A Question for you Jewelry Shoppers

[Chattyaholic]

We have taken two Disney Magic cruises and I was never interested in purchasing any jewelry....until now. We will be on the 1/18 sailing of the Wonder and I'm thinkring about buying a piece of jewelry in Nassau. I'm thinking about a nice tanzanite ring/bracelet, or a diamond bracelet. What stores should I look in? And what would be a good price to pay?

 

[kcashner]

The ship will present "Shopping in Paradise" talks in person and on the TV. THere is a list of shops which guarantee your purchases. You have 30 days after you get home to have the stuff appraised, and they guarantee that the appraisal will be more than what you paid (you take it to anyone you want for appraisal.)

 

[Chattyaholic]

Bump.

Hasn't anyone bought any jewelry in Nassau?

I already know about the shopping talks they have on the ship, I want "first hand knowledge" about some of the stores, if anyone has any recommendations.

Thanks.

 

[jlp651]

I'd like an asnwer to this too...we leave in 18 days...and I am trying to explain to BF that I would really like diamond earrings while at nassau...he's all worried he'll (he he he) won't get what he's paying for...

 

[jilljill]

Hi,
I bought a couple of things at Columbian Emeralds in Nassau (as well as in other ports on the Magic). We applied for their credit card to get the interest free financing and extra percentage off. They also offer state-side returns and repairs and have a website www.dutyfree.com if you want to take a look before you go. Their prices vary by island from the website, but are similiar. That was only shop that I felt comfortable in when we were looking - and we looked in a lot of shops. I would say that your instinct will tell you which shop seems to be 'right' when you walk in. Definately go to the shopping talks.
Happy Shopping!!!

 

[awatt]

I have bought jewelry at Columbian Emeralds on several occasions and have been very satisfied with price and service. I had a problem with on ering abouty 2 weeks after coming home and getting it fixed was no problem at all.

 

[jlp651]

WOW! I found one piece I would really like to try on...its a little different! Prices are reasonable too...

 

[dianthus]

Chattyaholic~

If you purchase from Disney approved vendors that are on the list given at the talk, Disney will stand behind your purchase if you have trouble with an item as kcashner mentioned.

If buying tanzanite, be careful. Some poor quality stuff is out there & being sold for big $$. Clarity and COLOR are the 2 big things to look for. A deep purple blue is what you want to purchase. Some tanzanite I've seen is so pale, it looks like Iolite... Ask if they have a mining certificate for the gem. Should be South Africa for the good stuff. A lot of "less scrupulous" jewelers are selling lab created & trying to sell as mined...

Although I've never been to Nassau- some of the store mentioned already are best bets in the Caribbean- Columbian Emerald, DI ( Diamonds International) is a good one- with a NYC office. Little Switzerland is a good one, although you may not get the rock bottom price- they offer outstanding quality. They are great for watches, or designer jewelry like Yurman, Hardy, etc. I've purchased from all 3 in the caribbean & they are great to deal with.

Shop for tanzanite before you go at your favorite local jeweler. Get an idea of prices & what you want. Mention you are going on a cruise & will be looking for price. One of the stores in my area gave me a better price quote & would honor it until after I returned. I ended up buying from him, as the price was comparable, it was a local established person ( who I prefer to give business to ), quality was excellent & if I had problems/repairs I could bring it to him. I was glad I mentioned it when shopping before the cruise. At least you'll get an idea of stateside pricing for the item you would like...

jilljill- thanks for the great link!

Have fun shopping!

~ Linda

 

[jilljill]

Originally posted by jlp651
WOW! I found one piece I would really like to try on...its a little different! Prices are reasonable too...

That's one of the reasons I like CE, they have pieces that are different and reasonable.

 

[justmestace]

On our first cruise, I was looking at diamond earrings in Nassau. They were so much more expensive than what I could get here that I turned around and walked out.
This last September, I was looking for Tanzanite...same thing. Even Columbian...I wouldn't buy any jewelry in the Bahamas at all.
We have been to the Dutch Caribbean (Bonaire and Curacao, by Aruba) and only found good deals in the smaller shops.
I just wanted to add my 2 cents worth....and everyone here refers to me as the jewelry queen.

