Purchasing Jewelry on the Islands

[Cruising-along]

With no opportunity for an independent appraisal before the final purchase, thousands of miles from home in a foreign country, and with virtually no adequate legal recourse once the ship sails, why would you count on anything unless you yourself are a gemologist? The risk of being scammed, imo, is much greater and after being burned once at Diamonds International is no longer worth it to me.

 

Thank you Peaches for answering, this makes sense to me. I appreciate the advice.

 

Sorry to go OT, but how did it go with your new grandbaby born in Seattle during one of our snowstorms? :)

[peaches from georgia]

Thank you Peaches for answering, this makes sense to me. I appreciate the advice.

 

Sorry to go OT, but how did it go with your new grandbaby born in Seattle during one of our snowstorms? :)

Oh my goodness, thank you for remembering and asking! Andrew was born over a week late on January 6th- snow on the ground but not on the roads, so all was well.

 

We flew out several weeks ago and met him for the first time. He is now smiling and grinning at 2 months and we had a wonderful visit with him and his 3 year old sister. Aside from the rain, snow and 20-30 degree temps it was a wonderful time. Of course I braved the weather to get down to PP Market and have oysters and king crab legs for my birthday which I celebrated while there. The one sunny day we had we even got to take the ferry to Bainbridge, one of my favorite things to do when we are in Seattle. So- more than you wanted to know, but thanks for asking. Andrew is chubby and healthy and thriving in this unusual winter in Seattle. Another 2 months and it will be spring for you, right?! LOL. You got to love Seattle though. :)

[mr green]

I would buy close to home. IF you do buy on your cruise I would stay well away from Diamonds International.

 

john

[Cruising-along]

Oh my goodness, thank you for remembering and asking! Andrew was born over a week late on January 6th- snow on the ground but not on the roads, so all was well.

 

We flew out several weeks ago and met him for the first time. He is now smiling and grinning at 2 months and we had a wonderful visit with him and his 3 year old sister. Aside from the rain, snow and 20-30 degree temps it was a wonderful time. Of course I braved the weather to get down to PP Market and have oysters and king crab legs for my birthday which I celebrated while there. The one sunny day we had we even got to take the ferry to Bainbridge, one of my favorite things to do when we are in Seattle. So- more than you wanted to know, but thanks for asking. Andrew is chubby and healthy and thriving in this unusual winter in Seattle. Another 2 months and it will be spring for you, right?! LOL. You got to love Seattle though. :)

 

I've thought often about how worried you were -- I'm so glad to hear that everything went well!! Oh my gosh, you were out here during some of our worst weather -- it's been something else, but yes, I do love it here. :)

 

(sorry again for going OT) :o

[serendipity1499]

Betty, I am not sure where you are getting your information, but we just watched the CNBC report on cruises, (that we would not have known about, so thanks to whoever mentioned it on the board), and it was mentioned that the cruise lines do get a cut from the stores that they recommend you to. I personally would never buy anything at Diamonds International because i think that their prices are much too high. I will say that seeing as I live in the NY metro area, my access to better priced jewelry might be great that if i lived somewhere else. That being said, I have bought numerous things from a jeweler in St. Thomas, including 2 diamond wedding bands. They were both very well priced, and the one that had to be sized was sent to me from their factory in NYC. I also bought a diamond tennis necklace from them. I was thinking of getting it made a little longer here at home by my local jeweler. When I told him how much I paid for it he was surprised that I got such a great deal on it. You really need to be familiar with what you are buying, and know your prices. I suggest looking on ebay before you leave. You should be able to get things at lower prices than you see for the "buy it now" price.

 

 

Unless I was reading her post wrong, I think what Betty said was that the "port consultants"- the shopping gurus on the ships who tell you where to shop and the recommended stores- no longer get a stipend from the stores as they used to, but that the cruiselines themselves get paid by these shops, as you also said.

 

Robin, Peaches is correct..That is exactly what I said.I said the Port Consultant no longer gets a fee since the Cruise Lines have recognized this as a cash cow..Now the Cruise lines get a commission..

As a matter of fact, the Cruise Lines are in effect double-dipping...

In their Port Shopping Buyers Guarantee, HAL does admit that "All stores listed have paid a promotional fee & have given HAL 's Guests A buyers guarantee valid for 30 days after purchase" ...

But what they fail to tell you is that when you make a purchase HAL also gets a commission on your purchase..Don't think I mentioned Diamonds International. Believe you are mixing up my post with another poster..

If you know your gems & gold, you can get some good deals & I'm sure there are some very honest jewelers in those areas..But I also know that I've been able to get the some of the same good prices here in the U.S. that I've seen in the Caribbean..

40 years ago you could purchase some lovely pieces at a fraction of the cost in places such as the Middle East & Hong Kong..Now you must be very careful when purchasing abroad..I still buy inexpensive jewelry, only because I happen to like the piece but have never spent more than $200 on any piece of jewelry in the Caribbean, only because I don't know enough about gems to take a chance..

