Caribbean Jewelry Shopping

Well, my wife threw me a curve ball during our latest cruise. She normally
does not get excited about jewelry. During a stop in Cozumel, she casually
found a particular piece that matched one her formal dresses and we wound up
purchasing it. It wasn't cheap, but she was very happy and will get a lot of
enjoyment out of it, so it was worth it. She has been a pretty "cheap date"
over the past 30 years, so I have no buyer's remorse.

However, I was a bit uncomfortable about being caught "off guard" and not
being a savvy buyer.

It occurred to me that there is no readily available means to assess whether
a Caribbean Jeweller is a legitimate concern or not. I did a search and can
only find a few sites that basically state that a tourist should NEVER buy
expensive jewelry while on vacation. This surprised me, since so many folks
we have met on cruises seem to go to the islands specifically to shop.

I suppose I should prepare myself for the next visit, but am not sure how.
The cruise ships have recommended spots...but I'm a bit cynical about these
arrangements and suspect that they merely reflect whose palms got greased.

Anybody have any thoughts on this?

JPMcT

"Irish" wrote in
:

It occurred to me that there is no readily available means to assess
whether a Caribbean Jeweller is a legitimate concern or not. I did a
search and can only find a few sites that basically state that a
tourist should NEVER buy expensive jewelry while on vacation. This
surprised me, since so many folks we have met on cruises seem to go to
the islands specifically to shop.

Buying jewelry in the Caribbean is not as danger frought as buying
"genuine" Louis Vuitton bags in Turkey and then flying into Paris and
having said bag confiscated. With a little homework you can do well on
tennis braclets and gold jewelry. More homework is required for stones
and loose stones for "investment" are well . . .

What not to expect is to finance your next trip with the
savings/proceeds of your shopping.

I suppose I should prepare myself for the next visit, but am not sure
how. The cruise ships have recommended spots...but I'm a bit cynical
about these arrangements and suspect that they merely reflect whose
palms got greased.

It has nothing to do with palms and everything with advertising
dollars, the plug by the port lecturer is paid a paid ad nothing more or
less.
Anybody have any thoughts on this?

JPMcT