It may be a small group of Islands, but Cayman has its own unique stone, Caymanite, which is found nowhere else in the world. This unique stone reflects the same variety found in Cayman, with colours ranging from a light cream all the way through intense deep reds to black, often all in one piece of Caymanite.

 When looking at Caymanite in its natural weathered state, it is hard to believe that it could ever be transformed into a piece of jewellery, yet local artists have been doing just that.

 “We’ve really embraced things that not only are beautiful but are indigenous only to the Cayman Islands. You can’t find this anywhere else than Cayman Brac or Grand Cayman, and what a great way to develop a line that speaks to the exclusivity and how special and unique Cayman is than through a piece of material where this is the only place on earth you can find it,” says Marsha Bryant of Island Companies.

 “We’ve spent quite a bit of time and resources collaborating with local manufacturers and designers to create fine jewellery pieces – necklaces, earrings, rings, cufflinks, you name it – men’s and ladies’ jewellery alike – that will mean something to whoever receives that item.”
The creation of fine jewellery is key to the company’s approach to using Caymanite, and rather than creating trinkets that are of limited appeal, the aim is to create jewellery pieces to suit every occasion.

 “There is a lot of imagination on this island, and it really just is a case of finding the right look and hooking up with the right designer who has the capability to manufacture quality product. It’s either going to be set in sterling silver or 14 or 18 carat gold, depending on what the item is,” says Marsha.

 Among all the Caribbean islands, Cayman is truly unique, and this uniqueness is reflected in every piece of Caymanite.

 “Each and every stone is unique. They range in the colouring from soft colours to brown to black to rust – just amazing. It is very special,” says Jacqueline Vidibor, who is the in house Caymanite expert for Islands Companies.

 The range of jewellery that can be created from Caymanite is vast and the stone can be crafted into fine jewellery the like of which is hard to imagine even when one is familiar with Caymanite.

 “We make a lot of pendants, earrings, there are some bracelets being made, while in the men’s arena we have quite a few cufflinks as well as larger pendant pieces that would be more appropriate for a man. There are rings out there, but one of the things about Caymanite is it is not as hard a diamond so we are very particular about the types of mountings we will set it in. We want to be sure it will be enjoyed for many years to come,” says Marsha.

 According to Marsha a piece of Caymanite jewellery is especially suited as a going away present for someone leaving the Cayman Islands, as it is as unique reminder of time spent here. Of course it is also great for the regular traveller who would also like to carry a piece of home with them. Yet the beauty of the stone makes it much more than just a sentimental purchase.

 As Caymanite is unique to the Cayman Islands, it has not been corralled into only one store at Island Companies.

 “We have our largest assortment of Caymanite over at our Island Treasures store in Island Plaza. They have the largest mixture of men’s and ladies jewellery that is perfect for self purchasers and gift giving alike. Also at our Flagship Store there is a very nice assortment of Caymanite.” WH