Business Details
18 Years
experience
Handmade Jewelry Inspired by Island Traditions
Island Girl Jewelry was founded in 2008 through the shared passion of its creators for transforming precious metals into wearable art. Our journey began with formal training at Warren Wilson College and Penland Craft School, followed by specialized instruction at Studio Jewelers in New York City. The business evolved through hands-on experience in Barbados' family-run jewelry tradition, where we refined techniques in goldsmithing and diamond setting. Today, we operate from our Vermont workshop and retail space, blending Caribbean-inspired designs with Northeast craftsmanship. Our expertise spans three decades of combined experience in jewelry making, utilizing both traditional and contemporary methods.We specialize in creating heirloom-quality pieces that honor family traditions while embracing modern aesthetics. Our commitment to quality is evident in every handmade item, from initial concept to final polish. We maintain transparency in our processes, using recycled metals and ethically sourced materials whenever possible. Our team's deep understanding of jewelry's cultural significance informs every custom design and ready-to-wear collection. As active members of Vermont's artisan community, we continue to innovate while preserving time-honored techniques.
Services
Hoops
Necklaces
Post Earrings
Rings
Wire Earrings
Bridal Jewelry
Custom Designs
Recycled Jewelry
Diamond Setting
Handmade Bangles
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We combine 30+ years of combined jewelry-making experience with formal training
- Our designs honor Caribbean traditions while embracing modern aesthetics
- Each piece is handmade in our Vermont workshop with recycled materials
- We maintain family jewelry-making techniques passed through generations
- Our team offers personalized service for custom and ready-to-wear pieces
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
We create personalized jewelry pieces using traditional metalworking techniques. Our process begins with consultation to understand your vision, followed by hand-drawn sketches and material selection. Each custom piece is meticulously crafted in our Vermont workshop using recycled precious metals and ethically sourced stones.
Heirloom Restoration
Specializing in preserving family jewelry heritage, we restore damaged pieces while maintaining original craftsmanship. Our techniques combine modern precision with traditional methods to repair, resize, or reimagine heirloom jewelry while preserving its historical integrity and sentimental value.
Diamond Setting
Our expert diamond setting services utilize time-tested techniques passed through generations of jewelers. We offer various setting styles including prong, bezel, and channel settings, ensuring secure placement while maximizing each stone's brilliance and visual impact.
Handmade Bangles
Inspired by Barbadian traditions, our bangles are crafted using hand-drawing and shaping techniques. Each piece combines cultural significance with modern design elements, available in various widths, textures, and metal combinations for everyday wear or special occasions.
Earring Collection
Our earring collection features handcrafted designs ranging from delicate studs to statement hoops. Each piece incorporates traditional metalworking techniques with contemporary aesthetics, using high-quality materials to create lightweight yet durable jewelry for everyday wear.
People
Ricardo
Co-Owner & Master Jeweler
Barbadian-born master jeweler with generational expertise in diamond setting and goldsmithing. Trained under his father at Bridgetown's Lazare's Jewelry, he brings traditional Caribbean techniques to Vermont's artisan scene.
Island Girl Jewelry Founder
Co-Owner & Designer
Formally trained at Warren Wilson College and Penland Craft School, with over 25 years of jewelry design experience. Combines academic training with Caribbean-inspired aesthetics to create wearable art pieces that tell cultural stories.
Questions
What materials do you use in your jewelry?
We primarily work with recycled silver and gold, incorporating ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones in our designs.
Do you offer custom jewelry design services?
Yes, we specialize in custom designs using traditional techniques passed down through generations of jewelers.
How long does order processing take?
All items are made to order and require 4-5 business days before shipping from our Vermont workshop.
Can I visit your physical store?
Our retail space at 7 Main Street, Bristol, VT is open year-round except during summer Saturdays at Waitsfield Farmers Market.
What inspires your jewelry designs?
Our designs blend Caribbean traditions with Vermont's natural beauty, featuring motifs from both island culture and Northeast landscapes.
Do you work with heirloom metals?
Yes, we continue the Barbadian tradition of transforming family heirlooms into new jewelry pieces that preserve family history.
