My love of jewelry began during a ’ metals class  I took at Warren Wilson College back in the late 90s. The idea of transforming metal into wearable pieces inspired me and I wanted to learn more! I attended a 10-day workshop at the well-known Penland Craft School in western North Carolina. Fast forward a couple of years, working and studying in NYC at Studio Jewelers, a studio school in midtown Manhattan. It was fate that I ended up in the same class as my now-husband, who traveled all the way from Barbados to study diamond setting and jewelry design. I learned that Ricky came from a family of jewelers and was a very talented jeweler who learned the trade from his father at the well-known Lazare's Jewelry located in the heart of the capital city, Bridgetown, Barbados.

After we finished our courses and received our certifications, we moved to Barbados, where we worked in the family jewelry business. I was a full-time entrepreneur, working and selling my earrings and designs at farmers’ markets and craft fairs around the island; thus, the name Island Girl Jewelry was born! Several years later, we moved to my hometown in Vermont, to raise our two boys. In 2019, we opened our brick-and-mortar store and workshop. We are dedicated to making beautiful, handmade jewelry that can be worn for years to come.   Thanks for reading and wearing Island Girl. Audrey & Ricky