Buying Jewelry

[Tudy]

I want to preface this advice by saying that I never have purchased a diamond in the Caribbean. 

 

I recommend when purchasing a diamond, asking about a GIA certificate. It gives you recourse if you find out that the diamond is fake or of lessor quality then presented. 

 

I am thinking about purchasing some loose stones in the future. I will, of course, do my research before going to know exactly what I should be paying. I am interested in loose stones because we don't have to declare them for immigration. no duty on loose stones. 🙂

 

[Milwaukee Eight]

41 minutes ago, davekathy said:

Be careful what you ask for. 🤣

I wanted to ask if they get off the ships in the ports or do any shopping?  To some, cruising is a lifestyle, to us it’s a vacation away from the busy work the boss deals with 7 days a week. We get off the ship and if you’ve done any shopping in the Caribbean, you know where Kay’s are. I believe even Royal recommends them in the Compass. 
 

You can’t miss them in most locations as they typically are in the main shopping areas outside the Ports. 
 

M8

Edited August 4, 2020 by Milwaukee Eight

[Milwaukee Eight]

58 minutes ago, Sea Dog said:

Sorry to hijack this thread, but since we are talking about jewelry and watches, what's everyone's opinion of the watches they sell on board and the sales they have? I've never really took the time to even look. Do they have any good brands? Are they really that much cheaper than I can find back in the states? I think I know the answer to that but would like others with experience to chime in.

We have actually bought a couple of Citizen Eco watches. They have held up well. Stay away from those BIG UGLY watches. Not good reviews or service after the sale. 
 

M8

[Sea Dog]

38 minutes ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

They have held up well. Stay away from those BIG UGLY watches. Not good reviews or service after the sale. 

Thanks for the heads up, will do!

[Seville2Cabo]

2 hours ago, Tudy said:

but it is a low end Rolex that was made specifically for the cruise industry. It has lesser quality metals and a cheaper band

I’ve never heard of this. Maybe 30 years ago, but not today. 

Edited August 4, 2020 by Seville2Cabo

[davekathy]

2 hours ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

I wanted to ask if they get off the ships in the ports or do any shopping?  To some, cruising is a lifestyle, to us it’s a vacation away from the busy work the boss deals with 7 days a week. We get off the ship and if you’ve done any shopping in the Caribbean, you know where Kay’s are. I believe even Royal recommends them in the Compass. 
 

You can’t miss them in most locations as they typically are in the main shopping areas outside the Ports. 
 

M8

Agree. We aren't big jewelry shoppers but I know exactly the "Kay's" your have been posting about in the Caribbean. I for one never assumed you were recommending the U.S mall chain Kay's Jewelers.  

[johnjen]

The stores on the islands, including Bermuda, are fine with some good bargains. BUT, completely AVOID shopping on board for jewelry!

[CSHS1979]

Just now, johnjen said:

The stores on the islands, including Bermuda, are fine with some good bargains. BUT, completely AVOID shopping on board for jewelry!

 

Tiffany store on Harmony is the exact price as Tiffany in NY with no sales tax

[johnjen]

5 minutes ago, CSHS1979 said:

 

Tiffany store on Harmony is the exact price as Tiffany in NY with no sales tax

That's amazing!

I've never sailed on harmony, but I've witnessed far cheaper prices on other jewelry items in stores ashore during port visits than on board ship.

[Ashland]

6 minutes ago, johnjen said:

The stores on the islands, including Bermuda, are fine with some good bargains. BUT, completely AVOID shopping on board for jewelry!

Not always...DDIL loves a nice Fossil watch on occasion and we've gotten a few pretty nicely priced ones onboard. Just know your merchandise and prices.

[Seville2Cabo]

3 hours ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

Stay away from those BIG UGLY watches. Not good reviews or service after the sale. 

A lot of the big ugly watches are Invicta.  Some have list prices $800 to $1000.  In general you can find them on the internet for $100.  They have a big following, but, Not for me.  

Edited August 4, 2020 by Seville2Cabo

[johnjen]

Just now, Ashland said:

Not always...DDIL loves a nice Fossil watch on occasion and we've gotten a few pretty nicely priced ones onboard. Just know your merchandise and prices.

There are some good deals, true. I bought a nice Invicta watch on board. However, the Larimar and Tanzanite pieces on board were usually way overpriced - from our observation.

[johnjen]

2 minutes ago, Seville2Cabo said:

A lot of the big ugly watches are Invicta.  Some have list prices $800 to $1000.  In general you can find them on the internet for $100.  They have a big following, but. Not or me.  

My Invicta is standard size but I've seen those massive ones you mention, they ARE ugly!

[CSHS1979]

43 minutes ago, johnjen said:

That's amazing!

I've never sailed on harmony, but I've witnessed far cheaper prices on other jewelry items in stores ashore during port visits than on board ship.

 

Probably a contract obligation

[Milwaukee Eight]

1 hour ago, CSHS1979 said:

 

Tiffany store on Harmony is the exact price as Tiffany in NY with no sales tax

Unless it’s over the limit and requires reporting (and the ship does report them). 
 

