Before I left for vacation last week, I visited my grandmother to tell her about my upcoming trip. She is 96 and hasn’t been back to the Caribbean for almost 20 years now, but her memories of time spent in the West Indies are among her most cherished, and she happily recounted many of them for me. She pointed to two slim, plain gold bangles on her wrist and said proudly that she has had them since she was thirteen, when her parents brought them back from a cruise down to the leeward islands.
Above: My grandmother Hope (or her twin sister, Kate, we never can quite tell), in Vermont, 1932, displaying a gold bracelet about her wrist.
It became tradition for Mumma and her sisters to buy bracelets each time they returned to the islands, and ever since I was a child, I can recall a gentle clinking sound following her as she moved about the house. She’s passed this style on to the younger generations of Goddard women too: my mom, aunts and older cousins all tend to jingle merrily while they gesture or hug.
Since this would be my second trip to the West Indies and only a week before my 25th birthday, I thought I would at least investigate the possibility of buying one for myself in Antigua, which led me to many frustrating pre-trip google searches in which I came up with almost no information, either commercial or historical, on the subject. This had the effect of peaking my curiosity ENORMOUSLY. Where did these magical, beautiful creations come from, and who were their makers?
My experience studying the effects of tourism on local economies during my semester with S.E.A. (not to mention LIVING in a tourist economy in Newport) has left me with a jaded view of shopping in vacation hot spots. All too often, it seems that the pressures of a global economy and mechanized production of goods puts artists and craftspeople the world over up against prices that are hard to beat. Moreover, tourists who don’t know any better (and tourists who do), buy these cheap items without considering that they may have been made 5,000 miles away, and thereby perpetuate this cycle of artisan displacement. My fear was that the Caribbean of my Grandmother’s recollections, and the artists that she seemed to find on so many occasions with ease, may not have been able to stand up to these challenges, but I was resolved to find out.
Imagine my delight when I noticed, upon arriving, that the Antiguan customs official who took my passport was wearing bangles just like Mumma’s, and then picture me nearly jumping for joy and motioning enthusiastically to Tom each time a woman passed us in the supermarket with a little tinkering sound. I finally described them to a woman in a clothing shop, and she nodded and said, “ohhh, you’re looking for those old-timey bracelets. I know what your talking about, I’m a jewelry expert!” (her coworker started giggling).
She referred me to a store on the cruise ship piers of St. Johns, and somewhere between the cases of duty-free, fancy European label diamonds within, there they were! My bangles! I excitedly started questioning the young sales woman about where they came from; were they from the island, and could she tell me who made them? She didn’t really have any information to give, other than that locally, they are referred to as ‘Caribbean Bracelets.’ Slightly disappointed, I decided to continue my search in the hopes that it would still be possible to buy directly from an artist.
Mumma grew extremely close with an Antiguan family during winters spent with my grandfather there, and she eventually became godmother to two of the children, who I had the tremendous pleasure of meeting for the first time last week. In addition to sharing all sorts of stories about ‘hope mummy’ and their many escapades together, Feona knew exactly what I was talking about when I mentioned the bracelets; it turned out that Feona’s uncle made them for my grandmother, and his son, BJ, continues the family tradition today.
I walked in the door of Bailey’s Jewelry in Antigua’s capital city of St. John’s and was greeted by the zip! of jewelry saws and the whoosh! of welding torches emanating from the back room; I knew I was in the right place. The bangles on display were all in silver, and I was informed that certain designs were made by BJ, others came from Trinidad, and all could be custom made in gold. Then in walked the jeweler himself, and a history lesson far better than I could have hoped for began.
Above Top: A bangle made by BJ Bailey featuring a highly ornate, cone-shaped head and hand chiseled designs around the body. Above Bottom: A bracelet made in Trinidad of its own distinct style.
BJ’s father learned fine metal smithing techniques from an English minister who came to preside over St. Paul’s Church in Falmouth, Antigua in the 1920’s. This minister taught a small group of locals what he knew, and from there, they each developed unique bracelet, wedding band and hoop earring designs that were in demand by locals and tourists alike. BJ learned the trade from his father, and continues to use many of the tools and furnishings that were passed down to him. He told us with great pride that his bracelets are completely hand made, and that in fact, no machine or mold could ever replicate the artistry and delicacy of his designs, and then he took us back into the workshop and started melting stuff!
Above: Every bangle, whether gold or silver, begins it’s life this way. BJ buys his raw material in small nuggets. Below: The metal is melted down in a crucible using an acetylene torch.
Above: The molten metal is poured into one of these ingot molds to roughly form a bar or ball shape as needed. Below: To form the body of the bracelet, the oblong ingot is repeatedly run through a series of hand-cranked mills which pull and press it into shape, first as a long square rod, and then as a perfectly round wire. The green mill is a more modern version of the one used in BJ’s father’s day, pictured second below.
Above: BJ rounds out the shaft by cranking it through an iron die. Below: In order to prevent wear on the holes of the die, sharp edges are often softened on this anvil first, which is over 100 years old.
