Note: rachelleb.com is not affiliated with Eden Hand Arts.
Eden Hand Arts, Dennis, Cape Cod
The first time I’d heard of jewelry from Eden is when Jess’s aunt Sally was over saying she had to bring in her daughter Michaela’s bracelet to get a new size. As she spoke about the place I realized what a cult following it has to those who live and frequently visit Cape Cod. And I realized how odd Eden is when she told the story of how she has a pair of earrings and lost one. She went to the store to buy another and they were so particular about them that they wouldn’t sell her the a replacement for the lost earring without seeing the one she still had first. Apparently, the earrings were of fish – herrings – and the eyes face each other, if worn properly. Therefore, they didn’t want to sell her the wrong one and since she didn’t have the other with her, they refused the sale. Picky, some would say, but really they are just very, very strict about what goes out of the shop and how it is worn.
Eden Hand Arts, Dennis, Cape Cod
We were intrigued by Sally’s stories and by stories we heard in the following days. It seemed that all of Jess’s family had jewelry from Eden, or a story at least. Jess even had their “Cape Cod Screwball” bracelet, which is their original and most well-known piece. Julie and I decided we had to see the place. The Eden showroom is actually located in a tiny little cabin in Dennis – kind of hidden away. There’s no parking aside from the driveway of the house next to the cabin. I assume this is the house the owners live in. If you park on the road they’ll come out and tell you to move it or get towed. We barely squeezed into a parking space in the driveway. Next we walked over to the store area and there was a line. Never mind the fact that they’d just opened 10 minutes ago. There was a line already. It didn’t seem long, but since the store is really just a tiny cabin with 2-3 people working in it, and they give individual attention to each person that walks through the door, it actually took a while to make it in.
Eden Hand Arts, Dennis, Cape Cod
Other Eden oddities: You can’t enter the store until you’re asked to come in. They’re only open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and only on four days of the week. Cash and checks only, no credit or debit cards. They won’t mail anything anywhere. You can bring a wrist measurement and buy a bracelet, but you can’t bring a neck measurement and buy a “neck wire,” which I think is a hard, shaped necklace. They must get a lot of people making fakes because they have signs up about how this store is the only place you can buy their merchandise. It’s not in other stores, it’s not online, it’s not called anything else.
Eden Hand Arts, Dennis, Cape Cod
So, when we finally got into Eden, our party – Jess, Julie and I – is taken care of by the sweetest grandmother-ish woman. We were not rushed, hence the line, and she let us look at and try on anything we wanted. There was no pressure to buy, the jewelry sells itself. Eden stands behind the jewelry they make. A woman came in with a broken bracelet and they replaced it. Just like that. They asked her a few lifestyle questions so they could maybe determine how it was damaged, but she was in and out with a completely new bracelet in 10 minutes flat.
Julie’s Eden bracelet and herring ring
Julie’s Eden herring ring
So, what did we get? Jess got a sterling silver Cape Cod open bracelet to be worn with her other sterling silver Cape Cod bracelet, which she had at home. Julie got the classic Cape Cod bracelet (single ball, like the one Jess had at home) in two-tone gold and sterling silver. She also got a sterling silver herring ring. And me? I got the two-toned 16″ necklace and a pair of two-toned earrings. Also, just like everything else, after you’ve been to Eden and bought some things, you start to notice everyone has them. At least everyone on the Cape.
Jessica’s Eden bracelet
Rachelle’s Eden necklace and earrings
How much are the classic bracelets?????
Thanxx
What great pictures Rachel!! I was at Eden purchasing my bracelet on July 16th. What an experience I must say! Unfortunatley, the line to get into the store was over an hour long. I opted to jump out of line and move over to another line for people who knew exactly what they wanted to purchase. Luckily I was in that line for about 15 minutes. I purchased the clasic cape cod screwball bracelet with the gold ball. The price with tax was 115.50. I am off to the cape for another week August 9th and hope to get the large hoop earrings to match. Do you happen to know how mucht those are?
Hi,
Is it worth the trip to Eden?? I love the bracelet-traveled to Vineyard a thousand times just started see them more & more. Someone from CT just told me about Eden & to go there because it’s the original-but, do you know if they are open Friday’s??? Is it worth a day trip from CT?? I guess so-because they are not available online. Thanks for all the helpful info.
kara – i guess you answered your own question. if you really want the bracelet then you have to make the trip!
