FantaSea Jewelry St. Croix Blog

Lessons Learned Living on an Island

August 17, 2022

Island life is absolutely incredible, and as someone living in the Caribbean now for nearly 3 decades, I can absolutely say that it is nothing like what you think, but if you “get it” it is a really beautiful way of life. It’s not all sunshine, beach days and coconuts, since most of us here work for a living, but sometimes, that’s exactly what it is.

Bringing Art and Beauty Into the World

March 14, 2022

I believe it is our mission and calling as artists to bring more beauty into the world. Art in all its forms, and in everything we do. Creativity isn’t limited to only the tangible, physical forms of art, it also runs through everything in our lives. How we interact with the world is an art form, and that is the best way any of us can bring beauty into the world on a daily basis.

Self Love is Here to Stay

February 05, 2022

Jewelry ties us to moments, to memories. Realizing that I created the first self love ring 5 years ago brings back all sorts of memories for me. I made the ring for myself after I had just ended a long relationship and wanted something to replace my engagement ring on my left ring finger. I wasn’t ready to open my heart again at that time, so this ring served as a promise ring to myself, a promise to take time to put myself first and focus on self love.

When You Buy From a Small Business an Actual Person Does a Little Happy Dance

November 27, 2021

"When you buy from a small business, an actual person does a little happy dance!"

Small Business Saturday gives me the opportunity to look back on the year, and this has been a big year for my business! Moving into a new, larger space and expanding my offerings from jewelry to art has been a wonderful evolution. I can't wait to see what the next year has in store!

Gratitude Giveaway and Challenge!

October 27, 2021

The Gratitude Giveaway is another way for me to share what I do, and bring more beauty, joy, and positivity into the world. Goodness, kindness, and gratitude really are infectious, and I'm doing my part to start that ripple effect! Let's keep it going…

St. Croix in September: Five Things I Learned

October 08, 2021

The experience of St. Croix cannot possibly be summed up in only 5 things. There are many other wonderful activities that deserve honorable mention here! There’s also great hiking, shopping, dinners, brunch, sunrises, diving, snorkeling, zip lining, parasailing, locally distilled rum and vodka, local beer and so much more!

What is a Rose Cut Gemstone?

September 02, 2021

What is a rose cut gemstone and what is a cabochon gemstone? You may have heard both of these terms used in jewelry. These refer to the cutting style of a polished gem. One of the 4 "C"s of diamond value: cut refers to not only the cutting style, but the cut quality as well, and just like in diamonds, colored stones are cut in many different ways.

Nicole Gariepy of FantaSea Jewelry - Meet the Maker

June 05, 2021 2 Comments

Instagram says March is meet the maker month, but I’m declaring June meet the maker month here at FantaSea Jewelry! I break the rules sometimes - it’s an artist thing - or at least that’s my excuse! That’s one of the beautiful things about being a creative, we get to break the rules, and we are often celebrated for it.

New Location for FantaSea Jewelry

March 18, 2021

FantaSea Jewelry has found a new home! After 3-1/2 years in my quaint King Street Studio, it’s time to move onto bigger and better!

With our grand re-opening on Art Thursday, March 18th, we’re celebrating the relocation and expansion of the FantaSea Jewelry Studio and Gallery at #55 Company Street in Christiansted.

Saturday Mornings In Christiansted, St. Croix

February 20, 2021 2 Comments

Mornings on St. Croix look like beautiful pastel sunrises, sometimes with fiery highlights, and they sound like gentle ocean waves and birds greeting the new day. I love getting into Christiansted early on Saturday mornings and taking in the sleepy vibe of our historic downtown streets. Danish arches cast shadows on cobblestone sidewalks and nature creeps through cracks in old staircases and around old structures.

Which Way Are You Supposed to Wear a Ring?

July 17, 2020 1 Comment

Which way are you supposed to wear a ring? Which way does this ring go? I get asked these questions all the time, especially because so many of my ring designs are asymmetrical. The answer I always give is, “rings are for YOU! You should wear them however YOU want!”

St. Croix: A Vibe Like No Other

February 17, 2020 4 Comments

St. Croix is absolutely a “vibe like no other” and what makes this the extraordinary place it is, is definitely the people.

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