Cardow Jewelers, the oldest single-family- run jewelry house in the Caribbean, is proud to announce the launch of the Cardow Collective, a groundbreaking new chapter in its 70-year history. Housed within its iconic Main Street location—a historic 18th-century building—the Collective brings together renowned jewelry manufacturing houses from the Middle East, India, and Italy alongside the most celebrated artisans of the Virgin Islands, creating an unparalleled global marketplace in the heart of the Caribbean.
For generations, visitors to St. Thomas have been greeted by the 300-year-old cannon standing guard at the entrance of Cardow Jewelers, a remnant of Charlotte Amalie’s past as an active naval port. The building itself, dating back to the 1700s, once served as a bustling warehouse for rum, sugarcane, and coal. Today, that history is honored through the Old Barrel House, where guests can embark on a rum tour through history and taste curated Caribbean rums. It is within this story setting that the Cardow Collective writes the next chapter of the family’s legacy.
The Cardow Collective is more than a collection of jewelry; it is a curated experience that connects customers with master artisans and their work. By creating direct partnerships with manufacturing houses and individual craftspeople, the Collective offers an unprecedented opportunity to explore diverse designs and techniques from international masters, displayed alongside the exquisite craftsmanship of the Virgin Islands’ own top artisans. This unique model creates intimate connections between creator and collector, enriching the shopping experience with authentic stories of heritage and artistry from around the world.
"The Cardow Collective is the culmination of a dream to bring the world of jewelry to St. Thomas in a way that has never been done before," says Carolina de Lyrot of the Cardow family. "Our family has been part of the fabric of this island for decades. While we cherish our heritage, symbolized by icons like the Virgin Islands hook bracelet, we are also passionate about innovation. The Collective allows us to honor our roots while embracing a global perspective, creating a space where the best of the world’s artisans and our beloved local talent can shine together."
Cardow Jewelers has long been synonymous with the famous Virgin Islands hook bracelet, an unspoken symbol of connection for those who have lived in or visited the islands. The launch of the Cardow Collective builds on this legacy of meaningful connection, inviting visitors to discover new traditions and find pieces that tell a personal story.
Visitors are invited to explore the Cardow Collective at the Cardow Jewelers flagship store on Main Street, Charlotte Amalie. Experience a journey through history, craftsmanship, and global culture, all under one historic roof.
About Cardow Jewelers: Founded in the 1950s, Cardow Jewelers is among the oldest and largest single-family-run jewelry houses in the Caribbean. With its flagship store located in a historic building on Main Street, St. Thomas, Cardow has built a legacy on trust, quality, and a deep connection to the Virgin Islands community, offering a vast selection of fine jewelry, watches, and its world-famous hook bracelets.
About the Cardow Collective: The Cardow Collective is a unique retail concept by Cardow Jewelers that brings together leading jewelry manufacturing houses from around the world and the finest artisans of the Virgin Islands. By providing a direct-to-customer experience, the Collective offers a diverse and authentic selection of handcrafted jewelry in a historic and immersive setting.