Imagine having a connection with a complete stranger thanks to a single piece of jewelry. It’s no surprise to meet a person at the airport or in passing at the supermarket and strike up a conversation based on a distinctive handmade bracelet securely clasped on your wrist. This is what the infamous Crucian Hook Bracelet has done for almost sixty years!
This band-style bracelet was created in 1964 by Sonya Hough and features a horseshoe-shaped clasp that resembles a hook. The story behind the Crucian Hook Bracelet is one that symbolizes true love. It is said that if the bracelet is worn with the hook opening pointing towards your heart, it means that your heart is taken. If the hook opening is worn away from your heart, it symbolizes that your heart is open and available to find true love. Each Crucian Hook Bracelet is made by hand, ensuring that no two bracelets will ever be exactly the same.
Purchasing one of these iconic pieces while on St. Croix ushers you in as a member of a big global Crucian family. Wherever you happen to go in the world, seeing someone wearing one of these bracelets means they fall into one of three categories where the person is either: 1) from St. Croix, 2) live or lived on St. Croix or 3) visited and fell in love with St. Croix.
If bracelets aren’t your thing, not to worry as you can show your Crucian love with this same hook in a different form. Today you can find the hook cast into various jewelry pieces like rings, earrings and pendants. There’s no doubt that you will visit St. Croix and leave with a host of memories that will remind you of the love you have for our island gem. Be sure to leave with a Crucian Hook Bracelet as a physical souvenir of your time here and a perfect reminder that you need to return soon.
Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
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