Our Story

In 2012 I made my first pair of earrings from a blouse belonging to my beloved late grandmother. After this first piece came many more, and what started as a hobby was fully registered as Fortyfour Miles in 2017, when it became a full time career for me.

The name “Fortyfour Miles” pays homage to the Black River, which runs for 44 miles before emptying into the Caribbean Sea in my home town. Fortyfour Miles values family and community, and is currently operated from my home in Black River, Jamaica, where I set up a fully operational workshop in my grandmother’s old bedroom.

When I started jewellery-making, I had no idea of the part it played in the history of my family. I later learnt that my great-great-grandfather had been a jeweller and metalsmith right here in Black River, where my own jewellery business was founded. It seems that things have come full circle, and I’m proud to be a part of that legacy.

I’m mainly self-taught and I draw inspiration from everything around me, from my life experiences, and heavily from the natural environment. I think it’s important that every piece I release is something I can be proud of. I use my intuition and the materials that catch my eye to create pieces of jewellery that are aimed at bringing my customers joy.

Thanks for visiting. Come again soon.

Love,

Courtney