M8

[CSHS1979]

28 minutes ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

Unless it’s over the limit and requires reporting (and the ship does report them). 
 

M8

 

Doesn't apply. Tiffany made in USA

[Milwaukee Eight]

5 minutes ago, CSHS1979 said:

 

Doesn't apply. Tiffany made in USA

The bosses Dad once bought a ring onboard using SeaPass and customs knew about it. The boss didn’t know about it and didn’t report it. Wasn’t good. Her Dad didn’t understand the requirements. Customs not very sympathetic. 
 

M8

[Seville2Cabo]

8 minutes ago, CSHS1979 said:

 

Doesn't apply. Tiffany made in USA

Does the ring have a made in the USA tag?  If not, you need to be able to prove it

[barb in ga]

Jewelry purchases can be part of a great vacation experience, but too many people don't do a little planning/researching in advance to prepare. You certainly can't expect to become an expert, but a little familiarity will make you a smarter shopper.

 

I've been in the jewelry/watch business for 27 years, and while I love looking at the beautiful things in all the shipboard and port shops, I can honestly say I have never found anything that was such a good deal that I couldn't resist purchasing.

 

Watches--if you are looking at  better brands such as Tag, Omega, Breitling, Baume et Mercier,  and higher end like Rolex, Zenith, IWC,  Breguet, Panerai, Patek Phillipe and others, then you should know that while you will save sales tax, you aren't likely to save much more when buying off shore than you can by shopping at an authorized dealer in the states.(I can't speak for European or UK residents). Especially now, few dealers want to risk losing their lines and may be willing to offer a discounted price.

 

Just do some homework, then enjoy the beautiful items you choose. 

Barb

[Iamcruzin]

3 hours ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

The bosses Dad once bought a ring onboard using SeaPass and customs knew about it. The boss didn’t know about it and didn’t report it. Wasn’t good. Her Dad didn’t understand the requirements. Customs not very sympathetic. 
 

M8

I learned here on CC that you should never use your Sea Pass for big ticket items. Use a credit card not associated with the line.  I purchased a laptop onboard Celebrity in the Apple store. I paid with my credit card and the salesman told me to set up the computer and lose the box. The purchase never hit my onboard account so it was never reported. I'm not sure that would work in the on board jewelry stores but it's worth a try.

[CSHS1979]

3 hours ago, Seville2Cabo said:

Does the ring have a made in the USA tag?  If not, you need to be able to prove it

 

Customs knows, but they give you paperwork anyway. 

 

FWIW, we've been flagged 3 times debarking.

Quick trip thru customs, they escort you off the ship

Edited August 5, 2020 by CSHS1979

[Iamcruzin]

I'm just wondering, with a no sail order from the CDC and no sign of cruising starting up anytime soon, how long will it be before you become engaged or making this purchase?  I bet with retail sales being in the toilet, now would be the best time to try to find a bargain close to home. I wouldn't make an important purchase such as this on an island where time is not on your side. They take advantage that you have a short time in port, the prices are inflated like the sticker price of a car just so you feel like you are getting a deal and they know you won't be back if there is a problem. It's better to ask friends and relatives who have made a purchase such as this where they went. 

 

Edited August 5, 2020 by Iamcruzin

[Bailey & Sophie]

 

I understand that if I purchase something on board I have to use my seapass card. This info gets passed on to customs. 

But, if I purchase a high priced item in port and use a credit card not associated with the cruise line, how would customs even know?

[johnjen]

15 hours ago, barb in ga said:

Jewelry purchases can be part of a great vacation experience, but too many people don't do a little planning/researching in advance to prepare. You certainly can't expect to become an expert, but a little familiarity will make you a smarter shopper.

 

I've been in the jewelry/watch business for 27 years, and while I love looking at the beautiful things in all the shipboard and port shops, I can honestly say I have never found anything that was such a good deal that I couldn't resist purchasing.

 

Watches--if you are looking at  better brands such as Tag, Omega, Breitling, Baume et Mercier,  and higher end like Rolex, Zenith, IWC,  Breguet, Panerai, Patek Phillipe and others, then you should know that while you will save sales tax, you aren't likely to save much more when buying off shore than you can by shopping at an authorized dealer in the states.(I can't speak for European or UK residents). Especially now, few dealers want to risk losing their lines and may be willing to offer a discounted price.

 

Just do some homework, then enjoy the beautiful items you choose. 

Barb

Thanks so much for giving good information on this. Now, I'm certainly no expert in jewelry, but I've done a lot of traveling in my day, especially during my Navy career where i was in and out of the gold souks throughout the middle east, now THOSE places were amazing and bargains to be found. As for tanzanite just as an example, found exactly the same settings in stores ashore and on ship. After buying ashore, was happy finding out that doing it there other than on the ship, I saved even more than getting it tax free on board. And, remember during the gulf war I bought a nice 18Kt necklace in Jebel Ali near Dubai and made an amazing deal on that.

Edited August 5, 2020 by johnjen

[Tudy]

20 hours ago, Seville2Cabo said:

I’ve never heard of this. Maybe 30 years ago, but not today. 

Happily, it turns out you are right. We took the watch to a jeweler who has a certified Rolex repair person. he had a different story to tell.