You can still get some good prices on LLadro in Spain & Gemstone sculptures in stores such as Amsterdam Sauer or Sterns (sp?) in South America, but you should know what the U.S. prices are before you go..I agree you should do a great deal of research on-line for things you might be interested in purchasing..Liquor in the Caribbean is still the best deal IMO...

Robin, since you live in N.Y., you can get some good deals in the Diamond District there...They also have many Independent appraisers in Manhattan..Years ago we were able to get some very lovely pieces of jewelry in Fortunoff's, which I recently heard was closing up.:(. DH. purchased my Diamond wedding band from Fortunoff's.. Have missed their L.I. Store, since we moved to Fla.. And every time we went up to visit family, we always made it a point to shop there..

Cheers..:)Betty

[KAYEF]

I've seen a lot of Ruth's jewelry on a cruise and visited with her about it (in the casino, of course)..........follow Jim's advice. I think they have found a great guy, IMO.:p

I bought a LONG string of flat, beautiful pearls in Santa Maria (I don't think that's right..........the island just off Venezuela) on a cruise shore excursion.

When I took them out of the velvet bag to wear that night.........they were THIN and very SHORT compared to those I'd purchased. I immediately tried to get help (while on the ship) but had to wait until I got home and go through PPI...............it took FOREVER and I had to jump through numerous hoops. (I think they have a "test" and if you stick it out they may end up helping you.:()

I had to keep sending letters, then photos, then pay postage and insurance, then and then and then.............finally I DID get them replaced. Along the way they kept dropping the ball and saying someone else was handling it,,,,,,,,,,,,,etc.

If you have a problem, hang on to EVERYTHING they send you or reply to.

In short...............be careful!!:cool:

I never would have believed they would do that to a person who was on a shore excursion because it's "insinuated" that HAL will take care of you if you shop at their recommended shops...............I don't know if that's the word I want, but when they do the Shore Talks and Recommendations they make you feel secure in shopping "their" shops............

Talk to Jim V................they DO have a good guy.;)

[JimVrhovac]

Thank you for your kind comments.

 

Ruth does have quite a collection and it keeps geting bigger. I just say "YES DEAR" and pay the bill.

 

Our relationship with the jewler in St Thomas has been the result of 15+ years of dealing with them and the fact theat people that I have referred to them have been bery satisfied with the services and products that they provided to them.

 

We get no commission on referrals we just like to see people get taken care of in the right way and not get taken when they are in the islands.

 

Ruth & Jim

[iancal]

For some very strange reason, people tend to get very exited about the 'appraisal certificate' that they get from the retailer who is selling the piece. I have always found this to be very strange. In our jurisdiction, we had a major department store charged and fined for doing just that (diamond rings) after it was found the the appraisals were about as untruthful as their 'regular price' claims. I hate to think what happens in a highly unregulated jurisdiction.

[serendipity1499]

For some very strange reason, people tend to get very exited about the 'appraisal certificate' that they get from the retailer who is selling the piece. I have always found this to be very strange. In our jurisdiction, we had a major department store charged and fined for doing just that (diamond rings) after it was found the the appraisals were about as untruthful as their 'regular price' claims. I hate to think what happens in a highly unregulated jurisdiction.

 

Agree with you..That's the reason why most insurance companies & the Buyers Guarantees state that only appraisals from 'Independent Certified Gemologists" will be accepted..They will not accept appraisals from one who is associated in any way with a retail or wholesale jeweler..

 

Cheers..Betty

[JimVrhovac]

For all of you that have emailed us about Mark's address in Haven Sight mall. Got the correct information from him and have emailed all of you back with the information tonight.

 

Have a great cruise and tell mark hello for us. Good shopping

 

Ruth & Jim

[santaharry]

Several years ago we on a cruise port of call and a chain that consistently stated that their prices were considerably lower than in the United States and all purchases were "duty Free". This was in Alaska, obviously I asked the question and was told I could pay in Alaskan money or dollars, however they did not know the current exchange rate * true story. This was at one of the BIG Diamond stores.

 

On another cruise in Aruba at the same chain my wife fell in love with a diamond pendant, I got the particulars and went to the local diamond merchant and got a similar pendant for less money.

 

Unless you are a professional and regularly know what to look for - I am not - beware of buyng anything high proced on a cruise and enjoy the trip.

[serendipity1499]

Several years ago we on a cruise port of call and a chain that consistently stated that their prices were considerably lower than in the United States and all purchases were "duty Free". This was in Alaska, obviously I asked the question and was told I could pay in Alaskan money or dollars, however they did not know the current exchange rate * true story. This was at one of the BIG Diamond stores.

 

On another cruise in Aruba at the same chain my wife fell in love with a diamond pendant, I got the particulars and went to the local diamond merchant and got a similar pendant for less money.

 

Unless you are a professional and regularly know what to look for - I am not - beware of buyng anything high proced on a cruise and enjoy the trip.

