A Word Of Caution About Buying Jewelry

[mamaofami]

Just a word of caution. I bought a ring from Diamond International on my last cruise and was assured by them that they had a branch in NY and could do any necessary repairs. Well, they don't really have a branch, just a mailing address and store front. You can send or bring in the item, but they have no store or repair facilities and send it out and you are without the item for weeks at a time.

I know someone else who lives in my area who purchased some jewely from Diamonds International and decided she wanted to exchange it for something else. She was within the 30 day period so they took it back. Now she has a credit of several hundred dollars, but unless she goes on a cruise, she can't spend it.

The prices are good and the designs lovely, but you really have to be careful when buying while on a cruise.

[RuthC]

Over the years I have seen many pretty pieces in many, many shops in port. When I want something nice I head straight to my favorite jeweler at home.

[gizmo]

There has been a lot of complaints about DI. If the store has "International" as part of the name, I don't put my foot through the door.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

There has been a lot of complaints about DI. If the store has "International" as part of the name, I don't put my foot through the door.

I agree, I call it Rip Off International. Those who know me know I love jewelery and I think I have a good eye for something as well as prices. The quality they offer at any of them is truly a joke. I would stay as far away from that store as possible.

Ruth you are totally right I have found some lovely pieces right here at home for a far better price. Although I will say beware of things like stores have a "Trunk Sale" JC Penny was having one of those this past weekend and for the fun of it I stopped and looked at several pieces. By the time she showed me the 3rd piece at 75% off I was laughing. There is such a HUGE mark up on jewelery, all I can do is shake my head when the public complains about Car Dealerships. They should be complaining about Jewelers.

[sail7seas]

Yes, I agree with you Lisa.

:D The difference is that most of us need a car; most of us don't (really, truthfully, realistically, absolutely) NEED jewelry. For some of us it just feels that way!!! :)

[sail7seas]

We've bought our share of jewelry in the Caribbean through the years and I enjoy it very much. Years ago I think there were some savings and good values to be had in the islands but not anymore.

I'm not saying no one should buy jewelry there just that you have an idea what similar pieces would cost at home (which is hard to do seeing as quality/size/color etc of gemstones varies so much) AND only buy it because you love it. If you really think the piece something you absolutely adore than buy it for its beauty; not as an investment. It is rare to ever be able to sell jewelry for what you paid for it.

[mamaofami]

I did some research before I left home because I was looking for a ring. The price was right and I fell in love with what I bought, but I learned my lesson and won't do it again. Sometimes, when you are on vacation, all reason flies out the door and you do implusle buying because it's a vacation. Not a good thing to do when the "store" is so far away.

Now that I've learned my lesson, the price of the cruise will be much less.:)

[sail7seas]

I'm sorry you had this bad experience, Carol, but that doesn't mean you should never shop jewelry in the Caribbean again IMO

For jewelry lovers, some of the islands are a :D goldmine (pun intended) of opportunity.

It's part of the fun of vacation and as long as you stay within price range that feels comfortable for you, where's the harm? Many ladies (and lots of men) love jewelry and it is a luxurious treat and a great momento from a wonderful cruise.

Many of the pieces we bought through the years were impulse purchases and we regret very few.

When we get old, (if we are so lucky) we might regret the things we didn't do, but I don't think we'll regret buying a pretty ring or earring. ;)

[Dance2Nite]

I'm sorry you had this bad experience, Carol, but that doesn't mean you should never shop jewelry in the Caribbean again IMO

For jewelry lovers, some of the islands are a :D goldmine (pun intended) of opportunity.

It's part of the fun of vacation and as long as you stay within price range that feels comfortable for you, where's the harm? Many ladies (and lots of men) love jewelry and it is a luxurious treat and a great momento from a wonderful cruise.

Many of the pieces we bought through the years were impulse purchases and we regret very few.

When we get old, (if we are so lucky) we might regret the things we didn't do, but I don't think we'll regret buying a pretty ring or earring. ;)




I agree with sail7seas. We have found some lovely and memorable pieces. On our latest Sea of Cortez adventure, we heard the flip side. On the Mazatlan City Tour, our guide, Cesar, gave us the same spiel as heard in the port shopping presentations on board about trusted merchants - blah, blah, blah. We also got the lecture about Mexican silver. But when we approached the Cliff Diver stop, Cesar announced that there would be 'merchants' at the stop and, please, not to ask him (Cesar) if this was real silver - these were his friends. The message came through loud and clear and I didn't see anyone doing anything but admiring the work and making their way back to the bus.

