Congratulations on receiving your hook bracelet. My daughter and I also got hook bracelets. Mine comes from Freebird on STJ. The brochure that came with it just mentions that it stands for unity and love among the Caribbean islands. Somewhere along the way I got the impression that Sonya on STX was the originator. There has always been a lot of discussion on the origin and symbol of the bracelet. Maybe someone can fill us in on the story.

Mine comes from Coral Bay Jewelry. Tom of CBJ explained to me it's a design from the 50s. It is, at least the one with the 'C', a Cartier bracelet. He said it came to St. Croix when he lived there about 15 years ago from California, by way of New York. At that time everyone started making them. Brian Bishop claims he is the originator if the Crucian braclest which has a knot, not a hook or 'C'. Sonya claims she is the originator of the hook, with the 'C'. The argumnet continues and most everyome has one now, so just find the one you like the most and buy it. Quality varies from one jeweler to the other, so it then becomes personal preference! You decide which story you want to believe!
The hook does have some lure significance though. If open side of the 'C' is opened pointing towards the elbow, therefore the heart, you are taken, if open away, towards the wrist, you are single!

RL

Sonya's. STX. End of story'

I seem to remember the story as it being originally a Tiffany design that "inspired" the STX artists. And that this started in the mid-1960s. I think that Sonya has done the best job of placing herself at the origin point in the myth. Many people find that they believe Sonya originated the bracelet, although few could tell how they came to believe that. We're dealing in myth here, not history.

As Ronnie points out, we're all free to choose which bracelet we like and which story we believe. We could even design our own bracelet and write our own story.

Thanks for the info. From another board I was told the ones from STJ have a J hook vice a C looking hook. Mine definetly looks like a J.

Oh well I was hoping it had some 1700 folk lore story. Instead it is just a nice looking bracelet that reminds me of Paradise.

7 days to go......

TomB

Here is a web site that will help with some of your questions and gives you some history regarding the hook bracelet.

(www.caribbeanbraceletcompany.com)

What a great Christmas gift. Enjoy....

I took my 2 daughters to St. Thomas and St. John for their 40th and 35th birthdays.
We had the most fantastic time ever!!! We went in Oct., but had beautiful weather.
This was our first trip to the islands, hopefully, not our last.
My birthday is today, and my daughters gave me a c hook bracelet.
What wonderful memories!!!

I bought my 2 daughters the hook bracelet last year for Christmas. I told the one daughter to ALWAYS wear hers facing the other way!! She has been with her boyfriend for almost 7yrs....& I despise him!! So I told her to wear it that way so she would find someone else!! It hasn't worked so far....still waiting!

Sitter, you are tooo funny. LOL

I bought a J hook ring, rather than a bracelet at Coral Bay Jewelers in Cruz Bay just a few weeks ago when we visited. Yes, we were told that the J symbolized STJ which is what I wanted. I wear it almost daily for the great memories!

According to the Caravan Gallery, Whealan Massicot of St. Croix created the "St. John" hook bracelet which incorporates the "J" for STJ instead of the "C"

There are many designs that I see every year and to each is their own. I love it for the memories and to remind me STJ is not too far off.

Happy New Year

Congrats on your bracelet! I was the last on in my family to get one and i wonder what took me so long. i never take it off.

I can't wait to get mine when we go. I fell in love with them. I got one for my boyfriend for Christmas and he loves it. I think i am getting mine from Caravan.

To answer the question concerning the "hook bracelet" once and for all.

My wife, Sandy Zierdt, made the first one back in 1974-5 with Tony Ayer of Richards & Ayer Real Estate.Together they made several bracelets. Sandy later simplified the hook and still wears that bracelet today 2005.

Now you know.I wish she had copyrighted the design but that's water over the dam.

The greatest form of flattering is to be copied.

Thanks so much

Her work of art reminds all of us of a simpler place

Could you email me a picture? I have heard that their are several different styles and I really would like to get one for my sister who recently visited st j. I would trully appreciate any help. Thank you so much.