Crucian Gold

Forty years ago Brian Bishop started to make jewelry inspired by his love of the sea, tying sailing knots out of precious metals and selling them out of a mahogany box. Now the Crucian Knot is the signature design at his family’s Strand Street, Christiansted boutique and studio, where more than 20 designs (I’m partial to the Butterfly collection) are inspired by the U.S. Virgin’s unique history, culture and natural environment. Brian’s son Nathan and Nathan’s wife Therese now manage the store, which is also one of the best places to have pieces of chaney (the colonial-era Danish pottery shards found all over the island) transformed into jewelry. Silver stacking rings start at just $10; Crucian knot bracelets start at $60; and a burgeoning line of brass designs offers shoppers the look of gold minus the hefty price tag.