St John Chaney

St John Chaney are pottery shards that are found on beaches and grounds of old homesites and sugar mill plantations. They are pieces of Colonial Era Chinese ceramics that were left here by the Danish who occupied the Virgin Islands until 1917, when the US formally took possession of these islands. Chaney is a combination of 'China' and 'money', coined by children who collected the pieces and used them for play money. After hurricanes or by a dedicated hiker or beachcomber, one can still find piles of these shards. They are collector items and have been used to make unique jewelry.

Here paired with a Kyanite cabochon is a perfect example. Set in smooth sterling silver and adorned with an ornate sterling bail. Please see below for a size reference.