diamonds are a girls best friend

[bobsuzla]

Hey everyone! I hope that some of you can share your wisdom on shopping in the eastern cruise, I recently lost my wedding ring, and DH has suggested that we replace it while on the Islands, but I certainly am not looking to spend thousands of dollars, can a moderately priced ring be found (also ot looking for the hope diamond) I was perfectly happy with my emerald engagement ring, and plain gold band, but since they have gone missing, DH wants to buy me a "proper ring" any suggestions? have to start saving now

 

[OKW Lover]

This is a difficult thing to comparison shop. You'll read a lot of stuff about jewlery being "50% of stateside prices" in the Carribean. But how many of us can look at a diamond ring in a store here and do a good evaluation of one there?

You might be just as well off getting a ring from a known, reputable jewler at home.

 

[Gayle17]

I purchased a diamond and sapphire wedding band at Omni Jewelers in St. Thomas. It came with an appraisal and a 30 day money back guarantee. Since I put it on my credit card if when I got home it wasn't what they said I would have contacted them and returned the ring. The ring is worth more than I paid for it. However, I do know what I am looking at. Our table mates also purchased a diamond wedding band that was beautiful as well. I would stick with one of the big jewelry companies on the island that is recommended by the cruise ship (you receive info on this on the cruise) and shop using a major credit card in case you have a problem. Also be aware you can bargain so never accept the initial price given.

Gayle

 

[mrsg00fy]

The prices of jewelry on St Thomas are very high compared to what you can find in the New York area. When we went to St. Thomas last year, I shopped for two items. I had comparison shopped before leaving home, so I knew what I was looking at. I wanted to upgrade my original engagement diamond. (In the end, I just kept mine. If it was good enough then, it is good enough now. I just reset it--but in the States where the prices are much lower.)
I shopped DI and they could not come within a few THOUSAND dollars of the prices I was quoted at home for similar certified diamonds. I also shopped for a several carat diamond tennis bracelet. I did much better on the price at home. It was fun to shop on St. THomas, but considering the price differential, I would suggest buying high ticket items closer to home. If you do not have access to a diamond exchange/district, try the wholesale clubs. Wholesale clubs (BJs, Sam's CLub and Costco) have great prices on diamond jewelry. Limited selection, but great prices.

 

[AnnMorin]

Go to Joe's Jewelry, he is the BEST!! Over the years
I have bought a diamond bracelett from him for 500.00 that appraised back home at 1900.00, a saphirre/diamond bracett for 600.00 that appraised here at 2200.00, a diamond anniversory band that was 1.5 carets for only 1000.00 that appraised back home for 3000.00, know your stones but he is the absolute best!