue Sapphire Gemstone Band Ring in 925 Sterling Silver Unisex Ring
Located in New York, NY
Unique Blue Sapphire Gemstone Band Ring in sterling silver. You shall need these band to make a statement with your look. These...
Blue Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Citrine 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cuff Bracelet
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
18 karat yellow gold cuff bracelet. Handmade by our artisans assembled with citrine leaves. The yellow citrines have given life to this simple but at the same time interesting tennis...
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Anticlastic Cuff Bracelet
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
18k Gold Anticlastic Cuff Finished with Coiled Terminals Size 2.25" Width 1.25", tapered BR6000-Wrap
Gold, 18k Gold
Egyptian Hieroglyphics Statement Cuff Bracelet 18 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
Solid, Durable Flex Link Bracelet Egyptian Hieroglyphics Statement Cuff 7 inch / wearable length 44.3 Grams. 18kt yellow Gold. 18.5mm wide link...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Diamonds 18 Karat Gold Satin Cuff Bracelet
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Claris-A offers this gorgeous modern two tone cuff bracelet. The center part of it is satin finished white gold set with diamonds encompassed by two shiny yellow gold bands . The res...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Cuff Diamond Pavée Kit" Bracelet Ring 18k Gold in stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
Betony Vernon "O'ring" timeless signature pieces has been appreciated since 1992 for their symbolic and aesthetic appeal. This "O'Ring Cuff mini" includes one "O'Ring Band Mini Diamo...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Betony Vernon "O-Ring Cuff with Locket" Bracelet Sterling Silver 925 in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
Betony Vernon designed the "O-Ring Cuff with Locket" in 1998. The ball-and-ring mechanism has an 18Karat gold bonded ring that serves to put all of Vernon's Attachments literally at ...
Sterling Silver, 18k Gold
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