ELIZABETH PARADON

A prized symbol of French patriotism, and standing 162 feet, is Paris, France's Arc de Triomphe de l'Etoile.  The structure is one of the world's largest triumphal arches.

France is also the home of featured jewelry designer Elizabeth Paradon.

For nearly three decades, Paradon's company, Ziio Jewelry, has consistently produced exquisite gemstone jewelry.

Luminous variations of purple amethyst, red agate, blue lazurite, and green aventurine possess a stirring regality bringing to mind the Queen of Sheba.

The gemstones' vibrant color and varied arrangements ebb and flow with several cultural styles I have seen since beginning this blog.

While the sights and ambiance of such countries as Thailand, Greece, and Italy influence Paradon's design aesthetic, I see the bold colors of India's meenakari jewelry; tile patterns of Israeli mosaics; and the chic sophistication of Egyptian bead jewelry.

Suspended within a taut web of precious metal wire, the stones' arrangement is seemingly determined by the web's configuration.

A large chunk of chrysoprase is set within a large gap in the web while small, glistening pops of garnets and Murano glass beads fill in smaller gaps.

The web of her eye-catching cuff bracelets contains at least three to four tiers. Each tier containing a string of like gemstones such as peridot or the stones vary from tier-to-tier blending the deep blue hues of lapis with the lush beauty of violet agate. The pieces are simply magnificent.


A select number of Paradon's designs are exhibited in a number of museums around the world, and even the Queen of Jordan adorns herself with these luscious creations.

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Photo 1 (top right): Scottish Blue Onyx Bangle
Photo 2 (bottom left): Amore Infinito Cryso Necklace