Jewelry Myth

[sherizel]

"Jewerly and the myth of giant savings on any island is just that, a myth"

 

Is that true? Heading to the Caribbean in a few weeks and of course I'm looking forward to a little shopping. Is it a waste of time and money to purchase jewelry?

 

I've read some conflicting information. Anyone have any experience on buying jewelry or are there other items that are worth purchasing? I'm afraid I will get ripped off because I couldn't tell a real stone from a fake one to save my life!

[Elationismyship]

If you haven't done your homework to know what you would pay for your specific jewelry item in the states, don't buy! If you are just buying because it's pretty and you don't care if it's an outstanding savings, etc. then yes buy. But, if it's a huge purchase, caret diamonds, over $100 . . . then consider how you would return or have repaired if any problems . . . . kinda hard getting ahold of that shop owner in a caribbean island and having them honor a warranty, etc.

 

I had an experience with Diamonds International where I had priced out a 1 caret anniversary band, they gave me a price of $800. . . . . I had "vacation brain" and wanted to buy soooo bad! I went upstairs to their "free" internet access and researched online only to relize I was over paying. I then used their "free" phone to call my jeweler back home who told me he could do it for $500 and if there were any issues, I could just stop by his store to have it fixed.

 

So, long story longer :-) . . . . if it is a big purchase, don't do it. Find a reputable local jeweler (not in the mall) and get a price on anything big . . . .if it's $100 or so and you just want a momento of your trip----sure.

[trock]

Probably... But there is one jeweler on St Maartins that my family has used for over 20yrs... My uncle swears by him.. But the deals between him and my family may be due to the long standing relationship....

[bobsfamily]

they gave me a price of $800. . . . . I had "vacation brain" and wanted to buy soooo bad! I went upstairs to their "free" internet access and researched online only to relize I was over paying. I then used their "free" phone to call my jewelry back home who told me he could do it for $500 and if there were any issues, I could just stop by his store to have it fixed.

 

VERY good advice.... I have bought several things in the Bahamas from "friends" that I have gotten to know over many years.... I would NEVER buy anything that was expensive without checking first.

[Elationismyship]

And, I would check out this thread

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=990256

[jaja]

If you haven't done your homework to know what you would pay for your specific jewelry item in the states, don't buy! If you are just buying because it's pretty and you don't care if it's an outstanding savings, etc. then yes buy. But, if it's a huge purchase, caret diamonds, over $100 . . . then consider how you would return or have repaired if any problems . . . . kinda hard getting ahold of that shop owner in a caribbean island and having them honor a warranty, etc.

 

(quote]

 

good advice here...

 

also here is my post from another thread..re: Diamonds International/warranties,etc

 

"I have purchased 3 times from DI....

 

On our very first cruise..bought a beautiful diamond band in Alaska..good price- excellent quality..no problem.

 

On another cruise purchased a citrine ring in St.Thomas. nice piece but probably not a super bargain (now that I see similar ones at local stores)..then .stone became loose a few months later.....when we went on our next cruise I brought it with me....they tightened it -no charge.

 

 

Last cruise..purchased another ring...pretty good price. sized for me within 2 hours....and so far no problems....

 

I do have to say, though, that I really am done buying jewelry on cruises I really do not need more stuff:rolleyes:--and if want or need something..will patronize my local jeweler..fair prices..and less chance for "impulse" buying.. "

[firefly333]

I paid 65% off for a small stone saphire ring in Cayman Islands. Looking at Bidz . com I could have bought someone similar in value including shipping for less than $100. I paid $350. I feel taken after seeing how much I overpaid. Cute ring but not something people say wow is that beautiful.

[samikitty]

We have purchased some very nice items over the years... but ALWAYS something that was researched and we knew the going rate for the item at local jewelers and internet shops. If you want to find the bargains they are out there, but you do have to know what the going rate is.

 

As an example, on the last cruise, we purchased a movado watch. Though not a rolex, still in the expensive range. Knowing the best prices locally, and on the internet, we were able to find that "just right" bargain at about 30% less then the best discounted prices available when researching prior to the sailing. Of course, we could have also purchased the same exact watch at other stores in the ports at a 30% inflated price if we wanted too :)!

