Best Port for Buying Jewelry

[lucia1024]

Hi

 

I am going to be on the Valor this weekend (Can't wait)!!!! I am going to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Belize and Rotan.

 

Which one of these ports seem to have the best deals on jewelry? My husband would be intersted in looking for a Tag Huer watch (not sure if that's the spelling) and I probably will look for some gold earrings.

 

I know that I have been to St Thomas several times and that was always the best place to shop for jewelry.

 

Any info would be appreciated.

 

Thanks

[Stargateman]

Yes St Thomas is the place, out of the 4 ports you are going I would trust Grand Cayman.

[pkrchkr]

I got a cognac Colored Chocolate diamond ring that I got at a ship recommended jeweler that quarantees his stuff.. I got it back home and got is appraised and it was for 500.00 more then what I paid..so St Maarten has my vote.. I can't wait to get back there since they have a trade in and trade up deal where you bring in the ring you bought .. they give you what you paid as a credit toward a new ring.. yup St Maarten for sure!!!

[MDSue]

Of the ports you listed, Roatan is the least developed and not really known for their jewelry store selections (I'm sure that is changing though). Belize has a handful of the typical jewelry store in their port area. Cozumel will probably have the best selection of stores. I think Grand Cayman may be pricier than the others. Most of the cruise ports have multiple jewelry stores with similar selections. Just shop around in multiple stores (and compare ship selection and prices, too), then go with the piece that you like the best, in a reputable store. Ask about their warranty policy.

I usually buy a nice affordable piece as a keepsake, but I would be leery of spending big bucks on a piece of jewelry far away from home.

[lkva]

I have bought jewelry in Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Belize. Got the best deal in Cozumel a diamond and emerald tennis bracelet. Nice emerald ring in Grand Cayman. Belize I just bought silver nothing special.

Hope you find something special!:)

[Geezers]

Hi

 

I am going to be on the Valor this weekend (Can't wait)!!!! I am going to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Belize and Rotan.

 

Which one of these ports seem to have the best deals on jewelry? My husband would be intersted in looking for a Tag Huer watch (not sure if that's the spelling) and I probably will look for some gold earrings.

 

I know that I have been to St Thomas several times and that was always the best place to shop for jewelry.

 

Any info would be appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

Visit the Shopping Desk on deck 5 across from the casino. If the shopping expert is still Geoff Fullerton you are all set. This guy seems to have a fetish for fine watches and where to get them at a good price.

 

If you shop in Grand Cayman make sure they quote you in US dollars for everything. The exchange rate is not in our favor.

[DocF]

If you shop a bit, you will find as good or better prices for the same or better jewelry in your home town or in a nearby larger city. I will buy trinkets and a very few more expensive items on a cruise, but not jewelry.

 

Incidentally, I bought a point and shoot digital camera on the ship for almost $20 less than the best price in a photo store in St. Thomas. The one in St. Thomas was a grey market camera, the one on the ship was full legitimate.

 

Doc

[donesteamboatin]

St Maarten is the best Island to purchase jewelry. Keep in mind Grand Cayman has a high exchange rate. It was 1.34 us dollar to the Grand Cayman dollar. DI and the other franchise stores are the same price in all the Islands with no chance to barter . hope this helps

[RumpunchGirl]

I have to say, the best deal I ever got on jewelry was on board the ship! I didn't intend to buy anything but was brousing during the "Big Sale" at the ship's Jewelry store on the last Sea day. I found a beautiful Tanzanite and diamond ring set in 14 crt. white gold. DH bought it cuz I loved it so much. We had it apraised for double what we paid when we got home! That was 4 yrs ago. I wonder what it's worth now? :D

[blue_water]

Definitiely Cozumel for stones and silver, also gold and watches. DI has shops there as in STT, and there are several others. Just be careful when buying silver from the independents.

 

Black coral is a must at Grand Cayman, there is a new shop with gorgeous art and jewelry pieces, the name escapes me. But the jewelry is unique to that area and is beautiful.

 

Be sure to pick up the famous pottery in West End, that name also escapes me but it is from the mainland Honduras. Also an excellent cigar bar in West End for hubby to enjoy while you're shopping in the little shops.:p

 

Belize is a good spot to find your own conch shell while snorkeling!;)

[Soonerbaby]

I have to say, the best deal I ever got on jewelry was on board the ship! I didn't intend to buy anything but was brousing during the "Big Sale" at the ship's Jewelry store on the last Sea day. I found a beautiful Tanzanite and diamond ring set in 14 crt. white gold. DH bought it cuz I loved it so much. We had it apraised for double what we paid when we got home! That was 4 yrs ago. I wonder what it's worth now? :D

 

My husband got his watch on sale on the ship Very nice expensive watch and we got a really good deal. :)

[Big Tillie]

Hi

 

I am going to be on the Valor this weekend (Can't wait)!!!! I am going to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Belize and Rotan.

 

Which one of these ports seem to have the best deals on jewelry? My husband would be intersted in looking for a Tag Huer watch (not sure if that's the spelling) and I probably will look for some gold earrings.

 

I know that I have been to St Thomas several times and that was always the best place to shop for jewelry.

 

Any info would be appreciated.

 

Thanks

 

From the research I have looked at, the best port to buy jewelry is to purchase it before you get on the ship in the United States.

[Colorado Kat]

We have had the best luck buying Silver and Tanzanite in Cozumel. I would not buy really expensive stuff on a cruise, but we got nice value for what we paid.

 

My purchases were allowing my teen daughter pick out a nice piece. She loved the process, and loves telling people where she got the jewelry. I got my reward in seeing the happiness this gave her.

[LMKakaThing2]

I'd have to say Cozumel. a coworker had vacationed in Cozumel and after she told the jewelry salesperson she was staying at a local hotel for the week, he took 50% off of the item she was looking at.

[Sauer-kraut]

Make sure your husband knows the style number of the watch he's interested in AND the price here in the U.S. Sometimes you can get them cheaper here, sometimes on the ship. Just make sure he's comparing the SAME watch. That way he'll know if its a deal or not.

[5waldos]

From the research I have looked at, the best port to buy jewelry is to purchase it before you get on the ship in the United States.

 

 

everything I have read suggests the same thing- your home port, or for that matter your home town, is the best place to purchase jewelry.

[blue_water]

everything I have read suggests the same thing- your home port, or for that matter your home town, is the best place to purchase jewelry.

 

The best way to obtain jewelry is to have a friend who makes it for you, the design options are virtually endless and we are fortunate to have such a friend.

 

However some geographical areas have products unique to those areas or highly-regarded as far as quality. And of course at the other end of the spectrum duty free shopping is desired by value shoppers.

[5waldos]

And of course at the other end of the spectrum duty free shopping is desired by value shoppers.

 

 

I have yet to be convinced that much of what is called duty free is that great of a deal.

[blue_water]

I have yet to be convinced that much of what is called duty free is that great of a deal.

 

 

Although I am no expert, Duty free pricing appears to be a good deal quite often, liquor is an obvious example. Camera and watch prices (for the same item) can be substantially lower than in the states.