I guess you're going to be on a cruise? As far as STT is concerned, no dedicated bead shops here to the best of my knowledge, A "party" shop in Vitraco Mall but their beads are imported from China and Taiwan.

Sorry not to be of help. "Jumbie beads" used to proliferate here and were sold woven into purses and necklaces but then some bureaucratic brain surgeon decided they were poisonous to babies sucking on them. so that little industry went down the tubes. Land development also took its toll. The jumbie beads are a by-product of a local weed and are black with red speckles.

Ronnie, any thoughts?

You may find beads at Gem Casa in Royal Dane Mall. I know he used to have unstrung strings of natural stone beads a few years ago (none of them indigenous to St Thomas). I don't think St Marten has any bead stores, either.

You might ask at some of the stores that sell larimar if they have any larimar beads. I have seen a very few in some store, but can't remember when or where.

The lignum vitae tree sprouts red seeds that could be used as beads (this may be the jumbie bead/seed). I can't remember when they drop, but if you see red, round seeds on the ground, feel free to pick them up and use them as beads. Lignum vitate trees are in Emancipation Garden in town.

What about incorporating seaglass with your beads? If you visit a rocky beach (those aren't really popular with tourists, though), you may find some glass you can use. That would be your best bet for handcrafted, island jewelry.

AESoSC,

If you follow this link you will find a posting from the Relocation Message Board. http://www.vimovingcenter.com/talk/read.php?5,71762 The poster is advertising for a salesperson and mentions "We sell handblown art glass, handmade beaded jewelry and handmade beads. If you have an interest in funky jewelry or if you are a beader yourself, this is the perfect job for you! " You may want to send her a private message or e-mail to find the name and location of her shop.

Gerie

Oh, I know what shop that is - it's Laska Beads in Royal Dane Mall! I think I've been in there just once, so it's not on my radar. They do have funky beads! They actually have 2 stores - Laska Beads and Laska which sells other glass items like stemware, both in Royal Dane Mall. You should definitely check them out, though it's not really a Caribbean store.

I find my seaglass on John Brewer's beach on STT - far right side as the beach extends into the grassy area. Never thought of making it into jewelry 🙂

We actually do have a bead shop in STT !!! Laska Beads & Jewelry in Royal Dane Mall- I think someone just mentioned our 2 stores. We specialize in handmade glass beads - some very unique beads - but also have a large assortment of Czech glass beads, vintage beads, pendants, dichroic glass. For a preview you can check out our website at www.mybeading.com.

Royal Dane Mall is an outdoor historic shopping area between Waterfront and Main Street. If you look for Beans, Bytes & Websites ( a great coffee cafe) we are right up the alley from them.

Please check us out when you are visiting! If you have any questions you can PM me.

Thanks!
Stacey Vergilis-Lustig
Laska Beads & Jewelry

THank you!! Every year, my husband and I take cruises or travel and I always "look" for little shops with beads when I arrive, and this year thought it might be more successful to actual plan out the trip to any bead shops! I will definitley be seeing you in two weeks! I think we arrive on a Tuesday or Wednesday, so I will certainly be stopping in! If you are curious of the style of my work, please check me out! www.silvermoonglass.com, thank you again SOOO much!

*note to self: open a V.I. bead shop on retirement*