[LemurCat]

If you haven't done your homework to know what you would pay for your specific jewelry item in the states, don't buy! If you are just buying because it's pretty and you don't care if it's an outstanding savings, etc. then yes buy. But, if it's a huge purchase, caret diamonds, over $100 . . . then consider how you would return or have repaired if any problems . . . . kinda hard getting ahold of that shop owner in a caribbean island and having them honor a warranty, etc.

 

Best advice you could give. Caveat Emptor. Buyer beware. Know what you're looking for, what it's (or similar pieces) are going for in the states. Be an educated consumer.

[crusinpsychRN]

Can someone explain why there are two DI's or more in certain ports? In Costa Maya before the hurricane I priced a ring in the first DI, then went down the street and into the second DI and the price was $100 lower. I was just looking and am still wondering, why 2 DI's?

[LemurCat]

Can someone explain why there are two DI's or more in certain ports? In Costa Maya before the hurricane I priced a ring in the first DI, then went down the street and into the second DI and the price was $100 lower. I was just looking and am still wondering, why 2 DI's?

 

Because they both make money. :D

[Islandbear]

Myth!

 

Gold is gold where ever you buy it. When people say they got a great deal they usually mean that the ring appraised for more than they paid.

 

But, an appraisal means nothing. You can almost always buy jem stones and gold just as cheap at home.

 

So if you want a little memento go for it, but if you want a great ring go to a good local jeweler.

 

Another good Post: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=985059&highlight=

[okgirl]

A friend of mine purchased a pretty expensive Seiko watch and enjoyed it for a few months when it quit working.

 

She took it to have it repaired and was told that it couldn't be because everything inside was plastic. He told her that many "name brand" companies make substandard products to see in the Caribbean.

[Sammy_Beans]

This post is intended to warn shoppers NOT to purchase from Diamonds International and NOT to trust the Carnival Port Shopping Buyer’s Guarantee.

 

From April 13, 2009 through April 18, 2009, my wife and I were passengers on the Carnival Fantasy. While on board the Carnival shopping specialist conducted shopping seminars and explained that while in port, if items were purchased at Carnival approved retailers, the purchases would be protected by the Carnival Port Shopping Buyer’s Guarantee. The most frequently mentioned retailer was Diamonds International, and the most frequently pushed product was tanzanite jewelry.

 

On April 16, 2009 we stopped at the port of Cozumel, Mexico. While in Cozumel, my wife purchased a .28 carat tanzanite ring. When we returned to the ship, she registered the purchase so as to qualify for the Carnival Port Shopping Buyer’s Guarantee.

 

On Sunday, May 3, 2009, the tanzanite gem stone fell out of the ring. The ring had not been abused or altered in any way.

 

On Monday, May 4, 2009, I telephoned PPI Fleet Services, Inc., the company that administers the Carnival Port Shopping Buyer’s Guarantee. They took my information and informed me that they would contact Diamonds International, and someone from Diamonds International would contact me.

 

Later that day, a representative from Diamonds International telephoned me and took a report. The representative informed me that they would investigate this, and get back to me. The following day I received this response from Diamond International; “It will be our pleasure to help you, I can offer you to send your ring to us and then I´ll advise you the cost of the replacement for the tanzanite. But this is the only this I can offer.”

 

I advised the representative from Diamonds International and PPI Fleet Services, Inc., that this was unacceptable. The representative from Diamond International said that she would escalate this matter to management and get back to me. On Friday, May 15, 2009, I received this response; “any type of replacements for gemstones that are above .15cts will be with a cost for the customer.”

 

On Monday, May 18, 2009, I telephoned PPI Fleet Services, Inc., and updated them on the situation.

 

On Tuesday, May 19, 2009, PPI Fleet Services, Inc. responded that they could do nothing because Diamonds International said that they would not replace the tanzanite gem stone without charge. The PPI Fleet Services, Inc., Buyer’s Guarantee Form which was provided by Carnival Cruise Line clearly states, “This guarantee is valid for repair or exchange”. PPI Fleet Services, Inc., will not guarantee your purchase if it conflicts with the terms and conditions of Diamond International or any other retailer.

 

I then called Carnival Cruise Line Customer Service Center. I was advised that this matter did not involve Carnival Cruise Line and there was nothing Carnival Cruise Line could or would do.

