Jewelry & Gemstones
Buy the piece you love, at a price you are sure of.
Find a Cruise With Great Shopping PortsJewelry is the biggest single purchase many cruise passengers make ashore. A little knowledge before you walk in turns a gamble into a confident buy.
Before You Walk Into a Jewelry Store
- Look up prices for similar pieces at home, so you know a fair figure.
- Decide your budget in advance and stick to it.
- Remember that personal exemptions apply per person; large purchases may be dutiable.
- Plan to pay by credit card, which may give you a way to dispute problems later.
- Leave time: never buy expensive jewelry in the last ten minutes before all-aboard.
Stones You Will Be Offered
| Stone or material | Where you see it | Ask about |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzanite | Caribbean jewelry stores | Color grade, clarity, carat weight; mined only in Tanzania |
| Emerald | Colombia, Caribbean stores | Origin and treatment (oil or resin is common) |
| Diamonds | Major shopping ports | Independent grading report, cut, color, clarity, carat |
| Larimar | Dominican Republic and nearby islands | A blue stone found only in the Dominican Republic |
| Amber | Dominican Republic, Baltic ports | Genuine amber vs plastic or pressed copies |
| Jade | Antigua, Guatemala; Asian ports | Type of jade and whether it is dyed |
| Black coral | Some Caribbean islands | Export and import rules; often best avoided |
Get It in Writing
For any significant piece, the receipt should describe the metal and its purity, the stones, their weight and any treatment, and the full price paid. For diamonds and expensive colored stones, an independent grading report is worth far more than a store’s own certificate. When you get home, consider having the piece appraised by an independent appraiser who does not sell jewelry.
If something is not as described, contact the store first, then the ship’s shopping program if the store took part, and finally your card issuer.
Jewelry & Gemstone FAQ
Is tanzanite a good buy on a cruise?
Tanzanite is mined in only one small area of northern Tanzania, which makes it a favorite in Caribbean jewelry stores. Prices vary widely with color, clarity and size. Only buy if you love the piece, get a written description and compare prices at home first.
Are emeralds cheaper in Colombia?
Colombia is one of the world’s best-known emerald sources, and Cartagena has many emerald shops. That does not guarantee a bargain. Most emeralds are treated to improve their look; ask what treatment was used and get it in writing.
Pressure Tactics to Recognize
- “This price is only for today.”
- “Your ship’s guide sent you, so you get a special discount.”
- A drink offered while the price discussion drags on.
- An appraisal “value” far above the selling price.
None of these means the deal is bad, but each is a cue to slow down and compare.
Plan a Cruise to the Big Shopping Ports
Want St. Thomas, St. Maarten or Cartagena on your itinerary? Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will find sailings that call there.
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