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 is outgrown. Each ib designs West Indian Bangle is handmade by local artisans right here in St. Croix. These are the finest available, and each one is subtly unique. Read the full history on our Feel Good Blog.