Parlé is a multi-generational, family-run jewelry company rooted in a passion for exceptional color and meaningful design. Based in Pocatello, Idaho, we specialize in rare gemstones—from Austratlian opal to Montana sapphire—bringing them to life through thoughtful craftsmanship and intentional artistry.
For over 50 years, our work has been guided by one belief: the most beautiful jewelry tells a story.

1973
Founded in May 1973, Frank Farnsworth began mining Idaho Opal in Spencer, ID. He then began fashioning it into gemstones, setting it into simple jewelry, and set the foundation of Idaho Opal & Gems.

1970s - 1980s
A trip to Tucson changed everything.
Exposure to Austalian opal and the broader gemstone world expanded the business beyond Idaho materials. New techniqures were learned, casting began in-hose, and relationships formed across the globe
What stared as a local operation grew into a full colored gemstone line—build through curiosity, experimentation, and opportunity.

1991
The name Parlé was introduced, inspired by the idea that gemstones should "speak."
This marked a shift toward more distinctive stones and a stronger point of view—moving beyond simply selling jewelry to curating pieces with character and meaning.
It's a philosophy that contiues to guide everything we create.

2000S
In 2007, Jonathan Farnsworth joined Parlé's sales team, bringing a fresh perspective to the business.
In 2012, Brecken began designing jewelry for herslef. On sales trips, Jonathan shared her pieces and the response was immediate.
As her confidence grew, Brecken began selecting stones from Parlé's gem archive and designing around them, shaping a new creative direction for the company.

2018 - 2020
Parlé continues to share its passion for gemstones beyond the jewelry iteself. Launched in 2018, the Gem Junkies podcast offers stories, insight, and a deeper look into the world of gemstones and the people behind them.
Parlé's designs have also been recognised across the industry, including top honors at the JCK Jewelers' Choice Awards, where the brand earned the Grand Prize in 2020.

