West Indian Bangles

From a tool of oppression to a symbol of joy — this is one of the most extraordinary stories in Caribbean jewelry. The West Indian bangle's earliest ancestor, the West African manilla, was once a form of currency and later a symbol of bondage. Through generations of resilience and cultural pride, the people of the Caribbean transformed it entirely into a celebration of prosperity, freedom, and identity. Today it is traditionally worn in stacks, given to newborn babies as a first piece of jewelry, and kept as a family heirloom long after it's outgrown. Each ib designs West Indian Bangle is handmade by local artisans right here in St. Croix — the finest available, each one subtly unique. Read the full history on our Feel Good Blog.