BTW, it was a wonderful trip and we did purchase a beautiful blue sapphire ring for my DW in Cabo. Each time that I see it on her finger, it brings back some wonderful memories and that is what life is all about!

Ray and Kay - Dance2Nite

[Krazy Kruizers]

I don't buy any jewelry while we cruise.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

On the Mazatlan City Tour, our guide, Cesar, gave us the same spiel as heard in the port shopping presentations on board about trusted merchants - blah, blah, blah. We also got the lecture about Mexican silver. But when we approached the Cliff Diver stop, Cesar announced that there would be 'merchants' at the stop and, please, not to ask him (Cesar) if this was real silver - these were his friends. The message came through loud and clear and I didn't see anyone doing anything but admiring the work and making their way back to the bus.
Ray and Kay - Dance2Nite

Ray and Kay we too had Cesar as our tour guide in Mazatlan and he also warned us the same thing. I actually have a jewelry store that we always go to in Mazatlan. They are NOT on the recommend ships list but have great merchandise and good prices. The two guys who own it close up in the summer and go to Ketchikan. We see them at least 3 times a year over the past 2 years at one of their locations and when I walk in the door they greet me by name:D Seriously they do know Tom and I. We are looking forward to seeing them again 4 weeks from Friday;)

[sail7seas]

Our 'favorite' jeweler in St. Thomas takes us to lunch whenever we're in town . :) We've been shopping with him since about 1992. A piece here, a piece there.

[Cruise To Relax]

It is unfortunate that you sometimes don't get a good deal at the jewelry stores while on a cruise. I will say that we have been fortunate and every piece of jewelry we have purchased has appraised for higher or much higher than what we paid. We still remain concerned and probably will not visit those stores on our next trip (at least I hope not). In fact, the ring we purchased for my wife at DI in Aruba was appriased by an independent appraisal for the most over the actual purchase price which is something that surprised me. We have used these appraisals to purchase insurance against loss. So yes sometimes you can get a good deal - and sometimes you cannot. We have been lucky - guess it is time for us to stop. Enjoy.

[peaches from georgia]

Not to say you can't get nice jewelry at a fair price, but when something goes wrong, no matter what you make think about HAL 'recommended' stores, forget it. If you are very very lucky you might get a credit, but you can't use if you don't go back to the island. And it is not always easy to get the credit and HAL is no help. In fact you don't even deal with the problem through HAL. There is more risk than if you are getting a good deal on the price.

Call me 'Burned at DI'

[sail7seas]

We don't make 'recommended stores' any part of our choice of where to shop.
We don't depend upon cruise line 'guarantee' in any way.

[Spender Nui]

We stopped buying, not only jewelry, but almost anything of value, about 20 years ago.

Bargains that used to be there have disappeared. You have to be very careful now.

[Jade13]

Just a word of caution. I bought a ring from Diamond International on my last cruise and was assured by them that they had a branch in NY and could do any necessary repairs. Well, they don't really have a branch, just a mailing address and store front. You can send or bring in the item, but they have no store or repair facilities and send it out and you are without the item for weeks at a time.

I know someone else who lives in my area who purchased some jewely from Diamonds International and decided she wanted to exchange it for something else. She was within the 30 day period so they took it back. Now she has a credit of several hundred dollars, but unless she goes on a cruise, she can't spend it.

The prices are good and the designs lovely, but you really have to be careful when buying while on a cruise.

She can buy from them. They have an on-line web-site.

It sounds like they are fixing your item, just not in a time frame you would desire, correct?

[SDHALFAN]

I don't think that this is really off-topic: but what about the Shops Onboard? Has anyone bought anything from them and if so, are you happy with the purchase and the price paid for it? Do you think that you got value for your money?

Valerie:)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Valerie, actually I have bought several very nice pieces. I have a pair of two tone small hoop earrings with diamonds that I get many compliments on because they are very unique. There is a two town gold bracelet I bought that I never take off. I purchased it on the Oosterdam in May 2004. I wore it for 2 1/2 years till the clasp broke. Just this past weekend I took it to be fixed and now wearing it again. I have also purchased a few of the Citizen Eco-Drive watches. I thought they were a fair price. I am one of those people that change watches to coordinate with my other jewelry for the day;) I have also purchased in the past some of the Swarovski costume jewelry. These are usually discontinued items of Swarovski but the prices are very good. The Swarovski Crystal they carry are usually the current items also at a fair price.