2024
Inspired by visits to Montana sapphire mines, Parlé developed its Montana showcases to highlight the beauty and origin of each stone, from rough to finished piece. These collections emphasize natural color, individuality, and the connection between source and design.
Today, Parlé contines to evolve while staying rooted in its origins.
Our collections balance artistry and wearability, blending modern design with the natural beauty of the stones themselves. While much has changed, our focus remains the same—supporting independent jewelers and creating pieces that stand apart.
All In the Family
At the core of the jewelry industry, Parlé shines as a symbol of tradition, innovation, and deep-rooted family commitment, blending a multi-generational legacy into its very fabric. As it advances within the industry, Parlé embodies the enduring legacy of a family united by passion and dedication, continually forging a path that reflects its rich heritage and innovative spirit.
Parlé's enduring legacy as a family-driven enterprise is deeply rooted in its history, with Frank at the helm of its multifaceted growth while his wife, Sue Farnsworth, played a pivotal role behind the scenes. From assisting during trade shows to managing merchandising tasks, Sue became the backbone of Parlé's day-to-day operations.
"My earliest memories are of weekend adventures in the office with my sister, crawling beneath the setter's desks in search of treasures. We'd look for what we could find, you know, little diamonds or scraps of gold. Often it was colored gemstones." - Jonathan Farnsworth
As Parle's presence expanded nationwide, the need for sales representation grew, prompting Frank's youngest sister, Kate Farnsworth, to join the team in 1982. Since then, Kate has been instrumental in shaping Parlé's brand in the Pacific Northwest Territory, covering Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana, carrying forward the family legacy with unwavering dedication and passion.
Jonathan, Frank's son, and Brecken, his wife, embody the essence of leadership at Parlé, their paths merging towards a shared vision for the company's future. Jonathan's deep-rooted connection with Parlé began in his childhood, a time filled with moments spent sorting opals and learning the family trade from his father. Throughout high school, he delved into his passion for technology with an IT internship with Parlé, paving the way for his pursuit of a computer engineering degree in college. However, it was his interest in business that drew him towards earning his degree in marketing and later becoming a part of the family business. To improve his skills, Jonathan worked hands-on at a national rental car agency, laying the groundwork for his future contributions to Parlé.
Upon joining Parlé in 2007, Jonathan injected the company with renewed energy, catalyzing its evolution into a multi-generational entity. When presented with the opportunity to expand into underserved regions of the United States, Jonathan embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. Starting from the grassroots as a sales representative, he traversed the Midwest terrain, cultivating relationships and spearheading growth initiatives. His exceptional performance propelled him to the role of Sales Director, where he furthered Parlé's expansion through strategic partnerships and unwavering dedication.
Brecken's introduction to Parlé began with her passion for designing jewelry that she would personally wear. This led her to create unique and inventive designs that quickly gained popularity. Her considerate approach launched her into a new career but also boosted Parlé's reputation for their thoughtful approach to design. As a woman designing for women, Brecken brought a fresh perspective to the table, adding to the brand's already impressive portfolio of stunning and wearable jewelry pieces.
Their combined efforts have transformed Parlé into a multi-generational enterprise renowned for its sophisticated and artful approach to design. Jonathan's strategic initiatives and Brecken's innovative designs have earned Parlé numerous accolades, including a remarkable streak of JCK Jeweler's Choice Awards spanning fifteen consecutive years. Together, they have seamlessly blended elegance, grace, and sophistication, solidifying Parlé's standing as an industry leader.
"I've always cherished jewelry, a passion inherited from my mother, making it a significant aspect of my upbringing. Reflecting on it, all paths in my life seemed to be leading me towards this direction." - Brecken Farnsworth
Amidst the uncertainties of 2020 and the global pandemic, Frank and Sue discovered an opportune moment to step away, allowing Jonathan and Brecken to usher Parlé into a new era. With 50 years of history behind them, Parlé was ready for its next chapter, as Jonathan expresses, "We are focused on becoming stronger and more confident in our voice in the industry." Parlé remains steadfast in its dedication to the craft of jewelry-making, evident in every piece created, reflecting the brand's unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.
As Parlé celebrates this milestone in the jewelry industry, each piece bears witness to the brand's journey over the last five decades. Every individual involved in Parlé's creation, from their sources to retailers and team members, is intricately woven into the fabric of the company's identity, akin to a close-knit family. Every piece of Parlé jewelry stands as a clear testament to the stories and dedication of the brand's extended family. These creations showcase Parlé's commitment to excellence and the deep, meaningful connections they foster through their jewelry.
A Gem's Voice
Parlé's journey began in the hills of Spencer, Idaho in 1973, with Frank Farnsworth embarking on a summer job that was far from ordinary—mining Idaho opals and crafting jewelry. Frank laid the foundation for a company that would come to celebrate the distinctive narrative of each gemstone it embraced. This pivotal juncture was the first step in a journey that would see Parlé evolve into a revered name within the jewelry industry.
Frank's drive and determination weren't just about providing for his family; he aimed to create quality jobs for others and build a culture of skilled craftsmanship. In 1976, a visit to the Gem Show in Tucson changed everything for his business, Idaho Opal & Gem. Discovering high-quality Australian opals there, he quickly added them to his product line. This decision, fueled by Frank's keen sense of opportunity and passion, marked a turning point for the company. It expanded to include not just opals but also a range of precious stones like tanzanite, ruby, emerald, and sapphire, broadening the brand's appeal and diversity of products.
"We have a highly passionate and skilled production team that has never wavered." - Paul, Production Manager
In 1991, a significant shift happened when Idaho Opal & Gem rebranded to Parlé. This change was more than just a new name; it represented the company's growth and new philosophy. Brecken Farnsworth recently shared that the old name didn't reflect the company's essence anymore. Choosing Parlé, which means "to speak" in French, aligned with their core belief that every gemstone and piece of jewelry tells a unique story. This shift to Parlé highlighted the brand's commitment to recognizing the value and stories of gemstones, emphasizing the deep connections that jewelry can create between itself and its wearers.
"I love seeing the beautiful product that we produce as a team." - Judi, Inventory & Logistics Manager
Mastering the craft
Today, Parlé Jewelry has transformed dramatically from those early days of simple assembly. This journey has been propelled further by Parlé's transformation into a fully integrated manufacturing powerhouse, a narrative of unwavering dedication, craftsmanship, and innovation. With a comprehensive manufacturing capacity that includes initial design conceptualization using CAD technology, meticulous casting, and the delicate artistry of skilled goldsmiths, Parlé has curated a space where gemstones can narrate their tales. Central to this approach is the expertise of in-house gemologists, ensuring that each gemstone meets quality standards, thereby enhancing its natural beauty and character.
Parlé's in-depth manufacturing commitment transcends mere quality control. It represents a dialogue with each gemstone, a deep dive into its unique attributes and stories, culminating in creations that resonate with those tales. This approach ensures that every piece of Parlé jewelry is not just an item of adornment but a harmonious symphony of design and gemology, where gemstones genuinely "speak" to their beholders, promising connections that are both profound and personal.