Looking For A Diamond!!!

[ruthiegirl]

;) We are going on the Westerdam 2-6-05 to the Eastern Carribean. We are celebrating our 38th wedding anniversary, my husband wants to buy me a new diamond ring to celebrate. Where is the best island to find this, Nassau, St. Maarten, or Tortola? Can't wait until February!!! We're so excited!!!

[fsdj1097]

We have had our best luck in St. Thomas at Ballerina Jewelry.

Take your time and compare. Know what you want. Brush up on the 4 Cs of diamond shopping before you go.

Good Luck and enjoy your cruise.

Happy Anniversary!

[Randyk47]

Of the ones you've listed St Maartten is the best. Nassau is not all that good a place to shop for precious stones. Haven't been to Tortola so I can't comment on the potential there. Would agree that if your cruise includes St Thomas there are some very good shops to buy from there. Do your homework before you cruise though. Get an idea of what you want and how much it would cost to buy at home....not all things are bargains.

[jollycruiser]

Be very hesitant about buying a diamond without GIA certification or equivalent. It is very easy to be taken on a diamond purchase if you are not extremely knowledgeable about diamond grading particularly out of the country. Just bought a 3 stone 25th anniversary ring for my wife. Spent 2 months of research, then found a US dealer with excellent pricing and certified grading. Good luck!

[Angelmagc2]

Friend on our cruise researched, and bought her new wedding rings on St Martin, at Diamond International. Stick with who is recommended by the cruise line, (insert in your daily compass) as they are guaranteed then. One of the families bought a ring with her birthstone and diamond chips, a chip was missing during the cruise, and she turned it in to the 'shopping experts' on board. Her ring was fully guaranteed, no questions asked... and repaired. Note: the women who bought her new wedding rings in St Martin, had them appraised here in the states, and it was appraised for $950 more than she paid.

[peaches from georgia]

Just be VERY careful. I bought a ring from Diamonds International (not a diamond) and the setting turned out to be defective. Most of the stones fell out in a few months. DI is a 'HAL approved' merchant all over the Caribbean and recommended on all the ships.

However, the HAL 'guarantee' is only for 30 days and believe me, if something happens on Day 31 you are on your own; HAL will not lift a finger to help you. I learned a very expensive lesson.

[ryansmemom]

Two years ago we bought a one and a half carat diamond from Diamonds International. We got a GIA certificate and a wonderful deal. We did our homework and knew exactly what we were doing. When you get on the ship let the shopping ambassador know that you are interested in making this purchase. He or she will e-mail the store and make an appointment for you. You don't just walk in the door cold. In our experience you don't just stand at the counter. You want to see the loose stones they keep in the vaults. That is where the better stones are. Depending on the size and cost of what you are interested in the shopping ambassader will at least give you a card. In our case she came to the store with us. If you do not get the stone set, it is duty free, regardless of the cost. You can have it set at home. You can, if you choose buy the setting while in the islands and have it set at home as well.

I just love my ring. My jeweler ( an AGS jeweler) verified my fantastic price when I had him appraise it. It sparkles so brightly and colorfully on my hand. I know you will just adore what ever you choose to buy.

Happy 38th Anniversay, you deserve a wonderful diamond for that!!
Happy cruise!! :)

Linda

[LAFFNVEGAS]

This is just my very personal opinion, buy from a good local jeweler and buy a diamond that is GIA certifed. We looked at several places in St Thomas, unless you have a diamond tester , a moissanite tester and eye like a jeweler I would not spend the money. There is just too much of a chance to get ripped off even by one that is recommended by the cruise line.
I have bought several nices pieces of jewlery while on cruises but if you are replacing her diamond wedding ring, I definitely would not do it. Now if this is just for a right hand/fun ring then go for it just be aware it may not be what is presented to you. Often times the prices they quote you can be better right in your home town.

[dakrewser]

;) We are going on the Westerdam 2-6-05 to the Eastern Carribean. We are celebrating our 38th wedding anniversary, my husband wants to buy me a new diamond ring to celebrate. Where is the best island to find this
Manhatten Island. Much better prices and quality.

-dave

[sail7seas]

IMO....


