Jewelry on the Eastern

[Dreamer04]

Ok, here it is. Lately, I've been watching ACN Jewelry Television and the prices seem so affordable. Are there opportunities to purchase some nice pieces? I never looked into this before, so I could really use some Dis guidance!


Thanks in advance!!

Ursula

 

[Mickeylover]

There are great deals to be had in St. Maarten and St. Thomas. The CFO of the Magic, who we spoke with at the last Castaway Club reception a few weeks ago seems to think that St. Thomas is the place to go for jewlery--and St. Maarten for electronics. We had a friend on board who was very pleased with the jewlery prices in St. Maarten as well.

I wasn't blown away by the electronic prices--but you can negotiate some good deals in jewlery, especially at St. Thomas. Most of the stores carry the same pieces, and you can move from store to store and negotiate the prices down by telling them at what price another store has offered. Prices can range a great deal. One of the biggest savings is avoiding tax on more expensive pieces as well. Natural tanzanite is a big seller in the islands.

 

[natdencro]

DD (CM) rang yesterday to say that her BF just bought a lovely diamond watch for her birthday in St.Martin this last week -apparantly at a new jewellers very close to the beach/port. CM's visit all the jewellers/electrical shops in all the ports, and this one compares very well.

There are 2 great electrical shops in St. Martin (in main street) which we always visit - and the prices are HALF the price in UK.

Ask Cm's advice before leaving the ship - they have the best tips. Nat

 

[Dreamer04]

Originally posted by Mickeylover
Natural tanzanite is a big seller in the islands. [/QUOTE

Exactly what I'm looking for. Tanzanite and diamonds in the same piece.

I've never purchased gemstone jewelry before and I thought that the cruise might be perfect for this.

Nat, did your DD happen to mention the name of the jeweler? Or is that merchant mentioned now in the shopping presentation you hear onboard?

Ursula

 

[alexandrew]

I bought a Concord watch at Boulchands (sp?) in St Maarten a few years ago for $200.00 less than than the best Internet price I could find anywhere....albeit, our cruise was right after 9/11, and maybe they were hurting for sales....

 

[Dreamer04]

How helpful is the shopping talk?

 

[TheWog]

You need to know what you are looking for before you go. Do a little research to educate yourself on diamond stone quality and price. Find out what they are going for in your area and then you will know if you are getting a good deal. This website can educate on how to find a good piece. http://www.adiamondisforever.com/

Knowledge is really the only way to know. You may get a great deal on a large stone, but if it has serious flaws it may not be worth it. Oro Diamonte in St. Maarten we found to be very good.

The shopping talk was pretty good and you get some coupons and stuff for free trinkets from different shops. There is a mixed feeling about going to cruise line recommended shops. One say since the cruises are sending you, you are getting a good deal. you are also backed by the ship for any problems. Others say they must pay for that status of being cruise ship preferred so you may get better deals by going to a local shop. Its really where you find the best deal. The talk tells you a lot about the different shops and gives you a map. He does talk a lot about the tanzanite and I think there is a Tanzanite International store or at least a lot at Diamonds International. So go to the talk, it doesn't take very long and decide if you want to go back the next day for the St. Thomas talk. he also has office hours at night to answer any questions you may have. The talks are also broadcast on the room televisions at different times.

Just know what you are looking for and you will get a good deal, guaranteed.

 

[Dreamer04]

Thank you, Wog!

 

[TheWog]

You're welcome. Glad I could help.