Blog

Growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, bangles have been a part of my life since I can first remember. West Indian bangles, or Bayras, have a long history in my family. I grew up watching my father create Bayras, and he grew up watching his own father do the same. My grandfather started our family jewelry business in the 1940s. My father learned from him, and he taught me the same jewelry crafting methods islanders have been using for century to create the jewelry. But West Indian Bangles have a much deeper history extending even beyond the decades my family...

All of my pieces have stories behind them, and many of them pay homage to the West Indian Islands, where I spent my childhood. The steel pan bangle is one of the most important pieces to me personally. Although I love the motifs of the natural plants and environment of our islands, which are incorporated in many of my handmade jewelry, the steel pan design represents music and art, which are central to Caribbean life. It is a symbol of our people and our culture, which we created as a disenfranchised people reclaiming and making the islands our own post-slavery....

I use high quality metals with Caribbijou Island Jewelry. This means only .925 sterling silver for all silver pieces, while gold pieces are either 10k or 14k yellow gold.I'm committed to using the best metals with the jewelry to ensure you have the best possible product. But these metals can show dirt and grime easier than others.When I get those messages asking us “how do I clean my gold jewelry” or “how can I clean my sterling silver bangles safely,” I always first recommend taking it to a local jeweler. Many jewelers will clean your jewelry for free or at...