Betony Vernon "O'Ring Signature Chain Necklace" Necklace 18 Karat Gold
About the Item
- Creator:
- Metal:
- Weight:26.7 g
- Style:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:2022
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Rome, IT
- Reference Number:
Betony Vernon
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Amelia, Italy
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Betony Vernon "O'Ring Signature Chain" Necklace Sterling Silver 925 in StockBy Betony VernonLocated in Rome, ITThe "O'Ring Signature Chain Necklace" was designed by Betony Vernon in 1992 and handcrafted in lost wax element of Sterling Silver 925 in 2018. The timeless "O'Ring Signature Chain Necklace" has been long appreciated for its symbolic and aesthetic appeal, as well as for its functional purpose. The "O'Ring Signature Chain Necklace" has a double hook on each side of the chain, that serves to put all sorts of BV Attachments and Pendants close to your heart, at hand’s reach...Category
1990s Italian Contemporary Chain Necklaces
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Betony Vernon "O’ring Princess Necklace" with Sphere Pendant 18 Karat GoldBy Betony VernonLocated in Rome, ITThe "O’Ring Princess Necklace" was designed by Betony Vernon in 2001 and handcrafted in lost wax elements. The Sphere Attachment can be removed, granting the jewel the playful dualit...Category
Early 2000s Italian Chain Necklaces
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold
- Betony Vernon "O'Ring Chain Medium Necklace" Sterling Silver 925 in StockBy Betony VernonLocated in Rome, ITThe "O'Ring Chain Medium Necklace" was designed by Betony Vernon in 1992 and handcrafted in lost wax element in Sterling Silver 925 in 2018. The timeless "O'Ring Chain Medium Necklace" has been long appreciated for its symbolic and aesthetic appeal, as well as for its functional purpose. The "O'Ring Chain Medium Necklace" has a double hook on each side of the chain, that serves to put all sorts of BV Attachments and Pendants close to your heart, at hand’s reach...Category
1990s Italian Contemporary Chain Necklaces
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Betony Vernon "O’ring Princess Necklace" with Sphere Pendant Sterling Silver 925By Betony VernonLocated in Rome, ITThe "O’Ring Princess Necklace" was designed by Betony Vernon in 2001 and handcrafted in lost wax elements in sterling silver 925. The Sphere Attachment ca...Category
Early 2000s Italian Chain Necklaces
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Betony Vernon "O'Ring Choker Mini Diamond Pavée" Necklace 18 Karat Gold in StockBy Betony VernonLocated in Rome, ITThe "O'Ring Choker Mini Diamond Pavée" in 18-Karat Gold is part of the collection Sado-Chic, the term Betony Vernon coined to name her first fine erotic jewelry...Category
1990s Italian Contemporary Choker Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Gold, 18k Gold
- Betony Vernon "O'Ring Signature Chain Collier Large"Sterling Silver 925 in StockBy Betony VernonLocated in Rome, ITThe timeless O'Ring Signature collection has consistently garnered appreciation for its symbolic and aesthetic allure, along with its practical functionality. A true Paradise Found classic, the O'Ring Signature Chain is available for custom orders, allowing for personalized lengths. How to Wear: The O'Ring Signature Chain Collier stands as a favorite among gentlemen, featuring two closures that enable versatile styling. This signature chain can be worn as a collier, a trouser chain...Category
1990s European Contemporary Chain Necklaces
MaterialsSterling Silver
- 18 Karat Yellow Gold Chain NecklaceLocated in New York, NYA classic and fashionable gold necklace showcasing 19.5 inches of 18 karat gold links. Weighs 44.07 grams.Category
1990s Unknown Modern Chain Necklaces
MaterialsYellow Gold, 18k Gold
- Classic 18 Karat Gold Chain NecklaceLocated in Geneva, CHWheat necklace made of 18 Karat yellow gold. This necklace is wider in the center part and narrower towards the side. This exquisite gold chain necklace is made of 18 karat gold, en...Category
Early 2000s Chain Necklaces
MaterialsYellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
- 18 Karat Yellow Gold Link Chain NecklaceBy Alex JonaLocated in Torino, ITAlex Jona Design Collection, Hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold, Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only for their special design and for the excellent quality of the gemstone...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Link Necklaces
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Recycled 18 Karat Gold Link Chain NecklaceBy AB Jewelry NYCLocated in New York, NYCustom listing. A substantial link chain choker handcrafted in recycled 18K gold. Makes a bold and elegant statement in any season. It is made of environmentally friendly recycled 18...Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Link Necklaces
MaterialsDiamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- 18 Karat Yellow Gold Oval Link Chain NecklaceBy Alex JonaLocated in Torino, ITAlex Jona Design Collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold flat oval link necklace. Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only for their speci...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Link Necklaces
Materials18k Gold, Yellow Gold
- Modern 18 Karat Rose Gold Melanie Chain NecklaceLocated in Poitiers, FRNecklace in 18 karat rose gold, eagle head hallmark. This choker necklace features a convict chain with the first name Mélanie in the center. The clasp is a spring ring. Length : 39....Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Chain Necklaces
MaterialsGold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold