Jewerly Shopping - Where to get the deals on Eastern?

[QueenTrident]

Where are the better jewelry deals on the Eastern cruise? St. Thomas or St. Maarten? I'm looking to replace my engagement rink with an anniversary-type ring. Nothing too fancy or big - just nice (and real).

Thanks!

 

[S. C.]

Try this link. just keep scrolling down till you come to the port of call that you want to check out.
http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/...444&f=253093035

 

[disneybride96]

It's been a while since I did the eastern route, but it seemed to me that St. Thomas had the fancier shops, but the smaller shops in St. Maarten were more willing to deal.

I've learned a lot about the jewlery industry recently since my dad took a retirement job in a small jewlery store. He automatically gets a 50% discount and the owners are still making money! Markup is anywhere from 50% on up here in the States, so try to take that into consideration in the Carribean. You can probably still talk them down on what seems to be a great deal!

 

[Bev J]

We felt we got better deals in St. Martin. We were looking for a tanzanite/diamond ring. After looking at way too many shops we finially settled on Joes Jewelry. They gave us a huge discount, that went down more when we presented cash to pay for it. Sized it for me and had it ready for pick up in an hour. I would give them my business again.

We had the ring apprased when we got home and it was worth over twice what we paid for it. We are happy and I wear the ring every day.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

Definately St. Maarten, Caribbean Gems is the store and ask for Manu, he is awsome, have been dealing with him for almost 20 years. Items have always appraised much higher, if you are buying stones, make sure you know exactly what you are looking for. The funny thing about Jewlery in the islands, I was told they come up to NYC to buy, and they sell for about 1/2 of what you pay retail outside of the district in NYC, its amazing the markup on jewlery.

 

[dancermom]

I so second the Joe's Jewelry in St Maarten. I got a beautiful pearl ring and quite a nice tennis bracelet at great prices. I found they were much more willing to bargain in St Maarten, and I'm thinking St Thomas will be very crowded, especially with the QMII being in town when we are, that they really won't be as likely to bargain.


Also, Joe's is on the list of cruise approved stores, so you know what you are buying is authentic.

Jamie

 

[figment52]

Originally posted by Bev J
We felt we got better deals in St. Martin. We were looking for a tanzanite/diamond ring. After looking at way too many shops we finially settled on Joes Jewelry. They gave us a huge discount, that went down more when we presented cash to pay for it. Sized it for me and had it ready for pick up in an hour. I would give them my business again.

We had the ring apprased when we got home and it was worth over twice what we paid for it. We are happy and I wear the ring every day.

We were very happy with Joe's Jewelry on St, Martin - worked with Dean. He is either the owner or his son but either way, patient, very helpful and no pressure. We were very pleased with the quality and price.