In more recent cruises I have not purchased anything but we also have been cruising frequently but we do like to go thru the shops to look once or twice and the not buying is not for lack of trying:D

[mamaofami]

She can buy from them. They have an on-line web-site.

It sounds like they are fixing your item, just not in a time frame you would desire, correct?


Just to be clear: I love the ring I bought, but I need to have it sized again. when I sized it in St. Martin, it was very humid and my fingers were swollen. I don't want to leave it with them for weeks so I am bringing it to a local jeweler to do. I thought I could just go to the store in NYC and have it done there the same way I did in St. Martin.

[annbanan]

I've purchased jewelry from the ship store and the Caribbean and truly enjoy the pieces I have. They bring great memories every time I put them on. I don't really know if I got the best buy, but I don't regret it at all.

It is true, I bought them because I was on vacation. If I was home, I wouldn't be going out to the jewelry store and looking like I do while on vacation.

I'm already planning on buying a piece on my next trip. I just have to try to limit myself. :rolleyes:

Have any suggestions on where to shop on the Boston to Boston cruise??:D

[SDHALFAN]

Valerie, actually I have bought several very nice pieces. I have a pair of two tone small hoop earrings with diamonds that I get many compliments on because they are very unique. There is a two town gold bracelet I bought that I never take off. I purchased it on the Oosterdam in May 2004. I wore it for 2 1/2 years till the clasp broke. Just this past weekend I took it to be fixed and now wearing it again. I have also purchased a few of the Citizen Eco-Drive watches. I thought they were a fair price. I am one of those people that change watches to coordinate with my other jewelry for the day;) I have also purchased in the past some of the Swarovski costume jewelry. These are usually discontinued items of Swarovski but the prices are very good. The Swarovski Crystal they carry are usually the current items also at a fair price.

In more recent cruises I have not purchased anything but we also have been cruising frequently but we do like to go thru the shops to look once or twice and the not buying is not for lack of trying:D

Hi Lisa: and thanks for your answer to my post. I'm thinking that you and I may have the same bracelet (the two-tone gold one: mine is mostly white gold, with a yellow gold accent (for want of a better word), and is from Beverly Hills Gold). I made it a habit to buy those bracelets from Shops Onboard as a souvenir of the cruise but lately I find that they have the same old, same old: so on my last cruise I bought myself a really nice Freshwater Pearl necklace for my birthday. What was really nice, apart from the necklace itself, is that they gave me a certificate, with a photo of the necklace for insurance/customs use.

I have actually been quite happy with my purchases from the Shops Onboard but was just wondering how others felt.

Valerie:)

[Crusin'Texan]

I have bought several pieces of jewelry in the Caribbean and it has been appraised for quite a bit more than we paid for it. I guess we are lucky. I will probably continue to buy if I really like it.

[CJcruzer]

I bought a 2-tone bracelet also from the On Board shops!! last cruise (February), I purchased a tanzanite necklace and earrings (this I must admit was impulse) and was given a certificate for each, with photograph, etc...

I November, I realized I had not worn it since the cruise and the appeal wore off, I filled out their on-line return form, sent the pieces back to their Miami address, and had a FULL refund within 3 weeks!!! I was very impressed with their service - no problems, no questions......

Knowing this, I would not hesitate to buy from On Board again - I have bought some Swarovski, and a blue jade bracelet, and some earrings - this was the first time I "second-guessed" my purchase.

CJcruzer

[babyher]

We have also always been lucky. We have bought several pieces , both on the islands, and in the onboard shops. All the pieces we have gotten have been appraised for more than we paid for them.

We've never bought any insanely expensive pieces while on a cruise. (my wife only trusts our regular local jeweler with those :)). But the ones we have bought , we enjoy very much

[Jade13]

Just to be clear: I love the ring I bought, but I need to have it sized again. when I sized it in St. Martin, it was very humid and my fingers were swollen. I don't want to leave it with them for weeks so I am bringing it to a local jeweler to do. I thought I could just go to the store in NYC and have it done there the same way I did in St. Martin.

Oh, I see. But of course that would be the same issue with anything not bought in your home town (Fyi, I had my wedding ring designed/cut by a Texas jeweler who did the cutting in offices in NY - so, the ring gets sent out for any servicing).

