|
Welcome
to Caravan Gallery!
In her travels, Caravan's owner Radha personally selects
this diverse collection of jewelry and artifacts. The gallery carries
classic sterling and gold jewelry, some with unusual gemstones including
rare Caribbean larimar, ocean jasper, drusy; traditional Tibetan jewelry,
pearls, and the latest in fun fashion styles. And Caravan Gallery
is the only place to buy the original St. John
Hook Bracelet. Click the navigation bars for detailed information
on ordering these popular bracelets.
This vast jewelry collection is mingled with an impressive array of
carefully chosen artifacts from around the world, including authentic
African masks, Chinese antiques, Balinese Buddha carvings . . . just
an amazing variety in all sizes and price ranges.
Caravan Gallery is fortunate to be located in Mongoose
Junction, a labyrinth of beautiful stone buildings, brick courtyards
and fine shops in Cruz Bay, St. John, at the entrance to the exquisitely
beautiful Virgin Islands National Park. Visit once, and you'll most
likely come back to St. John and Caravan Gallery again and again.
A Note From Radha
Our customers often ask me how I came to be here on St. John, with
this unique business. Here are answers to some of the most frequently
asked questions.
FAQ
How did you come to live on St. John?
Radha: My good friend, Lynne, discovered St. John and
purchased land here in 1982. Together we drove cross country in her
10 year old Datsun truck, shipped it down, and I planned to stay only
4 months on St. John. That was over 20 years ago and I've lived here
ever since! The soft tropical air, friendly yet exotic atmosphere,
and gorgeous views protected by the National Park were irresistible,
and St. John has been my home for over 20 years now.
What gave you the idea to start such an unusual collection of jewelry
and artifacts?
Radha:First, I credit my mother, who traveled any chance she
got, and always collected beautiful things along the way. But in many
ways the pivotal experience was when my family sponsored a foreign
exchange student during my junior year in high school. Nimet came
from Turkey, and opened a whole new world to me.
She was the very first foreign student in our small town, and she
brought Turkish silver filigree jewelry, traditional clothing, a prayer
rug, and introduced me to the AFS philosophy "walk together,
talk together". I learned respect for people who are different,
and to appreciate a wide variety of beautiful objects, as I began
to travel the world myself. Nimet truly became part of my family,
and I still visit Turkey regularly -often buying with her help treasures
I might never find on my own.
And I can't forget Glen, my talented, hard-working husband,
who designed and built the elegant stone buildings and brick courtyards
of Mongoose Junction.
It was originally his idea, in 1990, to have some kind of a retail
business of our own, and his support has helped make Caravan the success
it has become.
Where do you find all these wonderful things?
Radha:As I write this, we have items from at least 300 different
sources in the gallery!
I love to travel overseas to buy for Caravan, and make about one trip
each year, collecting trinkets and treasures I know will delight my
customers. In addition, I have many contacts with people who are native
to the countries where they buy, and I visit their warehouses or meet
them at trade shows, where I and my staff personally select each piece
we sell in the gallery. We also support several local artists, including
Whealan Massicott, who makes the most popular item in Caravan - "St.
John Hook bracelet" ours exclusively!
I always search for authenticity, beauty and value when I shop, and
I loved it when Lucky magazine reviewed us... "Your
friends will think you spent way more than you did at Caravan!".
What is the best way to visit St. John?
The best way to visit St. John is to rent a villa for a week. It is less expensive than the hotels and allows you to enjoy the island like a local. We recommend Catered To Vacation Homes who have been renting private villas for more than twenty five years and are located here on St. John.
|
|
|
