Shopping for BLING in St. Thomas/St. Maarten - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

susanj · 02-18-2006, 01:06 PM

So we're talking about the cruise the other day, and DH says he wants to get a Rolex!! Yikes!

Any suggestions on good places to shop for jewelry?

Susan

sue miller · 02-18-2006, 01:08 PM

Never bought a Rolex, but prices are better in St. Martin!!

JodiBB · 02-18-2006, 01:18 PM

Please be very careful. My mom just got a Rolex (not from the Caribbean) and had a very frustrating, but rewarding experience. She learned that many times, the Rolex inner workings may be authentic, but the face, hands, band, etc. are not authentic and second-hand (no pun intended) to make sure the client get exactly what they want.

My mom wanted a specific face and you can't believe how many jewelers told her they could get it. When she returned, she could tell that the workmanship was shoddy and they fed her all kind of lines to make a sale.

If you DO decide to get a Rolex in the Caribbean, please go in with your eyes open....

houch · 02-18-2006, 01:25 PM

My favorite topic,

I have had better jewelry deals in St Thomas. Your customs limit is higher there too. On first cruise I shopped the big name stores. Since then I have had some lessons from my jeweler and braved the stores off the main drag on several islands. You can get some really good deals there if you know what you are looking for and have the time to barter a bit. It's worked for me and appraisals back home have been way above what I spent.

Have never bought a watch though.
Never buy the first thing you see, take your time and shop around.

Carol

safein · 02-28-2006, 11:32 PM

Always shop around where you live first to check prices. Not only for jewelry but electronics and perfumes. Places like Little Switzerland, H. Stern are some of the more reputable establishments.

Have fun and good luck!

hanna · 03-01-2006, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by safein

Always shop around where you live first to check prices. Not only for jewelry but electronics and perfumes. Places like Little Switzerland, H. Stern are some of the more reputable establishments.

Have fun and good luck!

Does reputable mean more $? Or can you get the same quality at a smaller place?

safein · 03-02-2006, 02:02 AM

Sometimes yes and sometimes no. You would want to deal with a place that has a good reputation and a better guarantee that you are getting the real mc coy. With the internet at least you can do research on not only prices, but on the stores themselves.

Rosie · 03-09-2006, 12:58 PM

We have purchased high end watches & other jewelery from Trident Jewelers in St. Thomas. Their quality was authentic & the prices were better than Stern & Little Sw.!

Cruise Lover · 03-10-2006, 11:56 AM

We like Cardows, have bought most of our jewelry there.

nealberk · 03-12-2006, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by safein

Sometimes yes and sometimes no. You would want to deal with a place that has a good reputation and a better guarantee that you are getting the real mc coy. With the internet at least you can do research on not only prices, but on the stores themselves.

And several of the stores even sell online these days. Diamond International comes to mind.....