Have heard that one can get some good buys on jewelry on these islands. Would like to hear from those of you who bought jewelry. Are there any reputable stores out there or should I be leary?? Also, which island has the better prices. Am interested in a tennis braclet.

WE have used Touch of Gold on St. Maarten for ten years and have always found good deals. One item we accidentally damaged they repaired at an associated shop in NY city. The owners name is Heeru and she is an exyremely pleasant person to deal with. We have found St. Maarten to be better price wise than St. Thomas. Touch of Gold has two shops located on Front Street where the ships dock. Touch of Gold also has a upgrade policy that lets you exchange a purchase for the original price towards an upgrade.

How can a jeweler, in good faith, take in a used piece at the original price and sell you an upgrade and make a profit unless the price of the new item was extremely inflated?<BR><BR>I believe you should not purchase jewelry on shore or on the ship unless you really know what you are doing. Best to purchase at a local family store where you live.<BR><BR>Paul

Harry:<BR><BR>Having been to St. Martin 15 times, I agree with you accessment of Touch of Gold. They have endured. Our first purchase of jewelry in St. Martin was an emerald ring for about 350.00 - got it home and it was appraised at 1800.00. Sorry Paul, but I totally disagree with you about (but I know I won't be the first.) We didn't know what we were doing at the time, but the folks in the store were very helpful. They provided literature about gemstone qualities and such. I am sure that there are those that may get stiffed, but those stores don't last. <BR><BR>To buy jewelry in any of these ports of call - ask the questions of people that have been there and have made purchases. Identify the stores that have endured because of their reputations. <BR><BR>As far as upgrades - Paul it's done in the states, on the islands, et al. It is no different that trading up when buying a house.<BR><BR><BR><BR>

Chris - The first time we bought at Touch of Gold Heeru must have spent at least an hour explaining gem quality, etc.. As with you our purchases have always been appraised sunstantially higher than their purchase price. Heeru and her brother Sanjay have always spent as much time to expalin things as it takes with no feeling of being rushed. That is why we have returned for repeat visits. Harry

And to extend Paul's logic - don't buy those souveniers on the islands unless you know exactly what you're buying and how much they're really worth. You don't need to overpay for the spices on Grendada when you can go to your local grocery store when you get back and know what you're getting. And those beautiful carved wooden bowls on St. Kitts - wait till you get back and go to Target or Kmart.<BR><BR>Kind of similar to the .com verses brick and mortar travel agents, eh Paul.

I am not saying Touch of Gold not a reputable store. I am saying you must be cautious unless you know what you are doing.<BR><BR>Just reading the first post ... no store owner in their right mind would take back a used piece of jewelry and give you full credit for another item. Hello ..... do I hear lose your shirt?<BR><BR>$350 and appraised for $1,800 ..... sure. Who appraised it, your brother?<BR><BR>And what has houses got to do with jewelry? <BR><BR>Paul

You know what they do with the used piece of jewelry they let you trade in???<BR>They clean it up, make sure it doesn't have any defects and if not, put in in the case and sell it to the next sucker at an inflated price. Bingo--they have sold a piece twice for an inflated price.<BR>There are some bargains in the caribbean just as in anywhere. Many times the good ol' tourists get it stuck to them.<BR>Bought something for $350.00 and it appraised for $1800.00--wonder who appraised it--someone who felt sorry for the buyer and wouldn't tell the true value?<BR>Wonder if you are the one who will buy the used piece of jewelry?<BR><BR><BR>

Ok- to SHOPPING-- YES, St Martin has much better deals on jewelry than St Thomas--- We usually bought jewelry at Cardow's in St Thomas and At H.Sterns in St Thomas-<BR><BR>However, on our last trip to St.Martin,we got a gorgeous ring at one of the jewelers there---Cannot remember the store-just the location-midway down the street on the left side-from where the tender leaves you off-- EXTREMEMBLY knowledgeable people...<BR><BR>Paul- as far as getting a piece of jewelry appraised at 3 x what you paid- <BR>YES- it is possible....Happened to me about 12 years ago....Got an awesome 18kt bracelet in FLORENCE-got home, got it appraised at YES-3 x what I paid for it and the JEWELER even offered to pay me 2 x what I paid ( so I know he would be able to sell it at the 3x appraisal price! And it was a legit well known store......So I consistently went back to that jeweler in Florence!<BR><BR>Again- to shopping---FOR a tennis bracelet, personally I would buy diamonds from a family member or someone who has a local connection....you usually get much better stones in the US thru someone you know rather than a stranger outside the US....<BR><BR>To ALL- As far as trade ups--IT IS DONE ALL THE TIME-but usually ONLY with LOOSE diamonds......even Zales in the USA does this-- as does any larger fancier jewelry store---

I agree with the above 2 posters. Also, one can not compare Florence gold with the gold you will buy in the Caribbean. But one must still buy from reputable dealers in Florence. Usually family businesses that have been passed down from generation to generation.<BR><BR>Rule of thumb for the Caribbean ..... if you think it is a beautiful piece ...... and is is only a couple of hundred dollars .... buy it. But do not ever think it will be worth what you paid for it. You are buying it because you like it.<BR><BR>Paul<BR><BR>

Paul has a point. I always get prices stateside so I will know a good price when buying in St. Thomas or St. Maarten. I really helps to know gems and jewlery and what quality is. 20/20 and some other news magazines have done stories in the past of people who where scammed while buying jewlery in the Caribbean. I have gotten great deals and I have been scammed. Got a great deal on a Tanzanite pendant and it is worth 4x what I paid for it - get offers all the time. And I got scammed on loose gemstones - getting sold a stone that was not what it was supposed to be. I have learned since then.<BR><BR>I think there is a Caribbean Gem Society that lists reputable dealers. <BR><BR>I agree with Paul - if you buy what you like for a good price, you will get enjoyment and pleasure from it. Try to buy from reputable dealers.