Above: Once the heads are welded on and the piece polished, the bangle is ready for its ornamentation. Below: Each design is hand hammered using chisels with varying patterns on the tips, and finally it is bent around a mandrel. Every bangle’s pattern is crafted with a careful eye and is an expression of the artist’s whimsy.
Below: There was a strong sense of continuity in the shop, from the well-worn tools (they never make them like they used to) to the desks which had been there since before BJ was born, such as this one. Below Second: These works in progress reflect a more modern trend that I noticed on a lot of young Antiguans, especially men, which is both gold and silver and features a complex, chiseled diamond pattern around the initials. I even met a 9 month old baby (Feona’s grandson) with the teeniest name bracelet imaginable!
The day after my visit, BJ presented me with my very own, hot-off-the-press gold bangle, a big hug, and instructions on the proper way to take it on and off. I skipped out of the store relishing the sound it made upon meeting my other bracelets (acquired on travels past) and couldn’t stop looking at my wrist. Lately though, I’ve been wearing it on its own, a lone and delicate show-stopper. I suppose, like Mumma, the accumulation of bangles is a journey meant to take me a lifetime of visits to the West Indies, too.
To purchase custom made bangles, visit or contact BJ and his team at:
Bailey’s Jewelry, North Street, St. John’s, Antigua WI
Tel: +1 268 462 2070
Email: bjnorthstreet@yahoo.com
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HOPE STATE STYLE 
Lisa Goddard February 4, 2012
Caroline, this is a lovely, deep piece of writing. I love the sensitive way you have shared family story and continuity with others. I hope you email it to Mumma as well as BJ. xoxo
Michelle B February 17, 2012
The tradition continues :) I have a pair ….previously owned by my late mom!
Caroline Goddard February 17, 2012
Thank you for visiting, Michelle. I’m glad my article was found by someone else who appreciates how special those bracelets are!
Best Wishes,
Caroline
Giles Farrell February 17, 2012
It is absolutely delightful to read this piece! I have had several bracelets made by BJ only to lose them all at some point. All of the older ladies in our family wore bracelets made at Bailey’s Jewelry, you could say that it was a matter of pride as each piece was a work of art. Thanks for sharing!
Caroline Goddard February 17, 2012
Oh I’m so glad to hear that other families share the same tradition as mine. Thank you for stopping by, Giles! I hope that you get to pay BJ a visit sometime soon.
Cheers,
Caroline
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Relbert Henry Jr. May 10, 2012
I am very surprise and excited to find and read this article. My dad owns the business above BJ’s shop for many years now (Henry’s Customs Brokerage and Services). So my family and I have gotton not just bracelets, but other jewelry as well from there. Got them cleaned and even bought my own cleaning material from there.
I Just realized all my years of being in and out of the store, and knowing BJ like family. I never thought to ask the history of him and the store. It’s amazing that I’m now living in Marietta, GA since Nov. 2007 and only NOW I learnt this information.
Great article!!!. Seeing the picture of the outside building and my father’s office, along with the tools and benches in BJ’s shop, really takes me back home.
Caroline Goddard December 3, 2012
Relbert, I am happy you found the article! BJ’s is such a wonderful story that it makes me happy to know that more people are learning of it now!
Anique Bailey December 2, 2012
Thank you for this article, I’m BJ’s cousin and was doing a family tree for my Daughter and needed a picture of the shop. This story is awesome and has alot of history and it save me a lond distance call to Antigua again beacuse my dad didn’t give so much details. I’m posting this story on my FB Page for all my nieces,nephew and cousins to share. We all have a bracelet, my daughter ran to get hers after she read the article and she’s presenting to her class as well.
Caroline Goddard December 3, 2012
Hi Anique,
I’m so glad you came across the article and that it was helpful to you! I really enjoyed researching it and reconnecting with Feona, Hugh and the rest of the Bailey clan when I was in Antigua last winter. I know my grandmother thinks of them often and with much fondness, though she does not travel anymore (at 97!), so it was a very special trip for me. All my best to you and your family for the holidays!
Cheers
Caroline Goddard
Amber Nefertari December 26, 2012
What a sweet tale, I enjoyed reading this very much.
Both my parents are from the Caribbean. Traditionally babies of caribbean parents get custom jewelry from the islands, but my sisters and I received American gold jewelry. My classmates in school who were also West Indian-American all had cool signature pieces that screamed their heritage. You could tell if someone was from Panama,Trinidad, Guyana etc just by looking at their gems. Unfortunately I never got any but I always wanted some. Then one day I stumbled upon some Guyanese jewelers who also make Trinidadian jewelry in Brooklyn, boy was I stoked! I ended up buying a pair of earrings but they were stolen, I am def going to buy lots more.
I am glad you enjoyed your travels, hope you are still wearing your treasure. Happy Holidays!
cheers!
xo
sharon May 23, 2016
hi amber
i’d love to know where in brooklyn the guyanese jewelers are! it’s 2016 so certainly some time has elapsed since your comment above… but your help would be so appreciated!!
