Betony Vernon

Betony Vernon is an American jewelry designer, sexual anthropologist, author, sexologist, and clinical hypnotherapist whose career explores the intersection of luxury design and human intimacy. Vernon graduated cum laude from Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in art history and a double minor in religious studies and goldsmithing. After graduation, she moved to Florence, Italy, to direct the metalsmithing program at Fuji Studio Art Workshop. Vernon later earned a master's degree in industrial design from Domus Academy in Milan, where she founded her first design studio, Atelier B.V.

Vernon introduced her first erotic jewelry collection, "Sado-Chic," which drew inspiration from the erotic novel "Story of O." Her "Paradise Found Fine Erotic" collection features more than 400 designs handmade in 18-karat gold and sterling silver 925. Vernon is recognized for creating luxurious, durable, and safe Jewel-Tools as a response to the sex toy industry. Her work includes a neckpiece designed for Swarovski's Runway Rocks project, used by Lady Gaga in the "Paparazzi" video, and the neckpiece and ring worn by Christina Aguilera on the cover of the album "Bionic."

In addition to jewelry, Vernon has collaborated with designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Missoni, Pierpaolo Piccioli at Maison Valentino, Gianfranco Ferré, and Jean-Paul Gaultier. Her design work has been included in international exhibitions at venues such as Victoria and Albert Museum in London and The Triennale Design Museum in Milan. Vernon created "L'Envol," a short video for SHOWstudio in collaboration with photographer Nick Knight, and wrote, hosted, and co-produced "The Boudoir" for MTV Italy, with episodes airing on Love Line, a show dedicated to sexual education.

Vernon's expertise encompasses jewelry design, sexual research, and education. Her book, "The Boudoir Bible: The Uninhibited Sex Guide for Today," illustrated by François Berthoud, offers a comprehensive guide to contemporary sexuality and has been translated into nine languages. Her second book, "Paradise Found: An Erotic Treasury for Sybarites," was published by Rizzoli New York. Vernon serves as an advisor for fashion editors and magazines and is featured in publications such as French Vogue, GQ, Playboy, and the New York Times.

In her therapeutic practice, Vernon employs a multidisciplinary approach that integrates practical teachings, clinical hypnotherapy, and holistic methods to address socio-cultural boundaries surrounding pleasure. She advocates for sex positivity and aims to dismantle the pleasure taboo, contributing to ongoing conversations about human sexuality, intimacy, and well-being.