ABOUT PARAGON TRADING
Paragon Trading is a full-service diamond and fine jewelry wholesale supplier. The company was formed in 2004 in Orange County, California, and brings an expertise built on 35 years’ experience.
Co-founders Ian Sender and Cynthia Sender combine years of diamond and jewelry experience with a passion for building long-term relationships with discriminating fine jewelry retailing, designing, and manufacturing partners.
IAN SENDER, CO-FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT
Ian Sender brings over 35 years of experience in the diamond manufacturing industry. He began his journey as a student in his native Johannesburg, South Africa, where he completed his education in precious metal working and diamond mounting — the South African equivalent of a Graduate Gemologist program. He continued building the foundation for his career honing his craft working for jewelry manufacturers and design houses in South Africa.
Deciding that manufacturing was not his labor of love, Mr. Sender moved to Antwerp, Belgium, the center of the world diamond trade. There he completed an apprenticeship studying diamonds under a scion of the industry. Once his training was complete, he relocated to the United States and formally began his career as a executive in the diamond wholesale business. He has worked and lived in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
CYNTHIA SENDER, CO-FOUNDER AND VICE PRESIDENT
Cynthia Sender brings a unique perspective to Paragon Trading. Upon completion of her undergraduate and Master’s degree programs at the University of Southern California, where she studied Public Policy, Ms. Sender was appointed to a variety of executive management posts in local government agencies, including Director, Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC). Ms. Sender has also garnered recognition by the United Way and County Board of Supervisors for her leadership in the community.
Ms. Sender spent the past decade in the luxury jewelry industry managing sales teams and territories for couture designers in various markets. Most recently, she was a key participant in the development and launch of Paragon partner Naledi’s innovative iPhone App, the Naledi RINGFINDER.
In becoming engaged with the luxury jewelry industry, Ms. Sender has found her true passion — bringing exquisite quality and exceptional value to discriminating fine jewelry retailers, jewelry designers, and manufacturers.