R February 26, 2019
Where in Brooklyn are these bracelets made?
Caroline Goddard November 19, 2019
Hi Amber, I’m coming back from a long blogging hiatus, sorry to respond to your question so late. These bracelets actually came from a shop in Antigua, West Indies!! I wish he would sell them in Brooklyn, but I do think he will take custom orders and ship internationally, I definitely recommend getting in touch!
Oona December 29, 2012
What a great article. I am from Antigua, I wear a pair of bangles that my father gave to my mother when they began dating. I never take them off. Both my parents also continue to wear bangles passed down to them through the years when their parents died. It is a wonderful family tradition and I happy that you found what you are looking for.
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Chauntel November 11, 2013
I love your article my uncle got a gold bangle made for me and I absolutely love it.
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Nora Alexander November 8, 2014
I love this article also. It has been a tradition in my family also. The beautiful clinking of my mothers bangles were a common sound from babyhood. Soothing as a lullaby. I have always worn them from baby to adulthood, and many years later, the sound soothes me still. Blessings from Nora x
Gabriella December 29, 2014
My husband recently got me one for Christmas; he’s Guyanese and many Guyanese women also wear them…love mine and hope you have been enjoying yours!
Cheryl March 1, 2015
My mother was born in Trinidad and all the women in her family wore a pair of gold bangles. Mom married my dad, an American soldier stationed in Trinidad and then moved to The US in 1947. My 2 sisters and I, aunts, our cousins and now our daughters and their daughters all wear the gold Trinidadian bracelets. It is a beautiful tradition and in family gatherings you will always hear the sweet tinkling song of our bracelets mingled with our laughter.
Margherite June 5, 2015
What is the proper way to put on/take off the bracelet?
November July 3, 2015
Yes, I want to know this as well. I just purchased an antique silver bangle with two fists, stamped sterling made in Jamaica. I can’t remember for the life of me how to open it to put it on. Do I gingerly pull each end apart opening the bracelet like the letter C or do I gingerly spread the ends apart, pulling one end towards me and the other end away from me? Help! Thanks! :-)
Caroline Goddard July 6, 2015
Hi Margherite- thanks for your question, and I apologize for the slow reply! BJ, the jeweler feature here, taught me to scrunch all four fingers into a point, and then lay my thumb right down the middle of the hand, which make the hand as narrow as possible. Then gently guide the bangle over, with the gap (if it has one) over the palm. If it’s a tight fit, just patiently work your hands through, but don’t pull the two ends apart, as this will create a stress point in the metal that will eventually snap. If you need to adjust the size of the bangle, or it gets bent out of shape for some reason, it’s always best to take it to a jeweler to be reshaped, as they can do this without creating weak points in the metal. Hope that helps, and thanks for reading! -Caroline
Ashley February 6, 2017
Thanks for this article. I will be sending it to my Aunts. I live in Canada and my Grandma had gold and silver bangles made by a jeweller here when she was younger. She passed away a few weeks ago and her funeral was on the weekend. I inherited one of the bangles, my aunts and mother got others. It is nice to have this daily reminder of her always within view. Thanks for this story. We’re Jamaican. I remember getting little tiny ones as a baby. Good to know how to take it on and off.
Caroline Goddard April 25, 2017
Ashley, I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your story with me. What a precious thing to hold on to!
Deb November 6, 2017
Loved this story about family heirlooms and tracing their origins!
R February 26, 2019
Hello, i just ran across this reading material and I am so happy to have done so. However, I really would like to know where in the USA can I buy these sterling silver bracelets? I saw in the reading someone in Brooklyn, NY. now are the bracelet solid through out or is it hollow inside?
Caroline Goddard November 19, 2019
They are solid throughout, and are made in Antigua, West Indies. Get in touch with the shop, though, I think they will take international orders!
Sally Paton March 25, 2019
Love this shop got my first bracelets there when I was a young girl and have continued to buy them there the last 30 years. Thanks so much for a great write up.
Caroline Goddard November 19, 2019
Hi Sally! Responding to your nice note a million years late, but thanks so much for sharing your own experience and taking the time to visit!
Grace December 13, 2019
Hi Caroline! I am interested to know if you can post a picture of the bracelet on you, so I can get a better reference of the thickness. Also do you know what the thickness is, because I am very interested in ordering one. I have been in touch with Mr. Bailey but it’s very hard to describe the details without exact measurements to him. I also would like to know if you would be going to that island again, and if so would you ever pick up a bracelet for someone in the states, because it seems Mr. Bailey doesn’t trust the postal services out there too much. Thanks, I’m sorry if I’m asking alot, but I too have been in search of the golden hoop for over 20 years or so.
Caroline Goddard January 10, 2020
Hi Grace! Can you email me at caroline@carolinegoddard.com? I will send you some photos and the measurement information!