 

[jlp651]

I told BF about the piece of jewlery...he said that 350.00 was too much...but I'm going to bargain a little...he has all sorts of computer stuff...radio stuff...and I dont want to tell you how much he spent on that stuff...I deserve jewlery!!! it really is a beautiful...different piece...I WANT IT!!!
ok I'm done now...

PS my bargaining point is that Valentines Day (also my birthday-yup I'm a cupid baby!) he has to buy 2 gifts...one for vday one for bday...what a better way to say I love you and want you to remember this trip then a wonderful piece of jewlery!!!

 

[justmestace]

jlp651,
I don't know what the piece is that you want, but if you want it that badly, and it is different, (I LOVE things that are different), AND since it is Valentine's Day, and your birthday.....then I retract what I said about not buying anything down there!
Have at it! Have fun, and Happy Birthday, too!!!!!

 

[jlp651]

I hope you dont think I was trying to start anything...I just wanted to tell everyone that this was a really cool piece and that I was going to check it out...and try to get him to buy it...

My mom when she was on her cruise got a ring that was made of a coin they found in the ocean that was put into a setting-it comes with paper and everything...its amazing! So, I would kind of like the same thing...

 

[mjvans]

about your new ring!! Is there any way you can post a picture or a link so that I can take a peek at it!! Thanks!
Michelle

 

[jlp651]

But here's to hoping...here's the link...

http://www.dutyfree.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?&DID=44&Product_ID=13497

Watch with my luck I'll get it on my hand and it will be too much or something...that would really burst my bubble!!! Keep your fingers crossed ladies...I'm goin' in...battin' eyes and everything...

 

[Minnesota]

Hi all, This may sound aweful but last week when I was in Nassau I bought two peices from a Disney Approved shop called "Solomons Mines Discount Warehouse: Jewelery and Watches" they were selling the same peices as in places like Diamonds International and Tanzinite International but for 1/2 off. I got a Opal and Diamond ring for $45 and a Rainbow Topaz and Diamond Necklace for $85. I have yet to have them apraised but we shoped there in 1999 too and the Amaythist ring we bought then for $50 is still in beautiful condition and sells here for close to $100. there is my 2 cents, just make sure you go to the Disney Approved Shops!

Minnesota

 

[jilljill]

jlp651, That ring is pretty.
When we went on our last cruise I was told NO JEWELRY since the cruise was my b'day gift. Well, I walked off the ship with a new bracelet, and 2 new rings. Get BF in the sunshine and have a couple of drinks and bat those eyes, it will get them everytime.
Good luck.

 

[KELLIE JONES]

jlp651, i really hate to burst your bubble,....... has anyone else noticed that there is no information about the diamonds?? all good diamonds are rated by size color and clarity. and a reputable store cant wait to tell you about the score this diamond or that diamond. in another words, make sure you get what you pay for!!! if you dont care about your diamonds ratings, then go to a jewlery store found in most malls called Cressent Jewlers their diamonds are rated by their own standards. ( like 1 - 5 star ) there is nothing wrong with buying stuff thats not rated, just dont pay high dollar for stuff thats not quality. if you dont know much about gemstones, you might want to go to a store like Zales ( agian in most malls ) and ask about diamonds, just dont tell them you are not going to buy anything. just say your just looking! good luck!!

 

[mjvans]

buy an inexpensive loupe and check out the clarity of the stones before making your purchases!
Michelle

 

[jlp651]

actually...I love diamonds ask my BF!!! I think that there is something on the web site if you look at there appraisals...the ones in that ring were (I think) S1...not quite the G clarity that I like but who knows...BF is very picky about the 4 C's...you should have seen him when we have gone ring shopping...who knows maybe I'll really get lucky!
When I see the piece that I want I'll know it....this one just looked really cool...
Thanks for the insight