For many years my husband and I have had an affection for St John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The turquoise clear waters, white sand, star-filled night skies and endless blooming flowers are a constant source of inspiration and replenishment whenever we are lucky enough to visit our property there, www.bluetang.vi. Frank also writes a weekly free on-line newsletter, www.newsofstjohn.com, about the island.
This collection is dedicated to the folks, places and events that make St John such a special place.
Mocko Jumbie
A 17-inch choker style necklace in purples and glowing copper. The focal bead is a ruffled dichroic glass bead, surrounded by
8 handmade "beaded beads", each with 50 seed beads and Swarovski
crystal. Two more dichroic lozenges and 7 Raku triangles complete this
show stopper. With Raku triangle earrings (specify pierced or clip).
THE SET: $175.00 (Click on the photos to see more detail.)
During Carnival on St. John (which lasts for one a month during June up 'til July 4th) you will see Mocko Jumbies swaying through downtown Cruz Bay. They're very talented folks walking on stilts and dressed in brightly colored garments and ruffled shirts. For some great photos visit http://st-thomas.com/jumbies/Photo_Page.htm
Coral Reef
17-inches of Chinese red coral branches, both large and small, sterling silver globes and a heavy sterling toggle clasp set from Arizona tops off this sure-fire attention-getter. Earrings are 1-1/2 inch long matching branches with sterling earwires. THE SET: $185.00
Coral reefs can be explored at many of the St John beaches. The
Underwater Trail Hike at Trunk Bay is a world famous attraction.
Underwater signs point to coral formations and illustrate the many
types of fish you will see. (Click on the photos to see more detail.)
Fish Gotta Swim
Brilliant turquoise and chartreuse tiny beads make up this 24-inch long 8-strand braided necklace. The stunning focal bead by Velma Dallas of Colorado has azure fish swimming in a crystal sea. Topped off by a gorgeous aquamarine clasp and sterling cones. With matching chandelier earrings. THE SET: $200 (Click on the photos to see more detail.)
Beach Weddings on St John have become a lovely tradition. Our house overlooks Great Cruz Bay and the Westin Hotel where a wedding on the beach seems to occur every other evening. The wedding couple stands barefoot in the sand under a white gazebo with assembled guests nearby. Very romantic, and you can honeymoon right there! Starry Nights: 24-inch necklace of gorgeous "stick" cultured pearls with a Raku flower closure meant to be worn on the side. An oil slick of colors: lavender, copper, silver, teal, turquoise, mauve. Matching earrings are layered "sticks" just as the necklace with two tiny sterling ball dangles.
Wedding on Beach
A very special piece, made to be worn several ways. Wear a full strand of the pearls by itself (32 cultured "coin" pearls, 23-inch long with vintage Lucite flower closure on the side) and wear the fantasy bracelet separately. The bracelet is comprised of scores of vintage beads, Lucite sea horses, starfish, shells, flowers, Bali silver, sand dollars and threaded with small silver, crystal and white seed beads. Or wear the pearls and bracelet connected, a large Lucite flower on each side for a 31-inch long stunning necklace. With long drop/wireworked earrings (please specify pierced or clip). THE SET: $225 (Click on the photos to see more detail.)
Stargazers on St John are truly in paradise. Each night thousands of stars and constellations twinkle in the sky.
Coral Bay
A 19-inch long, 8-stranded necklace especially for lovers of the color peach. Each strand is individually strung in graduated colors from pale peach, to caramel to antique rose. Studded throughout with Swarovski crystal in caramel, too. The focal bead is dichroic glass by Velma Dallas of Colorado in luminescent corals and amber. Topped off by a Swarovski-studded clasp. The matching earrings are dichroic and gold-filled dangles. THE SET: $200
First glimpses of Coral Bay on St John are from the narrow winding road hundreds of feet above. Sailboats bob in the picturesque harbor as you make your way down to Skinny Legs bar on the beach where the best hamburgers on the island are served. (Click on the photos to see more detail.)
Green Flash
A short (18-inch) princess style necklace in turquoise, olive and antique gold with a dash of purple. The eye-catching 1-1/2 inch long oval shaped Murano glass bead sits at the base of the neck, and has a surface of crackled gold with teal, olive and turquoise portals glowing in its depths. On either side are16 handmade ruffled "beaded beads" each with 50 seed beads and Swarovski crystal, and separated by turquoise Czech glass balls, topped with 3-stranded turquoise seed bead strands. $175 (Click on the photos to see more detail.)
The Green Flash, always a rare and special sighting on St. John, just at the point on the horizon when the sun goes down and hits the sea. A brilliant green flash will sometimes appear!
