A Simple Guide to Choosing Earrings in St. Thomas

Earrings are probably the easiest jewelry purchase to make on a trip, and also somehow the easiest one to overthink. Unlike a necklace or a bracelet, you're going to see them every time you look in the mirror, so it makes sense that people spend a little more time deciding. The good news is that Cardow's earring collection covers a pretty wide range, from small everyday studs to earrings with real diamond weight behind them, so there's usually a clear answer once you know what you're actually looking for.

Instead of just listing everything out, it helps to think about earrings in terms of how you'll actually wear them. Here's a simple way to break it down.

If You Want Something You'll Wear Every Single Day

Not every earring needs to be an occasion piece. A lot of people come to St. Thomas looking for something small and simple that they can put on in the morning and forget about, in a good way.

• The 14K Gold Wave Diamond Stud Earrings are a good example of this. They're small, only about 4mm, with a subtle wave shape and 0.10 carats of diamonds worked in. They're designed around the shape of the St. Thomas sea, so there's a nice bit of meaning behind them, but they're understated enough to wear with anything.

• The 14k Gucci Style Studs are another strong option here. They're solid 14K yellow gold with the puffed mariner link design that St. Thomas is genuinely known for, finished with a high polish shine. They're the kind of earring that works for a beach day and also works with a nicer outfit later that night, which is honestly the whole point of a good everyday stud.

If You're Shopping for a Gift or a Keepsake

Sometimes the earrings aren't for you, or they're for the version of you that wants a reminder of the trip years down the line.

• The 14K Gold Caneel Petroglyph Diamond Studs stand out here because of the story attached to them. They're based on the actual ancient petroglyphs found at Caneel Bay in St. John, so they're not just a pretty design, they're tied to real island history. They come in a minimalist, wearable form, which makes them an easy gift even for someone who doesn't usually wear a lot of jewelry.

• The Gucci Style Studs mentioned earlier also make a strong gift pick, mostly because they're instantly recognizable as a Virgin Islands piece. If you're looking for something duty free that also says St. Thomas without being loud about it, this is usually the one people land on.

If You Want Something With Real Sparkle for a Special Occasion

Then there's the category for people who came to St. Thomas specifically looking to treat themselves, or who want a piece that's going to get worn for weddings, anniversaries, and the kind of nights that call for real diamonds.

• The 14k White Gold 2.0ct Diamond Solitaire Stud Earrings are the standout here. These are martini set studs with a full 2.0 carats of GVS quality diamonds, certified by IGA, so this isn't a small purchase, it's an investment piece. The setting is built specifically to maximize light and brilliance, which is a fancy way of saying they catch the light every time you move your head. If you want one pair of earrings that's going to outlast every trend, this is the one to look at.

A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Buy

If this is your first time buying gold jewelry on the island, a few things are worth keeping in mind.

• St. Thomas is duty free, so the pricing here is often better than what you'd find for the same quality back on the mainland.

• Diamond earrings, especially the solitaire studs, are usually a better long term value than smaller fashion pieces, since the diamond itself holds its worth.

• If you're buying a gift, pieces with local meaning, like the Caneel petroglyph studs or the Gucci link design, tend to land better than something generic, since they actually connect to where you were.

• Studs are almost always the safer bet for gifting, since sizing and fit are less of a concern than with rings or bracelets.

So Which Pair Should You Actually Get

Honestly it comes down to how often you plan on wearing them. If you want something light and easy for daily life, the wave studs or the Gucci studs make the most sense. If you're shopping for someone else, or want a keepsake with real meaning, the petroglyph studs are hard to beat. And if you're in the mood to treat yourself to something with actual weight and sparkle, the diamond solitaire studs are worth the splurge.

Cardow has been the go to name for 14k gold jewelry in the Virgin Islands since 1954, and the earring collection reflects that same mix of local design and real craftsmanship you'll find across the rest of the store. You can browse the full earring collection online before you visit, or stop by one of the St. Thomas locations to try a few pairs on and see what actually catches your eye in person.