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tabbyco · Mar 19th, 2008, 10:10 AM

We are going to Grand Cayman in the next 2 weeks and I know they have a TON of jewelry stores, as they do at most cruise ports on islands.

So my question is... do you really save money on jewelry? And is the quality good?

I really want a diamond Michele Deco... but I have a $600 credit w/my local jeweler. Would I save enough on the watch in the Caymans to justify buying it there? My only experience with buying jewlery in the islands was when I bought David Yurman bracelet in St. Thomas and it broke within 3 weeks

ame · Mar 19th, 2008, 02:30 PM

Not in my experience, and further you risk being ripped off with fakes and/or lower quality goods.

urologist · Mar 19th, 2008, 05:57 PM

If you can buy it from an authorized dealer, I think you will come out ahead, as the Caribbean price for most luxury goods is 13% less than the US mainland price.

As the poster above pointed out, you do of course need to be careful about counterfeits. I personally am very careful to only buy from ADs or very very well repped grey market dealers (i.e. I bought a Cartier at Filene's Basement which is indeed authentic, but they've been around forever, so I wasn't too worried). I have bought from Duty Free stores in Lebanon, Puerto Rico, and Argentina without any problems.

tabbyco · Mar 19th, 2008, 07:32 PM

I was looking at going to London's an authorized Michele dealer in C.I.

elizat · Mar 19th, 2008, 07:55 PM

I know nothing of watches, but I've bought jewelry in the Islands and it's been fine. However, this was not for substantial diamonds, etc. I purchased a very pretty emerald band ring in a store that was closing for about 1/2 or less than I would have paid here. I also have bought various gemstone rings- like topaz, etc., w/o a problem, but they were not big ticket items. The price was cheaper than you'd find at a chain jeweler or a local jeweler as well.

shells · Mar 22nd, 2008, 10:47 PM

we bougt my DH's tag watch in jamaica and probably saved about $500-600. look for an authorized dealer (this dealer was listed on the tag site), make sure to barter, and just be careful! as for jewelry, i saw a lot of bad quality stones. im sure u can find some great pieves, but u have to look and then fight for ur price - good luck!

VPS · Mar 24th, 2008, 09:31 PM

As long as it's an authorized dealer or one of the big name stores, you should be fine and save a bunch. always barter!

Mar 19th, 2008, 10:10 AM	#1
tabbyco OP Member Joined: Jun 2006 Location: Right Coast Posts: 2,330	Buying Jewelry- Duty Free We are going to Grand Cayman in the next 2 weeks and I know they have a TON of jewelry stores, as they do at most cruise ports on islands. So my question is... do you really save money on jewelry? And is the quality good? I really want a diamond Michele Deco... but I have a $600 credit w/my local jeweler. Would I save enough on the watch in the Caymans to justify buying it there? My only experience with buying jewlery in the islands was when I bought David Yurman bracelet in St. Thomas and it broke within 3 weeks
	__________________

Mar 19th, 2008, 02:30 PM	#2
ame Member Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,843	Re: Buying Jewelry- Duty Free Not in my experience, and further you risk being ripped off with fakes and/or lower quality goods.
ame Member Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,843	__________________ Despite the high cost of living, it remains popular. I LOVE SEWNSATIONAL! Things I want.... -Balenciaga Twiggy -Anna Corinna Jetsetter/Jetsetter Jr. -More Anna Corinna Mini Citys -Mulberry Mabel -Rebecca Minkoff MA/MAM ...it's good to want things.

Mar 19th, 2008, 05:57 PM	#3
urologist Member Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 926	Re: Buying Jewelry- Duty Free If you can buy it from an authorized dealer, I think you will come out ahead, as the Caribbean price for most luxury goods is 13% less than the US mainland price. As the poster above pointed out, you do of course need to be careful about counterfeits. I personally am very careful to only buy from ADs or very very well repped grey market dealers (i.e. I bought a Cartier at Filene's Basement which is indeed authentic, but they've been around forever, so I wasn't too worried). I have bought from Duty Free stores in Lebanon, Puerto Rico, and Argentina without any problems.
urologist Member Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 926

Mar 19th, 2008, 07:32 PM	#4
tabbyco OP Member Joined: Jun 2006 Location: Right Coast Posts: 2,330	Re: Buying Jewelry- Duty Free I was looking at going to London's an authorized Michele dealer in C.I.
	__________________

Mar 19th, 2008, 07:55 PM	#5
elizat Member Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 9,123	Re: Buying Jewelry- Duty Free I know nothing of watches, but I've bought jewelry in the Islands and it's been fine. However, this was not for substantial diamonds, etc. I purchased a very pretty emerald band ring in a store that was closing for about 1/2 or less than I would have paid here. I also have bought various gemstone rings- like topaz, etc., w/o a problem, but they were not big ticket items. The price was cheaper than you'd find at a chain jeweler or a local jeweler as well.
elizat Member Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 9,123

Mar 22nd, 2008, 10:47 PM	#6
shells will work for bags! Joined: Nov 2007 Location: nj Posts: 916	Re: Buying Jewelry- Duty Free we bougt my DH's tag watch in jamaica and probably saved about $500-600. look for an authorized dealer (this dealer was listed on the tag site), make sure to barter, and just be careful! as for jewelry, i saw a lot of bad quality stones. im sure u can find some great pieves, but u have to look and then fight for ur price - good luck!
	__________________ dreaming of more chanel....

Mar 24th, 2008, 09:31 PM	#7
VPS Member Joined: Jun 2007 Location: New York Posts: 487	Re: Buying Jewelry- Duty Free As long as it's an authorized dealer or one of the big name stores, you should be fine and save a bunch. always barter!

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