The Re-Imagining Of Colombian Emeralds In Marina Village

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – For more than four decades, millions of visitors have returned home from The Bahamas carrying a little piece of their vacation with them, not simply in the form of fine jewelry, but in the memories attached to it.

For many, those memories began at Colombian Emeralds International (CEI).

Today, CEI celebrates another milestone in its remarkable journey with the reopening of its beautifully reimagined Marina Village boutique at Atlantis Paradise Island. This is a celebration not only of a transformed retail space, but of one of The Bahamas’ most enduring business success stories.

Founded in Freeport in 1980 by Stephen Crane, CEI was born in The Bahamas with a vision of creating a jewelry company built on exceptional quality, integrity, and outstanding customer service.

As the business expanded, Maxwell Gibson joined Stephen in building that vision. Together, they transformed a single Bahamian retailer into one of the Caribbean’s most recognized jewelry brands, guided by a simple philosophy: take care of your people, take care of your customers, and success will follow.

Today, CEI proudly operates more than 40 boutiques across 14 Caribbean destinations. Yet while the company has expanded throughout the region, its story will always begin in The Bahamas.

Indeed, CEI did not simply grow in The Bahamas, it grew because of The Bahamas. The country’s vibrant tourism industry, generations of loyal employees, enduring customer relationships, and strong local partnerships helped shape the company into the brand it is today.

For nearly three decades, CEI has proudly partnered with Atlantis Paradise Island, growing alongside one of the world’s most celebrated resort destinations.

Together, CEI and Atlantis have welcomed millions of guests from around the globe, helping create unforgettable Bahamian experiences for generations of visitors. Whether celebrating an engagement, an anniversary, a family vacation, or simply finding the perfect keepsake to remember their time in The Bahamas, countless guests have made CEI part of their island story.

The reopening of the Marina Village boutique reflects that shared commitment to excellence.

Thoughtfully redesigned to elevate the guest experience while remaining true to CEI’s heritage, the boutique represents the company’s continued confidence in The Bahamas, its longstanding partnership with Atlantis, and its belief in the future of Bahamian tourism.

“This reopening is about so much more than a beautiful new boutique,” said Zoë Gibson, Director, Duty Free Caribbean Bahamas Limited. “It celebrates more than forty-five years of relationships, hard work, and shared memories. For generations, CEI has been part of our visitors’ Bahamian stories, and now we’re equally focused on becoming part of the everyday stories of Bahamians. As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue growing with our partners while remaining true to the values that have always defined who we are.”

The reopening also marks another important milestone in CEI’s continued evolution through its partnership with Avolta, one of the world’s leading travel retail companies.

“Great companies are built over decades. They are not built overnight,” said Gian Franco, President, Latin America & Caribbean, Avolta. “When Avolta partnered with CEI, we recognized far more than a successful business. We recognized a company built on decades of entrepreneurial leadership, trusted relationships, and deep Bahamian roots. Our role is not to rewrite that story, but to honour it and help write its next chapter. Together with Atlantis Paradise Island, we are proud to invest in CEI’s future while creating even greater opportunities for our customers, our employees, and The Bahamas.”

As CEI looks to the future, it remains committed to investing in its people, strengthening its partnerships, supporting Bahamian tourism, and delivering exceptional experiences for visitors and Bahamians alike.

The reopening of the Marina Village boutique is more than the unveiling of a beautifully renovated store.

It is the celebration of a company born in The Bahamas, shaped by its people, strengthened through partnership, and inspired by the belief that its best chapters are still ahead.

Because while jewelry may last a lifetime, the memories it represents last forever. For more than four decades, CEI has been honoured to be part of both