RachelleB,
I was wondering if there is anyway I can purchase a bracelet besides going to this store????? I live in Illinois so won’t be going to the Cape anytime soon. Can you help me?
Jean – I really have no connection to Eden Hand Arts. I just visited once, took some photos, and wrote this post. So, I can’t help you out. Sorry.
Saturday night when I was at a bar in Hoboken, NJ a girl came up to me and showed me her wrist. She had the Eden bracelet’s on too. She started telling me where she lived and how she found out about the bracelets.
It was funny, surprising and cool.
Funny to have a girl come up to you out of no where and flip her wrist at you. Surprising that someone would pass through a crowded bar to do that to someone. And cool that she did it.
that’s funny. she must have seen yours.
Is this family connected to the Carey family in Canada? Accoring to the web site they are. I’ve been trying to get in touch with Eden by phone, but no one ever answers. What are their hours in August and so on? Please help
I just returned from the cape yesterday. Eden’s summer hours are Wednesday-Saturday 10-5. I purchased the Large hoop cape code earrings with the gold ball. They had 4 sizes small, medium, large and extra large. All sizes were 60.00. Yes, they are related to the Carey family in Canada but are seperate companies.
Please let me know if you still make the fisherman’s knot bracelet.
thank you, Alexina
My daughter bought a ss eden dennis bracelet about 10 years ago. I would like to purchase for her a ss eden dennis necklace. I know there are other dennis bracelets and necklaces out there, but I know she would want the eden dennis bracelet. Can you tell if and how I can order? Thank you!
About 10 years ago, my daughter bought a S.S. Eden Dennis bracelet. I would like to buy her a ss necklace to match. Can you tell me if and/or how I can order one for her. Thank you!
Looking for a Cape Cod bracelet that comes down in a “V”?
Hi there,
I am in FL. and do not have the option of traveling to the Cape just to puchase the Dennis bracelet. Do you think Firesong would be a good option – Is the bracelet the same?
Thanks!
No, it is not the same. If you want an original East Dennis “screwball” bracelet, it must be from Eden. All others are copies.
There is a marking, “eden” engraved on the inside of the bracelet, and it also comes with a little tiny silver apple charm attached and also engraved with “eden” on it. So many have tried (and sad to say, have succeeded in) copying the Eden “screwball” bracelet that they had to do this. For some reason years ago they could not get the bracelet patened.
I am very curious as to how one can tell if the Cape Cod Bracelet is an authentic one made by Eden. There are so many similar others on the market now and eBay sellers are offering the bracelet. Is there a specific marking on the inside of the bracelet that proves it is indeed an Eden? My friend just got one as a gift and she has no idea if it is the real McCoy…
lleana- there is a marking on the inside of the bracelet. It reads “EDEN” with a symbol. Just in case you wanted to know.
Good morning,
I would like to know if you make the Cape Cod bracelet in sterling silver with a twisted gold ball in the center and a single polished silver ball on either side? If so, would you be able to give me a ball park figure so that I make certain I have it with me when I make my trip to the Cape.
Thank you for your response.
Lynn Galvin
12 Woodland Avenue
Bloomfield CT 06002
Hi there,
What a sweet site! Thanks so much!
Some FYIs: The bracelet in the V shape is called the Teardrop, and yes we now have them and most others fully in stock. We also have some new designs, one called Forget-me knot. We are now open Thursday through Saturday 10-5 until June 24 when we will also be open Wednesdays until Labor day. Everything in the shop is made by my husband, me (pottery and some design work) or my 88 year old Dad so we need the time to keep up. Thanks again, I’ll try and check back every once in a while to answer questions.
with love,
Rachel
Eden Hand Arts
Rachel – Thanks for popping in to answer some questions! A lot of people have found this post and asked many good questions.. that I did not know the answer to. It’d be great if you could come by every once in a while as an official representative of Eden Hand Arts!