Years ago there were bargains in the Caribbean but there are very few real bargains now. We have purchased jewelry through the years on our cruises and are happy with all of it. Some of it was very costly. We bought it because we liked it; we did not buy it because we thought it was a huge bargain.

We have had some of the pieces appraised and usually the appraisals reflected that the price we paid was fair. But I would not say we saved a bundle. We don't take the time to shop jewelry at home but we know that if we did, we probably would find jewelry we would like just as well for just as good a price.

Remember.....you will never be able to sell any jewelry for what you bought it for.

Only a skilled gemologist with the proper testing equipment can be absolutely sure these days that the 'diamond' you are buying is not a CZ. The synthetic stones are so very good these days that only an expert knows for sure the stone was grown by mother nature and not in a lab somewhere.

[ruthiegirl]

Thanks for the info. My husband read it and decided to wait another 38 years so he thinks!!! I guess buying diamonds on the islands isn't what I thought. The old adage is true: "If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is".

[sail7seas]

Hope you have a very Happy Anniversary and a Wonderful cruise.


Here's to 38 more years together in good health and happiness.

[Travelbug 2]

You are so right "Sail 7 Seas". I spent more than 40 years in the jewellery business and have seen hundreds of people throughout my career sadly dissapointed with holiday purchases. Some of course were lucky but the vast majority were taken for a ride. Be smart and shop at home from a reputable firm, it is much easier to go back if there is a problem.

Happy cruising.

[trubey]

I spent more than 40 years in the jewellery business and have seen hundreds of people throughout my career sadly dissapointed with holiday purchases. Some of course were lucky but the vast majority were taken for a ride. Be smart and shop at home from a reputable firm, it is much easier to go back if there is a problem.

Happy cruising.
You are SO right, travelbug. I spent over 30 years in the business and my heart ached for people who were cheated.

I always advised folks who asked me what to look for, "Buy something beautiful you love because you'll have it as a memory forever. An Amethyst. A Citrine. Maybe something unique from a little craft shop."

That way, everybody won.

N.B. a good place in the secondary market to pick up beautiful things for surprisingly low prices would be Sotheby's or Christie's. Investigate them.

Lane

[Stevesan]

There is a lot of good advise in this thread. Allow me to add on by urging you to educate yourself before buying. An excellent resource is Fred Cuellar's book How To Buy A Diamond. It is constructed for both the novice buyer as well as the experienced. Fred's book is a smart investment.

[jollycruiser]

Here is another good source for diamond education:
http://www.overnightdiamonds.com/Education.aspx

This is also the jeweler I used for my wife's 25th anniversary stone. He is amazingly knowledgable. Check out his large diamond inventory on line. Lists every loose diamond he sells by the "4C's". and you can't beat the pricing.

john

[Travelbug 2]

Being educated about the basics of jewellery buying is important BUT you still have to put your trust in a highly qualified jeweller. Knowing about the 4Cs is fine but unless you are trained in how to determine fine line differences in quality you will be no further ahead. The study of gemmology is long and complicated but leads to such an interesting career. Most people just do not know how complex it is. Many years ago while on a tour in Europe I thought I would join a group going to a Diamond cutting and polishing factory, being in the business made me curious. I was flabergasted to say the least at what the people were led to believe. So, knowledge is important but you should know your jeweller as well as you know your family doctor and have the same amount of trust and confidence. I am sure that Lane will agree. This is getting way off track so better stop now!!

Happy cruising and wise shopping.

[Vicar]

Just my opinion

On a purchase of a really expensive piece of jewelry , I would feel a lot safer buying from a reputable local jeweler (not a mall chain) and definately make sure it has a GIA certificate.

I have bought several pieces of jewelry on the islands in the past. nothing spectacular but nothing cheapo either and although I have been lucky with the quality and authenticity of them, I would still feel leery about buying a really expensive precious stone there.

I recently got engaged so I am very familiar with the GIA and the 4 Cs and inclusions and all that stuff. I bought the ring from a family run business that has been at the same location for like 80 years and the great grandson waited on me. My whole family has been buying there for years and never had a problem. Its piece of mind

Happy anniversary and many many more happy and healthy ones

Wherever you get your diamond, enjoy it in good health

[ruthiegirl]

Lots of good advice, I think I'll take it! Maybe I'll buy a tee-shirt instead. Ha, Ha!