Btw, I had a very good experiance with DI. We had not planned to buy anything in Alaska but in Juneau our helicopter tour was canceled, so we ended up shopping (in addition to going to State Museum which was very good). We bought two his/her Movado watches. As chance would have it we had already priced them at $1,100 or $1,150 (wanted simple nickel/silvertone "museum" dial black - no gold) at a Movado store and were able to get them at 35% off, and the exact same models we wanted.

I kind of wondered if it was an older model, but when I returned home and called Movado they were recent serial numbers etc. DI had the same watch in Ketichan for a bit less and apparently mismarked. When I said something to NY they explained they could only take off 35% from list, but sent me a $50 coupon (good for any amount, ie I can buy something for $50). There really isn't anything I see on-line but perhaps I should get something before the coupon expires. (What would you buy with a $50 coupon?)

They had also forgotten to sign the warrenty cards, which they sent from NY although Movado said they were not really necessary (if something happened, we just needed a copy of the receipt). I was pleased with their service.

I think they are good for watch purchases, and now you all know you can "negotiate" 35% off of list, at least on this brand watch:)

[sail7seas]

I bought a 2-tone bracelet also from the On Board shops!! last cruise (February), I purchased a tanzanite necklace and earrings (this I must admit was impulse) and was given a certificate for each, with photograph, etc...

I November, I realized I had not worn it since the cruise and the appeal wore off, I filled out their on-line return form, sent the pieces back to their Miami address, and had a FULL refund within 3 weeks!!! I was very impressed with their service - no problems, no questions......

Knowing this, I would not hesitate to buy from On Board again - I have bought some Swarovski, and a blue jade bracelet, and some earrings - this was the first time I "second-guessed" my purchase.

CJcruzer


That is impressive, CJcruzer. Thanks for sharing that with us. I'd never heard from anyone who had tried to return an article bought in a Shop on Board.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Hi Lisa: and thanks for your answer to my post. I'm thinking that you and I may have the same bracelet (the two-tone gold one: mine is mostly white gold, with a yellow gold accent (for want of a better word), and is from Beverly Hills Gold).


Val, Yes it is the Beverly Hills Gold collection. It is the one with white gold hearts and gold Xs. What I liked about it is that it is very smooth and never get's caught on anything. I have had so many bracelets that snag my clothes that when I found this it was perfect. For me to where it for years and never ever take it off shows that the quality is extremely good and it still looks like brand new.:)

[plantlady095]

We bought a couple of loose diamonds at Diamonds International in Cozumel last fall and have been very, very pleased. When our son took one of them to Kay's Jewelers to be mounted in an engagement ring, the appraisal was far higher than we ever expected. I would shop with them again but only if I have done my homework and know what to look for.

We have also been very pleased with the On Board Shops. We have purchased Citizen Ecowatches (3) and have loved how they performed ever since. The bracelets/watchbands were adjusted on the ship and have never needed any addtional work. When researching the price for their price guarantee, we found one watch for only $20 less and that was not worth the effort to file the paperwork. I will not hesitate to shop onboard again!

[unclerich]

Agree with "Ripoff International"..... Buyer beware. Lots of info on the web about that particular chain. Our personal experience was awful with regard to apparent merchandise switch and failure to appraise at stated quality and value,

[Odd Ball]

I couldn't agree more about Ripoff International. I have a friend that had a very bad experience.

[KAKcruiser]

I have bought jewelry from the Shops on Board and have been impressed with the Miami service department. I have sent rings to them to be sized which always worked out fine. I have also returned rings to them and received a full refund within a month.

I have also returned jewelry a couple of times to stores in St. Thomas and received a full refund. It my help that we knew them well because of multiple purchases made over the years.

I agree that it is risky buying jewelry in the Caribbean but that is true anywhere you buy jewelry. I am now in the habit of buying jewelry and having it sized at home by a trusted jeweler because one time I had the stone switched after I paid for it.

[bepsf]

I don't buy any jewelry while we cruise.

Neither do I...
...all my jewelry are gifts.
;)

[sail7seas]

I remember the lovely story you told about the gift you received on Noordam, Brian. What a spectacular surprise that was for you. :)

[Gonzo70]

Annbanan: As a native Bostonian, I would recommend Newbury St. in Boston for shopping.

Happy cruising!

