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 "O'Ring Choker Mini Diamond Pavée" Necklace 18 Karat Gold in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "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...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Betony Vernon "Venus Collier" Sterling Silver 925 in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The “Venus Collier” was designed by Betony Vernon in 1997. Its evocative form and fine Italian craftsmanship make this piece a timeless statement. The iconic collier celebrates the f...
Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "O-Ring Choker Mini" Necklace 18 Karat Gold in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "O-Ring Choker Mini" in 18-Karat Gold is part of the collection Sado-Chic, the term Betony Vernon coined to name her first fine erotic jewelry des...
18k Gold
Betony Vernon "Five Pearls Choker" Necklace 18 Karat Gold in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The Betony Vernon "Five Pearls Choker" was designed and handcrafted in 2000 using 18 Karat gold sheet, lost wax elements and premium quality natural salt wa...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold
Betony Vernon "O-Ring Choker with Shaft Ring" Necklace Sterling Silver 925
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 Kit" includes one "O-Ring Choker Necklace" and...
Sterling Silver
$23,490Sale Price|20% Off
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Choker Mini Diamond Pavée" Necklace 18 Karat Gold in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "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 designs in 1992. The ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
"Ostrich Feather Tickler w O'Ring Choker" Necklace Sterling Silver 925 in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "Ostrich Feather Tickler with O'Ring Choker" groups two Betony Vernon's classical jewels to combine all together or wear separately. The "Ostrich F...
Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "O-Ring Choker Three Mechanism Kit" Necklace Sterling Silver 925
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 kit includes one "O-Ring Choker Three Mechanism", one ...
Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "Double Sphere Necklace" Necklace Sterling 925
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
Betony Vernon designed the "Double Sphere Necklace" in 1996 and manufactured it in lost wax elements. The Sterling Silver 925 "Double Sphere Necklace" will make a statement whether it is worn on its own or in combination with BV "Double Sphere Massage Ring...
Sterling Silver
$22,075Sale Price|20% Off
Betony Vernon "O-Ring Choker Mini" Necklace 18 Karat Gold in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "O-Ring Choker Mini" in 18-Karat Gold is part of the collection Sado-Chic, the term Betony Vernon coined to name her first fine erotic jewelry designs in 1992. The timeless "O-Ri...
18k Gold
Betony Vernon "17 Pearls Parure" Necklace Bracelet Ring 18 Karat Gold
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
Betony Vernon's distinguished "17 Pearls Parure" includes the "Five Pearls Choker", "Five Pearls Bracelet" and the "String of Pearls Ring". The Five Pearl...
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Betony Vernon "Five Pearls Choker" Necklace Sterling Silver in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The Betony Vernon "Five Pearls Choker" was designed and handcrafted in 2000 using Sterling Silver 925 sheet, lost wax elements and premium quality natural salt water pearls...
Pearl, Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "Spikes Choker" Sterling Silver 925 and Rubies in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "Spikes Choker" was designed in 1996 by Betony Vernon and manufactured in Sterling Silver 925 sheet metal with lost wax elements. This is the prototyp...
Ruby, Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "O-Ring Choker with Tassel Pendant" Necklace Sterling Silver 925
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 Kit" includes one "O-Ring Choker Necklace" and...
Sterling Silver
925 Gold Gilt sterling silver Coin Pendant Gemstones Statement necklace
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
A dramatic ,artist signed and architecturally sculpted gilt sterling silver necklace featuring a centerpiece , a bold circular medallion framing a faux Roman coin portrait in high ...
Sterling Silver
$2,400Sale Price / set|20% Off
L 18 in
Natural Rose Cut Polki Diamond Handmade Victorian Necklace 925 Sterling Silver
Located in Chicago, IL
Natural Rose Cut Polki Diamond Handmade Vintage Victorian Necklace 925 Sterling Silver 3 pc set Material 925 Sterling Silver Handmade Natural Diamond Polki Rose Cut Wieght ap...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
$600Sale Price|20% Off
L 18 in
Natural uncut polki diamond choker sterling silver necklace with ruby extension
Located in Delhi, DL
Experience the epitome of luxury and elegance with this exquisite diamond choker, a perfect fusion of traditional artistry and modern sophistication. This choker features a stunning ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sterling Silver
Henkel Grosse Germany 1973 Sterling Silver Choker Necklace #19584
By Grosse
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Henkel & Grosse Germany 1973 Sterling Silver Choker Necklace - This vintage sterling silver choker necklace is set in classic ...
Sterling Silver
$12,000
Choker Diamond Necklace
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold diamond necklace, features 13.00 Carats of near colorless white slightly included diamonds. 16" necklace.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Sterling Silver Inlaid Necklace Choker Modernist Mexican
Located in Wallkill, NY
A very special Inlaid Mexican Modernist Choker . Made up of Black Onyx, Purple Spiny oyster, Turquoise, Malachite and Lapis Lazuli stylized Arrows Link Choker Necklace. Exterior meas...
Lapis Lazuli, Onyx, Turquoise, Sterling Silver
$13,750
W 0.35 in L 16.5 in
Chimento Pavé Diamond Elongated Link Collar Necklace in 18 Karat White Gold
By Chimento
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
You will absolutely love this strikingly beautiful minimalist necklace by Chimento. It is stunningly simple in design, with curved lines and glittering pave diamonds, making the piec...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Jade and Sterling Silver Choker
Located in Water Mill, NY
A fabulous substantial silver and jade choker necklace. The front bib portion is comprised of layers of silver in different shapes on top of one another with a large rounded jade sto...
Jade, Sterling Silver
$2,388Sale Price|20% Off
W 0.87 in D 4.9 in L 16 in
Alfred Karram 1970 Geometric Sculptural Necklace in Solid 0.925 Sterling Silver
Located in Miami, FL
Geometric necklace designed by Alfred Karram (1932-2017). A beautiful piece of wearable art, created in New York city by the Architect and artist Alfred...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$2,130Sale Price|30% Off
Natural Pave diamond Amber 925 sterling silver convertible necklace and tiara
Located in Delhi, DL
This unique piece of art is a beautiful accessory by the fine artisans. This jewel is made up of sterling silver jewel with natural pave diamonds and amber drops. The metal has rose ...
Amber, Diamond, Sterling Silver
1980s Fancy 18 Karat Yellow Gold Choker Links Necklace 124.5 Grams
Located in Miami, FL
Make your mark in fashion with this fashionably designed 1980's Figure 8, Infinity style, 17 inch Italian necklace. Weighing 124.5 grams of 18K yel...
Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond Sapphire Necklace 14K Gold Choker
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Sapphire Necklace 14K Gold Choker This gorgeous estate necklace is finely crafted in solid 14K Yellow gold and set with genuine Earth...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Betony Vernon "O-Ring Choker Three Mechanism Kit" Necklace Sterling Silver 925
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 kit includes one "O-Ring Choker Three Mechanism", one ...
Sterling Silver