[lknick]

There is one alternative not as yet mentioned, and that is travel jewelry. Travel jewelry is replicas of well known designer rings, necklaces, etc but without genuine stones, ie CZs instead of diamonds. In no way are they costume jewelry, in either cost or look.

Now I fully understand the emotional difference between a real diamond and a CZ, but only the wearer and a gemologist can tell the difference. Personally, I have never had anyone approach my lady with a loupe to examine her Van Cleef & Arpel travel jewelry.

One of the largest travel jewelry stores is in Saint Thomas, USVI and has the words 'travel jewelry' in its name which I think is Lanciani Travel Jewelry but will not attest to.

[trubey]

Of course you're right, Iknick, about no layman knowing whether you're wearing CZ or Diamond jewelry . . . but is the point really trying to create the illusion that you have the money to afford the real stuff, for whatever reason; or buying something nice for yourself?

I don't know what demographic segment of the business you were in, Travelbug, but we'd sometimes look at their wristwatches if their diamonds looked fishy. If it was a Breguet or a Corum or a Piaget, fine. It only costs a few thousand dollars to put somebody in designer clothes, great hairstyle, Blahnik, Judith Lieber -- but jewelry is of a different order of magnitude.

Lane

[lknick]

but is the point really trying to create the illusion that you have the money to afford the real stuff, for whatever reason; or buying something nice for yourself?
Travel jewelry was created for those who owned the real thing but were fearful of theft.

I was searching for a middle ground. The point is to find something you like and not to appear moneyed. Those with real money seldom are ostentatious, nor do they feel required to be evaluated.

[Nautical Wheeler]

We have been buying diamonds and emeralds (my birthstone) as well as watches in St. Thomas for many years at Cardow's and more recently at Royal Caribbean Jewelers. All of our jewelry has been GIA certified and the store appraisals were right on with appraisals from our local long time jeweler. I was having a problem with losing stones from a diamond and emerald tennis bracelet purchased at Royal Caribbean ( No link to the cruise line) and after speaking with the jeweler in St Thomas was able to have the stones replaced in the United States at no cost though a jeweler of his in NY. I felt the service was excellent. We have been extremly happy with both of these stores......the quality of their jewelry and the wonderful customer service. With all the money I have saved in duty and taxes I've been able to buy more Jewelry....tee hee. My husband booked a day of golf for us at Mahogany Run last time we were in St. Thomas.......said it was cheaper than letting me go shopping!! Guess what, though? We had a few hours left before we had to get back on the ship and I knew exactly where to go. Didn't take long to get what I wanted and he was very happy with his golf game and in a generous mood.
I have never bought at Diamonds International so can not comment on them.
But I would not hesitate to do business with either Cardow's or Royal Caribbean Jewelers. GO FOR IT!!:)

[jazzsea]

I have purchased fine jewelry from both of these stores. Also from Little Switzerland.

My husband purchased a new diamond wedding set for me for our 25th anniversary from Columbian Emeralds. They appraised well when he brought them home and I am thrilled with them. We couldn't afford a real engagement ring when we married in 1979.

Your ship does not stop in St. Thomas so your best bet for jewelry will be St. Maarten. Lots and lots of stores. They always have a special discount if you ask. Many times they will have to talk to the manager but often 5 or 10% can be taken off of their best price. And.... no sales tax.Never accept the first price they give you. Walk away if necessary and come back later.

I have a lovely tennis bracelet that I bought in St. Maarten ten years ago. Tanzinite and diamonds. I was very lucky with this purchase as I later found that fake tanzinite is passed off for real all over the Caribbean.I had the bracelet appraised when I got home and I was very glad that the stones were real and that they appaised well.

[Loves_A_Laugh]

About those Cubic Zirconia, it's true only a jeweler with a loupe and test kit can tell the difference in today’s CZs and diamonds.

That means a man can drape his dolly in pretty baubles or adorn his beloved with gemstones. They’ll look the same to everyone else.

But he knows. And she knows.

[AirGorilla]

When you're in St. Maarten, stop in at either Trident or Shivas -- they're owned by the same family. We've dealt there for ten-plus years for a wide variety of jewelry, and have been very satisfied.

Have a great trip!!

Happy sailing!!