Buying Jewelry- Duty Free

[tabbyco]

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]

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

 

[urologist]

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]

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

 

[elizat]

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]

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]

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!