Cover Story - May/June 2008

Verragio – Unlike Any Other

Verragio’s Paradiso Collection is not only uniquely beautiful, it’s brilliantly conceived.

>>By Diana S. Zimmerman, Special Features Correspondent

One look at Verragio’s Paradiso Collection of bridal jewelry and you know that it is, indeed, a very special collection. Not only is it stunning to look at, but this spectacular line of engagement rings and wedding bands are stunningly diff erent in many ways. In fact, they are so diff erent that Verragio has several design and utility patents pending on them. “Paradiso was specifi cally developed with the wearer’s comfort in mind,” Barry Verragio, the company’s founder, explains. “Th e rings are unlike any other with their unique combination of scalloped interior edges and scrolling interior shanks. Each piece is designed to elegantly hug the contours of your fi nger to create the perfect fi t.” Unlike the typical engagement ring or wedding band, Paradiso’s exclusive design also prevents the ring from spinning or turning on the fi nger. To ensure its owner of the ultimate in comfort, Barry has developed an exclusive sizing tool that determines the most accurate and comfortable size. It mimics the aesthetics of the actual ring, ensuring the wearer of a perfect fi t. “Because the rings are both unique looking and exceptionally comfortable,” he continues, “customers are more likely to return to purchase the matching band.” But rings aren’t the only reason customers will return. Barry has also developed complimentary fashion pieces that make the perfect add-on, self-purchase, or follow-up gift for a birthday, anniversary, or a way of simply saying, “I love you—everyday.” His Fashion Collection not only draws inspiration from Barry’s worldwide travels, but from the Paradiso bridal line. Many of the earrings, bangles, and pendants have the same scalloped interior as the engagement

rings, and are ideal for the consumer who recognizes that fashion does not have to compromise quality or value. Another way Verragio is providing value to his customers is by making each ring available in a choice of metals—either platinum, 18K gold, or palladium. With the cost of platinum so high, palladium off ers a wonderful alternative,” he explains. “While many women will pay a premium for platinum, many men prefer palladium because they can get the same look for much less. My own wedding ring is palladium. Even I cannot tell the diff erence.” Barry sees more and more evidence that, as retailers become educated about palladium and therefore educate their customers, it will become the metal of choice for women, as well as men. But regardless of their choice, everything Verragio creates adheres to his strict design philosophy. “Each diamond is unique. So is each woman. A beautiful mounting should enhance the beauty of the diamond in the same way that a perfectly designed dress makes the woman even more beautiful.” A true romantic at heart, Barry founded Verragio after falling in love. Tanya, who is now his wife and the mother of their two children, inspired him to create his fi rst truly diff erent design for an engagement ring. Th eir fairytale romance continues to be a source of inspiration a decade later. Not only is she the love of his life, but Tanya’s strong marketing talents continue to play a pivotal role in expanding the company. Under her direction, the couple has started “Illuminex Diamonds,” which specializes in premium large stones, and gives them two avenues of selling—jewelry as well as loose goods.

Barry began learning the craft of ring making at the age of 18 while working as an apprentice jeweler. His preferences quickly turned to designing in platinum because of the way this neutral metal enhances a diamond’s beauty. To enhance his own natural ability to create beauty, he studied at the prestigious New York Fashion Institute of Technology. He then spent a few more years mastering both the art and the design of fi ne jewelry. It was during this time that he met Tanya. When he decided to propose to her, this passionate young jeweler also decided that no ordinary engagement ring would do. He wanted a ring as unique and special as their love. So, he set about inventing a new technique, a diff erent way of suspending a diamond above the ring. He named his new mounting the “Lumino Setting” because of the way it allows radiant light to emanate from the stone. Tanya loved it. So did all her friends. “When you see that type of reaction,” he recalls, “you know it is more than just an engagement ring. It’s something very special, a statement of commitment.” It was also the inspiration for starting his own company. With Tanya by his side, they embarked upon an incredible journey. “Every engagement ring should have the same purity, fi re, and passion as the fi rst love between a husband and wife,” he emphatically states. Perhaps this is why every piece he creates is not only beautiful, but brilliantly so. Barry also believes in something else, that there is always a way to improve upon what has been done—t make his designs ever more beautiful and comfortable. Paradiso is, indeed, a “ring like no other.” Many of Barry Verragio’s clients believe that his brilliantly innovative design sense makes him a “designer like no other.”

www.verragio.com