She sells seashells
Island girl
Island girl /ˈīlənd ɡərl / (noun) a carefree spirit who loves her island and everything on it.
If you've ever lived on a tropical island you'll understand what it feels like to see the golden rays of a setting sun dance across the water. Time slows to the gentle sway of the palm trees and you sense that steady, rhythmic pulse of genuine bliss. It's a calming feeling, playful and seductive in a very special way. Not dissimilar to the mermaid's call, one that is beautiful, intoxicating and impossible to ignore. And if you've ever lived on a tropical island, you'll know that these subtle, ethereal qualities are ones that stay with you a lifetime, and like essence, they become part of who you are.
This is what we discovered when we met Gemma Critchley, designer and founder of Cabinet Jewellery. Raised in the Caribbean, Gemma spent much of her childhood exploring deserted sandy shores and it is here that her fascination with the ever-changing landscape both above and below the water took hold. “There are so many wonders unearthed after a blustery day that although may not be gold or gemstones, I would certainly call treasures,” says Gemma.
Featured in Vogue, Tatler and Elle and creating exclusive collections for Swarovski, Paul Smith, Anthropologie and HP France, Cabinet Jewellery is known for intricate pieces that reflect both cultural and natural beauty, echoing a carefree style and confident spirit.
From one island to another
As we channel our love for the ocean and dream of our next adventure, we sit down with the captivating Miss Critchley to learn a little bit more about the person behind the brand that's taking the jewelry world by storm and why the mermaid's call never really leaves your soul.
The Beach (TB) Cabinet Jewellery is a unique name. How did it come about?
Gemma Critchley (GC) Cabinet Jewellery has been a natural evolution of my passion for collection and curating. I named Cabinet Jewellery after the curiosity cabinets that I began to fill and the new ones I would come across while scouring antique shops, flea markets, and reclamation yards. The name represents a continuous quest for reinvention and a fondness for objects that have stood the test of time.
TB You grew up in Grand Cayman but where do you live today?
GC I currently live in a house in Devon, next to our little studio a short walk away.
TB What are you reading?
GC I'm working my way through my archive of Condé Nast traveller magazines. I have also recently discovered Design Anthology which is a visual delight if you like interiors and design.
TB What are you watching?
GC I have just started a new series on Amazon Prime called Little Fires Everywhere. I also recently finished Ozark which was a good watch and pretty intense.
TB What’s your exercise routine?
GC I alternate between ballet fitness Zoom classes and just taking myself off to explore the countryside with my fluffy buddy Dayna, an American Cocker Spaniel.
TB What does a typical day look like for you?
GC I usually go for an early morning walk, with coffee in hand, down to the river Exe which winds its way through the fields just behind our cottage. It's always really peaceful and a great place to think and plan your day. I then grab some breakfast and head to the studio. It's in a beautiful old barn conversion with a private courtyard. My colleague and I have a quick Skype call to discuss our plans and goals (as she is working remotely) and then we get going on all sorts of jobs from packing up orders and FaceTiming clients to working on commissions and planning visual material for the website and social media.
TB You spent your formative years exploring every inch of the Cayman Islands. Where is your favourite spot?
GC I would have to say South Sound. It holds so many special memories. This particular stretch of coastline has been present throughout my life. From adventures as a kid to gathering inspiration for designs and photoshoots, and even getting married under the seagrape trees - it’s always going to hold a special place in my heart.
TB When you're not exploring the magical coastlines of the Caribbean, where can we find you?
GC The Salcombe estuary in Devon is such a beautiful place and I go there for peace, quiet and clear blue water. We usually find a spot to drop our kayaks into the river and paddle our way down to the mouth of the estuary where there are a number of little beaches that you can only reach by boat.
TB What are you most grateful for?
GC I'm truly grateful that we live in the countryside, for modern technology so that we can keep in contact with all our friends and family, and for all the positive and uplifting stories that have been shared over these past months to keep spirits high throughout this uncertain time. We have a great sense of community in our village and everyone looks out for each other. Simple acts of kindness make such a difference so I'm grateful to be in a place where people care about one another.
TB Now that WFH is an actual thing, what is your daily uniform?
GC I'm obsessed with Innika Choo and have a couple of her voluminous tops that are super comfy and really fun designs. I tend to throw one of these on with some wide leg trousers and one of our hair scrunchies that we make in the studio using antique indian block printed cotton. And some Cabinet Jewellery, of course.
TB What is the first place you’ll go when we can travel freely again?
GC I would like to think it would be the Cayman Islands as I would love to see our friends again, to swim in the sea, eat a warm mango in the shallows and perhaps a dreamy visit to Botanica Union for a holistic treatment.
Cabinet Jewellery is available from The Mercantile Grand Cayman as well as select stockists in Barcelona, Dubai, Istanbul, London, Madrid, New York, Ontario, Paris, Sydney and Tokyo. Commissions and custom designs are also available.
Photography by chloeuptonstudio.com