 

I'm confused...You mention Alaska & Alaskan Money..Alaska became a state in 1959...How could they have their own money a few years ago?:confused:

Betty

[iancal]

We seldom buy anything in duty free stores. Yes, we wonder around to kill some time but our experiences, not withstanding the shop adverts/claims is that they are not cheaper, or in some cases appreciably cheaper, than what we pay at home OR we just do not think it is worth carrying a bottle of whatever home on long trip with connections to save a few dollars.

[mudscraper]

I'm confused...You mention Alaska & Alaskan Money..Alaska became a state in 1959...How could they have their own money a few years ago?:confused:

 

Betty

The exchange rate of the Alaskan dollar is the same as the Hawaiian dollar as of yesterday.

 

 

Rich

[Hilohattie]

I read the boards everyday, but don't post much as I'm more interested in what others have to say. But I must say that a few years ago I purchased a diamond band at Diamonds International in St. Thomas and was very dissapointed. The ring I tried on was beautiful, I even looked at it thru a loop and it was clear, but my mistake was having it fitted. I didn't re-check it when I picked it up, (bigger mistake). Back on the ship I noticed that it wasn't what it appeared when I first looked at it. Long story short, when I got home I went to my jeweler and the stones were brown, really bad. When I called Diamonds Internatonal they said it was "Buyers Remorse", but after I told them I would pursue this matter which would not reflect very well on their business, they refunded the purchase amount. Please be careful of the "bait and switch".

[RuthC]

[quote name='serendipity1499'][SIZE=3]I'm confused...You mention Alaska & Alaskan Money..Alaska became a state in 1959...How could they have their own money a few years ago?:confused:[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]Betty[/SIZE][/quote]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=royalblue]Exactly. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[RuthC]

[quote name='mudscraper']The exchange rate of the Alaskan dollar is the same as the Hawaiian dollar as of yesterday.


Rich[/quote]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=royalblue]Excellent. :D[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT]

[pms4104]

I prefer to buy my jewelry here at home ... not because there might not be good deals abroad, but I like to patronize the guy who has served us well for decades. It keeps the money in my community and helps an honest, wonderful independent businessman from going poof. Because of our long relationship, he gives us wonderful deals on lovely goods.

[Sage]

On our last visit to Alaska, I was told at one jewelry shop that he was sure my purchase was under the custom's allowance. Huh? It's better to shop at home unless you really know what you are buying or just don't care.

[scottjeanne]

Does anyone have any experience with purchaing emeralds in Cartagena? We are taking a tour with "Mr. Emerald". I love emeralds and would love to buy a piece of jewelry there, but I am very skeptical about purchasing something I cannot have appraised in a foreign country.

[mr green]

In my opinion, emeralds should always be purchased with a certificate, and money back guarantee.

john

[woodworker&knitter]

In 2001 I purchase a very inexpensive (under $500.) tanzanite ring from Tanzanite Int. part of Diamonds Int.while we were at a resort in St. Thomas.
I went back to the same store in 2006 wearing the ring. I had no paper work with me, and they offered to trade up my ring. All they did was enter my phone # into their computer and all my information was there.
In 2008 this time with paper in hand, same manager as in 2006, he not only offered me a trade up but we also negotiated a discount on the new ring. Upon returning home I had the ring appraised and let's just say that I was more than happy with the appraisal amount.

[JaneMo]

HI, Just got back from the Eurodam cruise to St. THomas, Puerto Rico and Grand Turk. We couldn't get in to Grand Turk becaue of the high winds that day. There were 6 woman teachers we met and they said Grand Turk was the best place to buy Alexandrite. They said they had cruised several times before and GT was the best place for Alexandrite. That is the main reason they were going on this cruise! I wonder how they felt when we didn't make the stop? Anyway, I priced jewelry in St. Thomas and I sure didn't find any bargains. I came home and went to jewelrytelevision.com and bought a ring. At least check out your prices before you go to find out if you are getting a real deal.

[serendipity1499]

[QUOTE][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=#4169e1]Exactly. [/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/QUOTE]

[quote name='RuthC'][FONT=Comic Sans MS][SIZE=3][COLOR=royalblue]Excellent. :D[/COLOR][/SIZE][/FONT][/quote]

[SIZE=3]OMG Ruth...I've been had..April fool...:oHow could I be so dumb![/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]For a minute thought that Rich was for real & I just didn't know enough about it..[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]I even Googled to see if there was a reference to o both Alaskan & Hawaiian $$$, that I didn't know about...LOL.:o:o.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]Cheers..:)Betty[/SIZE]

[mudscraper]

[quote name='serendipity1499'][SIZE=3]OMG Ruth...I've been had..April fool...:oHow could I be so dumb![/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]For a minute thought that Rich was for real & I just didn't know enough about it..[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]I even Googled to see if there was a reference to o both Alaskan & Hawaiian $$$, that I didn't know about...LOL.:o:o.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]Cheers..:)Betty[/SIZE][/quote]
Don`t feel bad Betty.
LAFFINVEGAS had me scratching my head this morning when I read her daily post of HAL ship locations.
Happy April 1st.:)


Rich