I've heard people say that you can get cheap jewelry at St. Thomas. How cheap is that? I'd like to bring money in expectation of that but how much should I bring? I'm not really interested in necklaces, probably rings mostly.
St Thomas has very good prices on "real" jewelry. For instance, I bought a trillion cut one caret tanzanite ring with some diamond accents there a few years back. I paid $760, they sized it while I waited. I had it appraised back home for $1500. I would say that was a very good price! I've bought several other pieces there too that I couldn't afford to get at home. The bigger items, I go to the well known stores like Cardow. For smaller items I like the smaller stores cause I can dicker more and get them down to a price I like.
There are many jewelry shops in St. Thomas. They will bargain with you so do not except the first price.
I can't answer "how cheap". What is cheap to one person may not be cheap to another.
Take this for what it is worth. Beware of Diamonds International and Tanzanite International. MANY have been burned from these stores including a good friend of mine. Most cruise lines recommend them but don't be fooled. They PAY the cruise line to recommend the store.
Like anything, Buyer Beware. You need to know what you are doing.
Funny story. I was in Aruba. Many of those shops are the same as St. Thomas. This was a good size store with lots of jewelry, watches etc.
I was looking at Mystic Topaz in the show case. The sales women came over to me and another women who was standing there. She pulled out a Mystic Topaz ring and proceeded to inform us that this was a NEW GEM STONE FOUND IN SOUTH AMERICA.
Mystic Topaz is nothing but treated/coated white topaz. If you are not careful the coating can come off.
You are right about being aware of what you are looking for. My jeweler has showed me a few things about what to look for and how to use a loop. I do use it when I am shopping. It's not foolproof but it helps me feel more comfortable about what I buy. I have never bought anything for thousands of dollars.....for that I go to my jeweler here. JMO
Cheap no, more reasonable maybe! Please do some shopping at your home area. Know what you would pay locally at home including any taxes. Bargain with jewelers until you feel you can afford the item or just walk away. I too agree about Diamonds International. I have used Beverly's at Havensight (Mack)and Sola downtown Charlotte Amalie. They are owned by the same person. Avoid Trident downtown. I don't buy much at ports any longer. The values have decreased over the years. St. Martin may be better than St. Thomas if you have both ports on your itinerary. It's lots of fun to come home with a new beautiful souvenir!
Bon Voyage
Nanatravek
You are right about being aware of what you are looking for. My jeweler has showed me a few things about what to look for and how to use a loop. I do use it when I am shopping. It's not foolproof but it helps me feel more comfortable about what I buy. I have never bought anything for thousands of dollars.....for that I go to my jeweler here. JMO
What do you mean a loop? I am curious, as I tend to buy one piece of jewelry on my cruise. I got a beautiful Tanzanite 3 carat and paid much less than the appraisal I got when I got home.
I am interested in this "loop" thing...or do you mean the glass you look through for buying diamonds and such??
Yes Dolores it is the eye thing jewelers use!! I buy on the ship, I believe there are better "deals" in St Martin, anything real expensive I buy at home, and I agree about anything International, diamonds, emeralds, tanzanite, etc!! Ripoffs!!
A loop is what they call that magnifing piece they use to check your jewelry. It's very compact with 3 different lenses to use singlely or in combination, at least that is what mine looks like. Of course the jewelers have those hi power microscopes they use in the stores. I doubt I could tell an expensive CZ from a real diamond, but I can see a lot of imperfections. If it is clear throughout and a price I can afford, it is probably glass.
Again it's not foolproof, but I do feel better about what I buy. I also use it home to check the prongs on my stones, that has saved me a lost stone or two!
Sue, I have found the ships to be way too expensive for me. Only been to St Martin once and didn't find any good deals. I have found good deals in St Thomas, at Cardow. And last trip at a smaller store but can't remember the name right now.
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I've bought several other pieces there too that I couldn't afford to get at home. The bigger items, I go to the well known stores like Cardow. For smaller items I like the smaller stores cause I can dicker more and get them down to a price I like.
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