does anyone know if they sell tanzinite on the ship

[disneydeb]

and if not where is the best place in nassau to get it? thanks also how much would you expect to pay for a ring or necklace?

 

[MrsScooby]

I'm interested in hearing what other people have paid also. A friend of mine just came back from a cruise with a nice tanzanite ring. (also included another stone, forgot the name though) Her husband paid $400 for it in a shop in Nassau. He didn't want to bargain for it though. Since it was a shop that the cruise guarranteed my friend figures it is still a good buy. Anyone else?
Laurie

 

[KAR3600]

A word to the wise!!!! SHOP CAREFULLY--- I had purchased a tanzanite pendant in Nassau, it is very pretty pear shaped with diamonds around it, the cost was about $500.00. My husband bought me matching earrings as a Christmas present (the same size, and quality as the pendant) in Manhattan for alot less than the pendant..........Although I am always temped to buy in the islands, I for one have learned my lesson shop USA.

 

[SusanD]

I bought my tanzanite ring in Naussa about four years ago at the Jewelry Box. It was marked $800 and I paid $600.

They were on the list of stores given to us on the cruise. They told be to be sure and ask for the ship discount(not DCL) and then ask " Is that your best price?" I don't enjoy the bargaining processs but it seems to be apart of the jewelry business and most especially in the Bahamas.

 

[Laura E.]

I agree with Kar3600. I was turned onto tanzanite about 5 years ago and was very lucky to get some awesome deals. The best deals I have gotten seem to have come from stateside. The best deal turned out to have come from Alaska. Yup! Alaska. I got this awesome 3+ karat Tanzanite in white gold with 1/2 karat of diamond channel setting. It was expensive and was originally marked for $4500. We left the shop as we only had 1 hr to shop (our tour got back late) however, nothing compared to the quality of this one so we returned with less then 20 minutes to spare. My DH got the ring for $2400 out the door. They didn't have time to resize it although they were willing to mail it to me certified. I of course couldn't wait so they put a ring guard on it and I still wear it every day.

BTW, you can save sales tax by shipping your ring/jewelry home if you can wait that long. That can be the difference of getting a larger stone. I have worked it so that I buy a cheap inexpensive chain and mail that home so that it shows on paper that you received something out of state thus saving you sales tax. THis was suggested to me by the salesperson.

Anyway, the store that I got it at was Little Switzerland. Wait it gets better. The next month I did the Disney Eastern cruise and I happened onto the Little Switzerland store on St Marteen. Guess what? They had the SAME EXACT RING STYLE with the tanzinite 1/2 the size for $$3900. One of the sales girls saw my ring (as it rarely leaves my finger that is) and spoke to her fellow associates in their language. They approached me and asked me about it. I told them where I got it and hinted more or less at the price that I paid. They were shocked!!! They all told me I got a great deal. My DH is extremely lucky in that respect. Back on the ship, the organizer told me that you have to look very hard and be willing to bargain in order to get the best deals. THe days of great deals are gone unless your willing to give and take.

Another suggestion, Diamonds International has a deal pretty much standard in that the more you buy from them the greater the discounts they give you. I have bought 3 rings plus 2 chains from them and each one is roughly about the same price but the stones are bigger. I even got them to take back a tanzanite and diamonds setting because the color wasn't right. They all claim that they will buy back their rings but what they don't tell you is that they ONLY buy back diamonds, no colored stones. My DH had thought ahead and had the salesperson write it on my receipt which they reluctantly felt obligated to honor or else risk losing a customer. I later found out that particular salesclerk was fired for making outrageous promises but they followed through on it. I of course ended up buying a more expensive ring to comepensate them for their "loss." And they were able to pull up my history on their computers and verify my purchases.

Also, please note, my first ring I bought from them I lost a baguette diamond within the first month. I happened to buy this ring in Las Vegas. The next month I returned by chance and spoke with them. They agreed to replace the diamond stone in the setting because they wanted me to have a good feeling about them (not to mention buying more from them). All I had to do was pay the insured and certified mailing. It cost me less then $25.00 to have it mailed back to me. I was told it could take 4-6 weeks to get it fixed. I got it back from NY within 2 weeks. For that store's actions, I am a very loyal customer to Diamonds International. Their everywhere, Alaska, Vegas, NY, Bahamas, St. Marteen, St. Thomas and other stores in the Caribbean. I fully recommend them as they have always complied with what they have told me. Not to mention those free give away diamond earrings? Once the guy in Alaska (I was only browsing in that store) saw my history, he reached behind a different counter and gave me some pretty decent free earrings. He told me that those are reserved for their repeat customers.

So try this tricks or suggestions and see if you can save some money.

As for the prices, they have definately gone up since I bought my 1st ring. With the mines closing, the demand has increased. The 1st one I got cost $1600 in Vegas but I was told they would credit me for about $2000. It all depends on the color of the stone and your preference. I prefer the darker purple color and these can run you alot of money. However, think of this as an investment. They are beautiful stones and my girls have already laid claims to them. Not to mention the compliments one gets when they see the stone.

Whatever you get - enjoy this stone. I for one, am campainging that they make this July's birthstone. Gives me more reason to get more!! YEAH

Oh well, hope I didn't bore anyone. Want to know anything more, feel free to write me.

 

[disneydeb]

kar3600 what shop in manhattan did your husband buy your jewelery at? i go to manhatthan every december and i saw some in a shop window in chinatown, and i was wondering how the prices compared to the bahamas or other ports that disney cruise go to.

 

[KAR3600]

My Husband when to Circero Bros. on Canal St. (second shop from the corner) they have a booth right on the corner just in side the main door. He has purchased (lucky me) alot of quality diamonds, there is also a booth near by which is owned by Chinese women, (Sorry, I don't know their names) they're located by were you can have your jewelry repaired. Other family members have gotten excellent buys on gem stonesand diamonds with them.........Sorry I can't be of more help. But as I said before I'll stick to the Good Ole USA for my jewelry purchases, I may look but I won't buy..........or try VERY hard NOT TOO buy!!!!

 

[tiggere]

Tanzanite is no different than a diamond in this way... Cut, Color, Clarity MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE! There is very cheap tanzanite and top of the line, top quality stuff as well. The price will usually be the clue. Know your stones.

 

[MrsScooby]

I have heard there are certain shops that are guarranteed by the cruise lines that whatever you buy will be appraised favorably upon returning to the States. Is this enough protection from being "taken"?
Laurie

 

[MrsScooby]

Bump