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Hook Bracelets
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Teresa_Rae
- Posts: 2053
- Joined: Mon Oct 09, 2006 5:44 pm
- Location: Downstate IL
We just got back from STJ a couple weeks ago. I had decided before our trip that this was going to be the year I finally bought a hook bracelet.
I went to both Freebird and Caravan Gallery (my two favorite STJ stores). Randy at Freebird told me that his version is very durable because the whole thing is made from one piece of metal; he also said that his version was likely to be more expensive than any other version I saw on the island (because of the quality).
When I went to Caravan Gallery the store owner confirmed that her version has the hook soldered on to the bracelet and also said that it was handmade locally. I liked the look of the Caravan Gallery one better but I decided to wait and think about it. The Freebird version was either $30 or $50 more than the Caravan Gallery bracelet (I can’t remember).
Then one night we were at the Lime Inn and talked to the owners’ daughter Chelsea who was home from college for a couple weeks and was bartending that night. She was wearing a hook bracelet that looked like the one I’d seen at Caravan Gallery so I asked her about it.
She told me that she got her hook bracelet at Caravan Gallery because it was the only place on St. John that had the “J” hook bracelets. She said that the ones at Freebird are the St. Croix version. She also said that she absolutely loves Barbara and Randy (the owners of Freebird) and she didn’t want to discourage me from buying from them, but that if I wanted a STJ bracelet Caravan Gallery was the only place I’d be able to get it.
My hook bracelet from Caravan Gallery definitely looks like a “J” hook…the ones at Freebird had hooks that looked like a “C” or “U.”
From the link above it looks like Coral Bay Jewelers is now carrying the “J” version too.
I can tell you that Freebird did not have any “J” versions a couple weeks ago. Here's a link to their site:
http://www.freebirdcreations.com/cahobr.html
And Caravan Gallery's website confirms what Chelsea told me about being the only place you can buy the original St. John hook bracelet:
http://www.caravangallery.com/welcome.html
I went to both Freebird and Caravan Gallery (my two favorite STJ stores). Randy at Freebird told me that his version is very durable because the whole thing is made from one piece of metal; he also said that his version was likely to be more expensive than any other version I saw on the island (because of the quality).
When I went to Caravan Gallery the store owner confirmed that her version has the hook soldered on to the bracelet and also said that it was handmade locally. I liked the look of the Caravan Gallery one better but I decided to wait and think about it. The Freebird version was either $30 or $50 more than the Caravan Gallery bracelet (I can’t remember).
Then one night we were at the Lime Inn and talked to the owners’ daughter Chelsea who was home from college for a couple weeks and was bartending that night. She was wearing a hook bracelet that looked like the one I’d seen at Caravan Gallery so I asked her about it.
She told me that she got her hook bracelet at Caravan Gallery because it was the only place on St. John that had the “J” hook bracelets. She said that the ones at Freebird are the St. Croix version. She also said that she absolutely loves Barbara and Randy (the owners of Freebird) and she didn’t want to discourage me from buying from them, but that if I wanted a STJ bracelet Caravan Gallery was the only place I’d be able to get it.
My hook bracelet from Caravan Gallery definitely looks like a “J” hook…the ones at Freebird had hooks that looked like a “C” or “U.”
From the link above it looks like Coral Bay Jewelers is now carrying the “J” version too.
I can tell you that Freebird did not have any “J” versions a couple weeks ago. Here's a link to their site:
http://www.freebirdcreations.com/cahobr.html
And Caravan Gallery's website confirms what Chelsea told me about being the only place you can buy the original St. John hook bracelet:
http://www.caravangallery.com/welcome.html
Let us live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.
- Mark Twain
- Mark Twain
I was going to tell you that I've had mine almost a year and it looks really great, and then I noticed a teeny tiny bit of tarnish on it, but I'm sure it's my fault. I never really take it off, so I'm sure I got something on it.
My whole point is: while we are on the topic, does anyone know how to get the tarnish off. Mine is all sterling, can I just use silver cleaner? It's just a little spot of black on one edge of it... I had a necklace do this once, and I think it's from something I use to clean my house...
My whole point is: while we are on the topic, does anyone know how to get the tarnish off. Mine is all sterling, can I just use silver cleaner? It's just a little spot of black on one edge of it... I had a necklace do this once, and I think it's from something I use to clean my house...
