Thread: Diamonds international

GOING ON CARNIVAL GLORY 3-20-11 AND WANT TO BUY THE WIFE 1.5-2 CARAT DIAMOND EARRINGS OPINONS WHAT TO LOOK FOR OR NOT TO? SAW SOME REVUES AND THERE ABOUT 50-50 WAS WONDERING IF ANY1 HAD A PERSONAL EXPERIENCES

My best advice is to shop around BEFORE you go and know what you are looking for and how much it would cost to purchase locally. You can also check places like Blue Nile
Engagement Rings, Diamonds and Fine Jewelry at Blue Nile

Not all diamonds are created equally or are as desirable. Neither are appraisals. When you say 1.5-2 carats, is that per diamond, for two diamonds, or total weight for a bunch? For the kind of money you may be talking, you really should do your homework before you go. If you pay half of appraised value, you may have paid too much and if you pay over half, you definitely did.

Obviously if you find something at DI you like, and are happy with the price, then then that is what matters most.

When comparing prices, be sure to include duty taxes, if applicable.

I have no personal experience with DI, but I have read a lot of complaints about their merchandise. As Bill said above, do your homework... and don't be seduced by the salespeople.

In September 2008 I went shopping for an engagement ring at the end-of-season clearance sales at Skagway, Alaska. I thought that at 70% off and more that I'd find the perfect set at a great price in one of the cruise-port jewelry stores. I went home and bought the perfect set from a local jeweler for about the same money, with stones I trust.

Before shopping for jewelry in the Caribbean I got some lessons from my jeweler and a loop to bring along and what to look for when using it. I have found the best prices and quality of stones (precious and semi precious) to be in St Thomas, also there is a higher duty free limit from there. (I agree with Zydecocruiser said). I have been pleased with all of my purchases and know I would have had to pay more here for the same items, especially with the sales tax. When I was ready to buy 1 carat each diamond stud earrings I got them through my jeweler here. I just wasn't comfortable to get what I wanted in that size in the islands.
I have become more comfortable shopping for diamonds and in January I bought a 2 carat tdw diamond wedding band at Cardow and a 4.5 carat tdw diamond bracelet at Klassique, both in St Thomas and both stores I have bought from before many times with satisfaction. I always negociate the price until I am comfortable with it or I am not and I walk away. Klassique took a diamond bracelet I had bought there before in trade for my new one.
I have never bought any jewelry from the stores the ships suggest like DI, TI, or Columbian Emeralds. I just never have felt comfortable in them nor did I like what I saw with the loop. Keep in mind I am NOT an expert by any means, I go by my feelings and my TINY bit of knowledge. I have never been sorry with any of my purchases.

thanks everyone gonna take the wife to a few local jewelers and see what she likes and learn more about the 4 c's