Hi Rachel. Unfortunately, I will not be traveling to Cape Cod in the near future as I live 6 hours away. Therefore, my only option is to purchase online or by phone and have it shipped. I know that Eden Hand Arts does not ship though. Is the bracelet sold from by Firesong Silverworks of similar quality and workmanship? I have read online that they are “related”.
Hi – I am a Canadian from Ottawa, Ontario and I am hoping to be in Dennis on Wednesday or Thursday, May 27 or 28th, 2009. I was wondering if you make the Screwball bracelet in gold (10K or 14K) and what the price would be. My wrist size is 6 1/2″. I would like to know before I go when the best time to go would be. I will probably only be there for a couple of days and did not want to miss out the opportunity to come see the store. Thanks!
We visited the Eden on Friday morning and much to my surprise we were asked to come right in, no waiting around 11:15. I had only intended to get the two toned screwball bracelet, but left with earrings and necklace. I’m ready to go back. The pottery is beautiful also as well as all the jewelry designs. Not to be missed and the most friendly, helpful women I have ever encountered.
I love the fish rings and bracelets. Do they come in different sizes, or does the cuff style make them one-size-fits-all?
I just returned from the Cape about a week ago. I am bummed that I missed this shop. I most definitely would have visited the shop.
Any idea how much the herring bracelet is? How about the herring ring?
I was just there this weekend and bought the herring bracelet. It was $125.00 plus tax. I believe the ring was $70.00 plus tax. Hope this helps!
Hi Rachelle,
Could you put a notice under the title that this blog is not affiliated with Eden Hand Arts. People are posting questions and maybe thinking we are not responding. thanks, Rachel
Sure thing, Rachel. Is there somewhere else I can direct people with questions? A web site or email or phone number?
Thanks so much!
There really no place to answer questions we do have a site for times, directions, etc. http://www.vst.cape.com/~rch/eden.html
Because we make everything, everything we sell we need to put our time into that rather then answering the phone. Imagine if every day you baked 100 pies and the phone kept ringing.
with love, Rachel
I drove down on my vacation from Peabody MA and got a bracelet, earrings and ring. I love them and am so excited! Can’t wait to go back…worth the wait in line.
Hi,
Is Eden Hand Arts open during the Fall season?, and if so are what are the store hours.
I have an original Eden bracelet with my original receipt from back in ’04. My Eden ‘apple’ charm broke off of the bracelet – I still have the loop that it was on but no apple. Is there anyway other than going to the store (I live in NY) to get the charm?
Thank you.
Now that our forever home is in Yarmouth Port, I had to have an authentic Eden bracelet or two. Well, I couldn’t resist and left there with five! The purchase was a fantastic experience and the staff made it a very pleasant day!
Dorothy
Take chances, jump in puddles, dance, and laugh everyday.
Hi There,
I would really love to get a bracelet for my daughter’s 2nd b-day. I live in RI so a day trip is an option. Does anyone know if they make bracelets for toddler sized wrists. I would hate to find a sitter and drive all the way to the Cape only to find that they don’t make toddler sizes. If anyone knows, I would really appreciate it.
Thanks,
Libby
I have meet two woman with bracelets from the store.Both have worn them for 5 years without taking them off. They both told me you have to go to Eden to get the original and I am hoping to come up in May. Does anyone know what date the store will be open for the 2010 season?
Marion – The 2010 hours are shown on this Web site: http://vst.cape.com/~rch/eden.html
I will be going myself!
Eden obviously has more business than they can handle or want – so why the campaign against those companies who are willing to make the bracelets? Eden makes it difficult to purchase by having short opening hours, no parking, long lines etc. Nothing against Eden but competition is healthy.
Eden is made up of a family of artistic designers and crafts people. Imagine for example a reputable painter having a painting reproduced and sold over and over again by other people without their permission or signature? “A counterfeit is an imitation, usually one that is made with the intent of fraudulently passing it off as genuine. Counterfeit products are often produced with the intent to take advantage of the established worth of the imitated product.” (from Wikipedia).