I bought 3 hook bracelets this past trip at Coral Bay Jewelers. they are the ones with the "J" hook. Putting them away for my twins Xmas present and for sister in law. I shopped around this trip. My favorites were at Caravan and Coral Bay. The reason I decided to go with Coral Bay is that the owner/jeweler makes them. The price was right, too. You can send them back if something happens to them. They really stand behind their product.
BTW...Blue is marvelous store in Wharfside( or is it "Out Of The Blue") Very very unique jewelry. and not too expensive. check it out!
BTW...Blue is marvelous store in Wharfside( or is it "Out Of The Blue") Very very unique jewelry. and not too expensive. check it out!
Weird! I can tell you that Freebird did have the "J" hook over two years ago when I got mine and did have the "J" hook on June 13th (last month) the day we bought one there for the Drama Girl.Teresa_Rae wrote:I can tell you that Freebird did not have any “J” versions a couple weeks ago.
Both times I distinctly remember them having different weights and sizes and both with single and double gold wraps. Mine has a double, her's a single.
Last edited by chrisn on Tue Jul 15, 2008 4:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Chrisn, you're right - here is the link to the Freebird site showing their 'J' hooks:
http://www.freebirdcreations.com/stjojhobr.html
http://www.freebirdcreations.com/stjojhobr.html
NancyB
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Teresa_Rae
- Posts: 2053
- Joined: Mon Oct 09, 2006 5:44 pm
- Location: Downstate IL
Wow, that is a really different look than the Caravan Gallery “J” hook:
Maybe Freebird was out of them when I was there, as Randy didn’t show me any of the “J” hook when I asked to see hook bracelets. I was intending to replace my black coral ring at Freebird but he said he was out of them for the season.
Maybe Freebird was out of them when I was there, as Randy didn’t show me any of the “J” hook when I asked to see hook bracelets. I was intending to replace my black coral ring at Freebird but he said he was out of them for the season.
Let us live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.
- Mark Twain
- Mark Twain
Wow! I just came in and found all these answers. Guess I should have asked this a lot earlier. They're all beautiful, and it's going to be hard to pick just one. 
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for your help.
When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Kentucky, because everything there happens 20 years after it happens anywhere else. – Mark Twain
LuLu76 - It looks so shiny and pretty on your dainty little wrist. Thanks for the pic!Lulu76 wrote:This is my bracelet. Pretend that it's not tarnished and my arms aren't fat, please...
If others would like to show off their hook, I'd love to see more pictures.
Mmmmmm.......hook pictures......mmmmmmm!
When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Kentucky, because everything there happens 20 years after it happens anywhere else. – Mark Twain
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silverheels
- Posts: 890
- Joined: Thu Aug 10, 2006 10:18 am
- Location: The Nutmeg State
Mine comes from Freebird. It's gold and does not tarnish. They come in all weights and sizes. When my husband bought mine I thought it was too small and when I went back to Freebird the owner could have sold me one that was about $75 dollars more but she said the size that I had was perfect. We've bought most of our STJ jewelry at Freebird. Although I have earrings and a ring from Patten that are amongst my favorite pieces of jewelry.
I heartily recommend Freebird.
I heartily recommend Freebird.
I got mine and others as gifts form Coral Bay Jewelers as well. Whenever I visit the store, Tom will take it and clean it for me for free. If you have time, ask him about the story as to how it originated. You will then find out the story.
Don't know how that bartender can say that Caravan's is the only one made in St John, unless Tom makes them, as he is right there in his shop all day with telltale black fingertips from the jewelry work.
Don't know how that bartender can say that Caravan's is the only one made in St John, unless Tom makes them, as he is right there in his shop all day with telltale black fingertips from the jewelry work.
RL 
I wear two different styles, both at the same time, and I'm looking to get a third, a shakle one, in December. I love them, and people comment on them all the time.
Just wondering if all of you who wear hooks know, that is you unhook the bracelet, before going thru airport security, you won't make the metal buzzer go. (unless you have something else metal on).
When my husband first got his, a security guard in the airport told him he doesn't have to take it off, just unhook it. Try it, it works, I've tested it!!!!
Sydney
Just wondering if all of you who wear hooks know, that is you unhook the bracelet, before going thru airport security, you won't make the metal buzzer go. (unless you have something else metal on).
When my husband first got his, a security guard in the airport told him he doesn't have to take it off, just unhook it. Try it, it works, I've tested it!!!!
Sydney