By Sydney Sadick
Nicola “Coco” Verses
Tell us about your background and how you landed in PB!
I grew up in Connecticut and spent most of my childhood there, and in New York City and Florida. I come from a close-knit hardworking Italian-American family. I was taught from a young age that anything was possible if you were willing to work hard and never give up. Palm Beach started as a family vacation spot and somewhere I grew up traveling to. My entire family made their way here about 20 years ago, and every time we came, we fell more and more in love with it.
How do you balance honoring your family’s legacy while carving out your own identity?
Identity is always your own, but it’s rooted in where you come from. I wouldn’t be who I am without being exposed to so much creativity, innovation, and passion growing up. That foundation shaped me in ways I am incredibly grateful for. Creation, vision, and bringing people together are simply in my DNA. While those roots shaped me, I have taken them in my own direction. I have stepped into different fields and built something that feels completely authentic to me.
What inspired you to launch your VERSÉ jewelry collection?
I’ve always loved love. I love diamonds, flowers, events, and the art of gifting. Creating VERSÉ felt natural to me because it’s an extension of who I am. The name comes from my last name, Verses, but it also represents something deeper. VERSÉ is about giving from a place of love. The brand reflects my personal aesthetic because it’s refined and luminous on the outside, yet rooted in emotion and intention at its core.
How do you describe your personal style?
I describe my style as classy, chic, and young. It has a strong Palm Beach influence, but with a slightly elevated polished edge. It’s fun, feminine, and always put together. When I say “casual cute,” it’s never really just casual. It’s what I call “Coco casual.”
What’s the best lesson you’ve learned from your father, Leandro Rizzuto Jr., who is a U.S. ambassador to the Organization of American States?
A lot of hard work, dedication, and love goes into these positions. It’s easy to just do the job, but to do it with purpose is hard and meaningful, to not just go through the steps, but to put your heart, ideas, and passion into it.
What causes are closest to you?
I’ve always had a love for animals, which is why being involved with Big Dog Ranch Rescue has meant so much to me. ALS is also important to me. When my aunt passed away from it, it was devastating for us. In response, my grandfather started ALS Finding a Cure under the Leandro P. Rizzuto Foundation to help fund research toward a cure. Organizations like Gabriel’s Angels and initiatives like Curetivity, which benefits St. Jude, also do incredible work.
What’s next for you?
I have a lot of ideas, aspirations, and goals. I thrive on growth. For now, I’m focused on building my brands, balancing family, and working with Big Dog and the American Arts Conservancy.
For more information, visit versediamonds.com.
