jewelry shopping in caribbean?
 

I am headed to Antigua for a week, then on to St. Maarten for a week. I have been reading about great (and some scary) deals on jewelry in the caribbean. I am looking for a 2.5 ct loose diamond. From what I have read Antigua may not be the best place to shop for it. I have read that Phillipsburg in St. Maarten is full of jewelry stores. Because of some of the scary stories I've heard I would like to stick with a GIA certification. Can anyone recommend jewelry stores in St. Maarten that they have had a good experience with or maybe carry a better reputation than others. Any info or direction on this would be appreciated. Thank you.

I've used AMA Jewelers on St. Maarten for years. My jeweler is actually at the airport location since that's where I'm always passing thru, but he brings things from the Phillipsburg store to show me when I tell him what I'm interested in. I recommened them.

try DK Gems on Front Street in Philipsburg.
They are very reliable and have a nice selection with good prices.
I would definitely recommmend them.

We used Ballerina Jewelers, which came highly recommended and were very happy. My husband bought me a 2 carat diamond ring after we had come back home. He emailed the owner and had it sent over to surprise me. We had it appraised and it was what they said it was.

Bought a ring at Riviera Jewelry in Maho and it appraised at twice the cost when I got home.....I'M HAPPY!!! Plus the guys in the store were great.