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 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
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 "O'Ring Choker Medium" Necklace Silver 925 in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "O'Ring Choker Medium" is part of the collection Sado-Chic, the term Betony Vernon coined to name her first fine erotic jewelry designs in 1992. T...
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 "O'Ring Slave Choker" Men's Necklace Silver 925
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The timeless "O-Ring" signature pieces from Betony Vernon's collection have been appreciated by collectors since 1992 for their symbolic and aesthetic appeal. This bold version of th...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "Mantra Necklace" Sterling Silver 925 Necklace
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "Mantra Necklace" is an original design by Betony Vernon made in 2018 and handcrafted in lost wax elements and a rolo chain. The "Mantra Necklace" ...
Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Slave Choker" Women's Necklace Silver 925
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The timeless "O-Ring" signature pieces from Betony Vernon's collection have been appreciated by collectors since 1992 for their symbolic and aesthetic appeal. This bold version of th...
Silver, 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
Betony Vernon "Love Lock Necklace" Man Necklace Sterling Silver 925
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "Love Lock Necklace" was designed by Betony Vernon in 1995 and has been manufactured in limited editions ever since in Sterling Silver 925 lost ...
Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "You Are Mine" Necklace Small Sterling Silver in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "YOU ARE MINE" Necklace was designed by Betony Vernon in 2004 and manufactured in lost wax elements in Sterling Silver 925. The “YOU ARE MINE” necklace is constructed with Vernon's O'Ring Signature Small chain and locket. The Sterling Silver 925 pendant locket is also the closure of the necklace which includes a set of two Sterling Silver 925 keys. The keys may be attached to the O'Ring mechanism that is present on the locket or to any BV jewels from the O'Ring collection. How to Adorn: The locket closure on this exclusive collector jewel is handcrafted. The key must be used both to lock and unlock the necklace. Note: Locking up the one you love can make a strong psychological impact. It is a very direct way to say both "I love you” and “YOU ARE MINE” my sweet Valentine! Refer to chapter 10 (The Joy Of Play) in Vernon’s book The Boudoir Bible...
Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "YOU ARE MINE" Necklace Medium Sterling Silver 925
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "YOU ARE MINE" Necklace was designed by Betony Vernon in 2004 and manufactured in lost wax elements in in Sterling Silver 925. The “YOU ARE MINE” necklace is constructed with Vernon's O-Ring Signature chain and locket. This rare prototype is part of the BV archive in Paris. The Sterling Silver 925 pendant locket is also the closure of the necklace which includes a set of two Sterling Silver 925 keys. The keys may be attached to any BV O-Ring Jewel or worn directly on the O-ring mechanism that is present on the locket itself. How to Adorn: The locket closure on this exclusive collector jewel is handcrafted so the key must be used both to lock and unlock the necklace. Note: Locking up the one you love can make a strong psychological impact. It is a very direct way to say both "I love you” and “YOU ARE MINE” my sweet Valentine! Refer to chapter 10 (The Joy Of Play) in Vernon’s book The Boudoir Bible...
Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "Love Lock Necklace" Woman Necklace Sterling Silver 925
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "Love Lock Necklace" was designed by Betony Vernon in 1995 and has been manufactured in limited editions ever since in Sterling Silver 925 lost wax elements and wire jump rings. ...
Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Choker Mini" Necklace Silver 925
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "O'Ring Choker Mini" is part of the collection Sado-Chic, the term Betony Vernon coined to name her first fine erotic jewelry designs in 1992. The...
Silver, Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Choker" Medium Necklace 18 Karat Gold and Sterling Silver
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "O'Ring Choker" is part of the collection Sado-Chic, the term Betony Vernon coined to name her first fine erotic jewelry designs in 1992. The time...
18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Gold, Silver
$360Sale Price|20% Off
Moissanite Crystal Tennis Necklace In 925 Sterling Silver Anniversary Gift.
Located in Chicago, IL
Moissanite Crystal Tennis Necklace In 925 Sterling Silver Anniversary Gift. Materials: Silver Closure: Lobster claw Adjustable length Jewellery styl...
Silver, Sterling Silver
$320Sale Price|20% Off
Pave Diamond Antler Deer Necklace 925 Sterling Silver Necklace Diamond Necklaces
Located in Chicago, IL
Pave Diamond Antler Deer Necklace 925 Sterling Silver Handmade Fashion Jewelry. Necklace Length : 18th Inch. Main Stone: Diamond . Pave Diamond Antler ...
Diamond, Silver, 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
Men's Black and Cognac Diamond David Yurman Sterling Silver Tag Pendant Necklace
By David Yurman
Located in Montreal, QC
High Quality Men’s Black and Cognac Diamond David Yurman Designer Sterling Silver Tag Pendant Necklace. Securely Hand set with Black Diamonds, Cognac Diamonds and Color Change Garnet...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Garnet, Sterling Silver
$650
H 7.8 in W 4.75 in D 0.5 in L 14 in
Mid-20th Century Modernist Sterling Pendant Choker Necklace by Joachim S'Paliu
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Mid 20th century choker necklace with a large open teardrop pendant by Joachim S'Paliu, the entire piece has his usual modernistic flair. I would say the necklace portion has an inside circumference of approximately 14" , the pendant is about 3.37" long. The piece is marked on the hook clasp sterling and S'Paliu and on the back of the pendant Spain...
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
$264Sale Price|20% Off
Marquise & Round Cut Moissanite Necklace 925 Sterling Silver 2 Stone Necklace.
Located in Chicago, IL
Marquise & Round Cut Moissanite Necklace 925 Sterling Silver 2 Stone Necklace. Main Stone Moissanite Material 925 Sterling Silver, Gemstone Pendant Size: 11.40mm (0.448 inch...
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
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
Vintage sterling silver 925 green jade pendant necklace
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • stamped 925 • sterling silver with green jade • vintage designer pendant MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • very good vintage condition with minimal signs of wear Sku ...
Jade, Sterling Silver
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
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
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 "Love Lock Necklace" Man Necklace Sterling Silver 925
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "Love Lock Necklace" was designed by Betony Vernon in 1995 and has been manufactured in limited editions ever since in Sterling Silver 925 lost ...
Sterling Silver
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Slave Choker" Necklace Silver 925 in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The timeless "O-Ring" signature pieces from Betony Vernon's collection have been appreciated by collectors since 1992 for their symbolic and aesthetic appeal. This bold version of th...
Sterling Silver, Silver
Betony Vernon "O'Ring Choker Mini" Necklace Silver 925 in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "O'Ring Choker Mini" is part of the collection Sado-Chic, the term Betony Vernon coined to name her first fine erotic jewelry designs in 1992. The...
Sterling Silver, 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 "YOU ARE MINE" Necklace Sterling Silver in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "YOU ARE MINE" Necklace was designed by Betony Vernon in 2004 and manufactured in lost wax elements in in Sterling Silver 925. The “YOU ARE MINE” necklace is constructed with Ve...
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 "O-Ring Choker Spectre Kit" Necklace Pendant Silver 925 in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "O-Ring Choker Spectre Kit" is a unique piece composed of the "O-Ring Choker Necklace" handcrafted in lost wax of Sterling Silver 925 with a 18-Karat Gold bonded Ring and the "Sa...
Sterling Silver, 18k Gold
Betony Vernon "Love Lock Necklace" Woman Necklace Sterling Silver 925 in Stock
By Betony Vernon
Located in Rome, IT
The "Love Lock Necklace" was designed by Betony Vernon in 1995 and has been manufactured in limited editions ever since in Sterling Silver 925 lost ...
Sterling Silver