[sab490]

I don't think that this is really off-topic: but what about the Shops Onboard? Has anyone bought anything from them and if so, are you happy with the purchase and the price paid for it? Do you think that you got value for your money?

Valerie:)

We fell for a special deal onboard for Baileys "Hint of Mint Chocolate". They said it was new and not available yet in the States....and it was sooooo good! Well, when we got home I found it in our state run wine & sprits shop (AKA State Store). But the ship version was a bigger bottle and less expensive, so I really didn't feel ripped off.

- Steve

[JYGresham]

I don't think that this is really off-topic: but what about the Shops Onboard? Has anyone bought anything from them and if so, are you happy with the purchase and the price paid for it? Do you think that you got value for your money?

Valerie:)
I have had better luck buying the loose stones on board andhaving them set by my jeweler at home. They have always been appraised for more than we paid.

[amusea]

I have had better luck buying the loose stones on board andhaving them set by my jeweler at home. They have always been appraised for more than we paid.

If buying loose stones or simple settings in the Caribbean you can sometimes find bargains although they are much fewer and farther between now. For very expensive items in more complicated settings I would not buy in the Caribbean. Sometimes very expensive jewelry has settings that are as expensive as the stones. When I have purchased such an item in Italy the stones sometimes come loose from the settings and I have them remounted but the settings are usually very beautiful and of high quality.

[sail7seas]

Many of the settings used for jewelry sold in the Caribbean come straight from Hong Kong. Wow.....that's a shocker!!! :)

[jwitt2]

I have purchased many items both on board and ashore. They range from fine gold and stones to costume variety. Recently I noticed that several of my rings with beautiful stones which I thought were good quality are turning my fingers blue. Thank goodness the necklaces and bracelets haven't done the same. I was kicking myself for not purchasing a ring ashore, when low and behold, I found the same thing the last night on the ship cheaper.

[ger_77]

jwitt: I sometimes have the same problem as you - my good rings and earrings (14K, 18K) turn my fingers or ear lobes blue. I didn't know what was happening, but mentioned it to my Dr. during one visit. He asked if I'd been eating very much acidic food lately - pineapple, oranges, tomatoes. Sure enough, I had been, and the ph balance of my skin had changed due to my diet. As soon as I cut back on the acidic foods, my good jewellery didn't turn my skin blue/grey.

I do believe it is "buyer beware" when you are purchasing jewellery on vacation - you just never know. I feel if I really love a piece of jewellery, I'm buying it because I love it, not for resale or appraised value. I have a Lucien Piccard watch that I bought on our first cruise in 1989 that is still gorgeous and I love to wear it from time to time. It brings back wonderful memories, and that's what good souvenirs do.

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)

[Grumpy1]

Slinkie usually manages to find something in almost every port and we've also bought a few items on the ships. We've gotten a few bargains and I'm sure we've overpaid for a few items, especially at Ripoff International. The real value, though, is in the memories. There are several pieces that have received compliments from local professional jewelers about the quality of the stones when we have been in their stores. The only problem that we have had is that the 18k gold on some of the items purchased in Asia is so soft that it is easy to snag a prong and bend or break it. A few hinges on bracelets have broken also, so those pieces are not good for everyday wear.

[grannynurse]

Years ago we bought jewelry in Georgetown GC in a supposedly reputable store on the cruiseline's (not HAL) approved list. The two rings, one opal, and one tourquoise were very well-priced and still look good after 20 years, but the watch stopped running about a week after we got back. It couldn't be repaired. Consequently we have never bought anything in the islands since.
We can do better here at home.
GN

[CDRMark]

It really boils down to:
Just a word of caution. SNIP...
you really have to be careful when buying while on a cruise.
...and you can probably leave off the last four words as well.
Cheers
Mark

[jwitt2]

[QUOTE=ger_77;10270211]jwitt: I sometimes have the same problem as you - my good rings and earrings (14K, 18K) turn my fingers or ear lobes blue. I didn't know what was happening, but mentioned it to my Dr. during one visit. He asked if I'd been eating very much acidic food lately - pineapple, oranges, tomatoes. Sure enough, I had been, and the ph balance of my skin had changed due to my diet. As soon as I cut back on the acidic foods, my good jewellery didn't turn my skin blue/grey.

Thanks for the tip. I do eat quite a bit of acidic foods you mentioned. Glad to know it is not my rings.