This Story is about Wind Filled Sails and Rolling Seas
Where does inspiration come from? Where do the first sparks of design begin? For Cross’ Trade Wind Collection, the answer begins at sea. It begins with Captain John Henry Drew of Gardiner — born in 1834, the son of a ship’s carver. At just fifteen years old, he went to sea, eventually commanding a succession of clipper ships that sailed from New York City to China and back again during an era when a single voyage could consume more than seventeen months of a man’s life.
Unlike many sailors of his day, Captain Drew did not spend his quiet hours carving scrimshaw or tying sailor’s knots. He read voraciously. Mostly self-educated, he absorbed books, newspaper accounts, and carefully recorded his experiences in beautifully handwritten and illustrated journals. Within those pages, we discover not simply the story of a sea captain, but the inner life of a thoughtful man longing for home, family, purpose, and the hope of “making something of himself.” Across nearly two centuries, his words still feel familiar.
A Man who really Loved Maine
He writes of Maine with unmistakable affection — of apples from home tasting sweeter than any found abroad. He imagines the warm glow from the windows of his family home and pictures loved ones gathered inside while he drifts sails thousands of miles away beneath foreign skies. At times, he even scolds himself for not accomplishing more while he was home. In those moments, Captain Drew feels less like a distant historical figure and more like someone we already know. The story does not end there. The jewelry in the Trade Wind Collection is created by Captain Drew’s great-great-great-grandson, Keith. Like his ancestor before him, Keith also went to sea at the age of eighteen. Serving in the United States Navy, his travels carried him to many of the very same ports once visited by his forebear’s clipper ships.
Why the World Gems Keith collected, Inspired one of the Most Important 21st Century Jewelry Collections
While others pursued more traditional sailor’s pastimes, Keith became fascinated with gemstones and the art of gemology. He studied tirelessly with the dream that one day, after his military service ended, he would return home and become a jeweler. Along his travels, he collected extraordinary gems from around the world. In time, he mastered the art of fine jewelry making, transforming those treasures into designs of remarkable beauty and craftsmanship.
When we first met Keith in March of 2014, we were immediately struck by the elegance of his jewelry. But as we learned more about his family history, we became captivated by something deeper — the remarkable parallels between the journeys of these two men separated by generations, yet connected by the sea, by craftsmanship, and by a restless desire to create something meaningful.
Be Sure to read the Captain’s Journals
The flowing lines of the designs echo wind-filled sails and rolling seas. The rich exotic colors recall distant ports and faraway horizons. The attention to detail — a trait seemingly passed from one generation to the next — speaks to the same care once required to protect a ship, its crew, and its precious cargo across dangerous oceans. Now that same devotion is expressed in precious metals and gemstones, crafted to endure and to bring joy for generations to come. There is a certain feeling one experiences watching a great ship under full sail crossing the horizon — a moment that makes you stop, stare, and quietly say, “Isn’t that beautiful?” That is the feeling this collection was born to capture. We were captivated by this story — and by the jewelry itself. We believe you will be too. Included here are pages from Captain Drew’s journals from the Voyage of the Franklin in 1868. As you read them, take a moment to reflect upon your own journey, the people you love most, and the precious gift of having them nearby.
Thailand
Keith loves Southeast Asia. he loves the people, the food, and the gems. Southeast Asia has an abundance of blue sapphire. Keith goes for 8 weeks every year to sort through thousands of gems to bring home the best of the best.
Two Fascinating Views of Southeast Asia
1. Keith’s yearly expeditions– Personal views of Thailand
2. Keith’s great-great-grandfather’s clipper ship trips to Southeast Asia from the captain’s personal journals