 

My wife and I will cruise again. We will be wiser in our purchases, and it will be on a cruise line other than Carnival.

[cruzeluver]

There was a time when the bargains for jewelry in the Caribbean were plentiful, but with thousands and thousands of cruise ship passengers coming through many of these ports now, the true "deals" are getting harder and harder to find.

 

All the advice about research is right on the money. If you plan ahead and know what something is worth, you are in a much better position.

 

And yeah, please don't fall for the speech from the "on board shoppers" about ONLY going to their "recommended" stores. When I hear that crap it send a chill right up my spine.

[patsnails]

Probably... But there is one jeweler on St Maartins that my family has used for over 20yrs... My uncle swears by him.. But the deals between him and my family may be due to the long standing relationship....

by any chance is it Joes Jewlers? Out friends buy there every time we go

Pat

[martek]

when we got off the ship in St. Thomas we were handed a coupon worth $50 off $500 or more at Tiffanys. I have a charm bracelet from Tiffanys and wanted another charm and my mom got us girls each a necklace. We saved the $50 plus the taxes. I would only buy from a known business such as this. I think the Diamonds International and Tanzanite International are no real deal. Stick with what you know and have researched. Same with designer bags, I shop the Coach outlets but not the other places that claim to sell Coach as they are knockoffs.

[Islandbear]

Shop with people you trust!

[misguidedangel]

I won't buy from Diamonds International anymore. I would rather pay the jeweller in my building double the money to get a quality piece for a genuine Canadian diamond that is certified and had full documentation. I bought a diamond bracelet from them and paid $350, supposed was getting a "damn good deal" and I did fall in love with the style and design. I did notice the diamonds were flawed and worthy if I2 quality, but in reality I got what I paid for.

 

What you have to do is set yourself a limit and SHOP carefully. I would check out the onboard shop because you can find some really good deals on diamonds in the onboard shop. I bought a ring that was my jeweller said I got a very good deal on it.

 

I would say look around and see what catches your eye and if you just can't live without it after a few days (this would be in the onboard shop) then go and buy it!

 

BUYER BEWARE is the motto, you really have to be careful cuz they will fleece you if they can!!!!

[FLCruiser001]

Personally, I stay away from any store (jewelry or otherwise) where the ticket price is say...$265, and within a few minutes of haggling, the price is down to $75. You get the idea...How much is the piece really worth?

[WinnipegCruiser]

A big part of shopping on the Islands is NO TAX!

 

Now I don't know the tax rates where you live, but mine is 12% ....

 

Now, depending on how much you spend, and the personal exemptions you might have top pay some tax when going back into your home country, BUT most Islands don't have sales tax... (I supposed some do, but duty free is just that)...

[trock]

by any chance is it Joes Jewlers? Out friends buy there every time we go

Pat

 

I would have to ask my uncle.. I dont remember the name.. But i dont think that's it.. :)

[sauvichick]

When we have bought jewelry in the past on the islands we made sure there was a US office just in case there was a problem. My husband bought me 4 little diamond studs @Diamonds International in Cozumel. Of course I did not do a close up. I got home & noticed 2 were scratched. I called the NY #, explained the situation,overnighted them & received 2 new ones. No problem. Bought jewelry in St. Thomas @ Cardow (NY office too). Nowadays no desire for jewelry, but you have to know prices!

[gtouch]

After 18 years in the jewelry industry and many cruises you are not going to get a great deal in the islands. If you see something you like and want it go ahead and buy it but it is not going to be a better deal than you can get in the states. You usually (notice that I didn't say always) can get a better deal back home with an easier exchange or return policy than on a cruise. I have seen many people who say they have checked and looked before they have bought. Well they looked and checked in the wrong places if they want to say they got a "great deal". Don't shop in the islands for a great deal but do shop if you see something you like and will be happy with it without comparison shopping when you get back home.

[misguidedangel]

I think the only jewllery that I will buy in the Caribbean that can't be bought anywhere else is Black Coral. I have several pieces from Bernard Passman and one from Richard's Black Coral in Grand Cayman (which is now closed, and the amazing "Boss" carved lobster is somewhere safe). I have two bracelets and when people see it they think it is cheap or inexpensive costume jewellery, but when I say it is black coral and how much I paid they suddenly realize diamond aren't the only expensive jewel out there!!!