Each and every piece sold at Eden, whether jewelry or pottery, is a unique to us design, made by hand, step by step by the co-founder/father, husband or owner. We do not sell jewelry bought out of a catalogue, factory or reproduce other people’s designs. And each piece is sold by staff who know precisely how to fit the jewelry to accentuate its beauty and enhance the person wearing it. We also stand behind every piece we (and only we) sell. Yes, it can be difficult to get into Eden, having short hours (we need uninterrupted time to make the jewelry) and long lines (sometimes, particularly in the summer but other times of the year there is often little if any wait). But think about it, isn’t that the way it should be for Eden?
Found Eden Northwest and now the company has a new name. The bracelets are made by the granddaughter so I am confused on why they wouldn’t be authentic bracelets. I want an original but live on the West Coast. I am supporting a copy cat by buying from the granddaughters company? I read that many people say her company is not the real thing
Love your jewelry and have many pieces. Worth the wait in line (although some days no line at all!!) talking with other women. To me it is a summer thing to do, and I wouldn’t miss it at least once a summer (or fall). Only one wish–that you’d make the original single screwball available to slip on (open on the bottom). I hate taking it on and off as I like to change jewelry frequently. All the other bracelets I bought from you are easy on and off so I’m sticking with that type from hereon. Can’t wait to see what’s new this season.
I went to Eden on opening day. What a terrific experience! Having read a LOT of reviews on the place, I was prepared to wait and even for some grumpiness. I also made my girlfriend go. Our guys dropped us off and waited to be called. We waited abt. 45 minutes. It was worth it. First, we met some of the nicest gals! Being the ONLY non-locals, we listened to the ladies’ stories of past trips. When someone came out, we just HAD to see what they got. By the time we were asked into the shop, I thought I had a good idea of what I wanted – WRONG! I took one look at the “Odd-Ball” bracelet and fell in love. I had to have it. Rachel took the measurement and brought out my new acquisition. I loved it! I STILL LOVE IT. As I turned to show my friend, she asked to see the same bracelet. I also “made” her get the 2-tone ball ring. I know her; she would have regretted not getting it. We were out the door in 15 minutes and still thrilled with our purchases. Rachel couldn’t have been nicer. We’re already planning our trip for next May and I think I know what I’m going to get – RIGHT!
I got my first bracelet 6 years ago and it’s extra sentimental to me since I got it the weekend I found out I was pregnant with my first child.
Coming down again this weekend to get a smaller bracelet since I’ve lost a good amount of weight since then.
Can’t wait!! Love going there!! I’d recommend anyone who travels to the Cape to make a special trip to check out this shop!! It’s like a cult experience that you can say you were a part of!!
and I have seen knock-offs on others and TRUST me….a genuine Eden bracelet fits much more natural on the wrist and looks so much better (and is usually a fraction of the cost). It is totally worth the drive and the wait and even better to support our local family businesses.
Well I must say after driving over an hour to go to Eden to purchase a bracelet and checking out the website…we arrived there at 4:40…there was just one couple waiting for help…and when I walked in the woman said they close at 5 and she cannot help me because after she waits on these people it will be five….after explaining the drive…she just told us it was too bad….she has to close sometime…I explained maybe you should post this on your website..but with no response…well to say the least I won’t be purchasing anything from this rude woman…not what I would expect from a business owner. Definitely not worth the drive..
hi i am in rio grande tx. wandering if u have a store anywhere nearby because you are a couple thousand miles away. i sure would love to be able to buy one. thanks. continue your great art
Do you have any idea how much the herring fish bracelet is or the ring? Thanks!
Hi, I’m planning on going to the store in about a month, is there any way to see the variety of pieces that are sold so I know what I want and can get in the express line? thanks.
kim
Hi, having never taken my recently purchased bracelet off my wrist, I was wondering where on the inside is the Eden inscription?
Purchased my bracelet the week before July 4. Great shop and great people working there. Love my bracelet. I never thought I would say a piece of jewelry was comfortable, but it truly is very comfortable.
I see all of the people requesting the ability to purchase the jewelry that do not live in the area, and/or are not visiting the area in the near future. Is there someone that does live near the store, or will be visiting that would be willing to make a purchase for me/us? It would be fine with me if you would add 10% of my order for your troubles…. Thanking you in advance!
During the summer I live very close to the Eden Handarts location and I would be happy to pick up bracelets for people who are out of state. I am a nurse and mother of 4 so quite reputable and since I am a huge fan of Eden’s and own 6 bracelets myself I would love to share the beautiful bracelets with people who do not have the ability to get there on their own. Please feel free to e-mail me if you would like me to pick one up for you. I do not recommend the knock-offs as they are not the real authentic Dennis bracelet.
Eileen! You are a dear!! How do I get your email?? I am just dying for a bracelet and would love for you to pick one up for me!!!
Lori
Lori,
You can e-mail me at gilleenie@yahoo.com
Best,
Eileen
I live in Illinois and our summer vacation did not take us to the Cape this year. When Eileen offered to go to Eden and purchase the bracelet that I had been wanting, I was elated… yet a bit hesitant as I knew nothing about her. If you are in the same shoes as I, I highly recommend Eileen and here is why… I have been on the phone with her several times this morning… first, she waited in line 2 hours to get in, made sure my sizes were correct, checked on postage and insurance, and I have a tracking number to check the progress of my package. You don’t find too many genuinly kind-hearted souls in today’s world… Eileen is one of them! She didn’t ask for any compensation for her time, but please, if she does this favor for you… nicely reward her for her time and energy as I did. THANKS AGAIN, EILEEN! May karma pay you back!!!
Makers of Chris Lambton’s ‘Dennis bracelets’ are not happy with ‘Bachelorette’ fame « Gina Carbone + stories // Jul 26, 2010 at 12:30 pm
[...] If you go to this site it looks like there ARE lines out the door, but that may be because the space is tiny and the hours are random and only a few days a week. (Very New England. As a native and resident I have to say, most regional businesses seem to resent business more than welcome it.) [...]
Do they not have a website to order from? I take it maybe not since they don’t even like the additional business they’re getting as it is. That’s crazy, they should be grateful the way the economy is. I know plenty of others theat would welcome it. Thank you for repling!
Wow, those Eden people seem like the most snooty, rude, self-absorbed people. The accounts of their rudeness are astounding. I hope they go out of business! They don’t deserve people’s money. If they are such “Artists” they should just make art to sell to museums, not jewelry. They need to get over themselves. Seriously, what snots!
Another website to purchase these items from is :
Firesongsilverworks.com
They actually have authentic pieces. Read their history on their website. Just purchased herring ring.
Okay guys. I know you just saw this jewelry on the hip television program, “The Bachelorette.” But, Eden’s is a place for people who enjoy staying at/living on the cape. It is not a high end jewelry maker that ships everywhere. They offer a service and they don’t owe you anything. Go buy one of the fake ones(big difference) and celebrate your love for the latest fad while those who appreciate their service go there and continue to support them. They didn’t ask to be on the show and certainly don’t have to change the way they do things because they were. They make good stuff and they have the right to sell things in their own manner as they have been for a long time. Longer than any of you have been wanting to order one. So, really, stop bashing them and deal with it. They own the designs and do not have to do anything different. If you don’t like it, order from somewhere else.
What time should I arrive to get a ticket? We were there last week (only 1 hr after they opened) and they had already given out all of their tickets. I was shocked and disappointed. I’m not sure I want to waste another drive or beautiful CC weather.
What ticket? I never had a ticket. Please explain.
Yes….Firesongsilverworks.com has beautiful pieces!! It’s all very authentic & have been in business for yrs. You can order over their website & I’m sure appreciate the business.
Went here yesterday and arrived about 25 minutes after they opened… and they had already given out all the tickets for the day! I was frustrated, as the website made it seem like you could get a ticket for that day. One of the employees offered me a ticket to come back this afternoon and I took it, though I was unsure if I would make the hour-long trek back there.
I ended up going back today, waited in line for 45 minutes, and finally was let inside. TOTALLY worth the drive(s) and the wait! The jewelry is beautiful and the employees are the most patient salespeople I’ve ever encountered. We had the same woman helping us the entire time and she cheerfully brought out many different sizes and styles for us to try.
I have had a ‘fake’ cape cod bracelet for the last 6 years (I had never even heard of eden until a couple weeks ago) and was satisfied with it, but the eden one I bought fits so much better and cost about 30% less than the ‘fake’ one – the prices were very reasonable for handcrafted silver/gold jewelry. I would go back in a heartbeat, although I would likely wait for the off-season.