Buying Diamonds in the Virgin Islands

[number2]

I have a friend who bought his ring in St. Thomas. I am planning on proposing soon, can you really get that good of a deal there or are you risking buying an uncertified piece of junk. Anyone have any input, stories, or experiences?

First Post...
Thanks.

 

[Ann]

IMHO - don''t do it. Why buy such an important piece of jewelry from a jeweler who is many many miles from you (and he knows it). I just would be so very leary. I do know someone who bought a 9ct. stone there and it looks like a piece of frozen pee pee!!!!

 

[Kaleigh]

Yup don't do it. I've been to St Thomas and was not impressed with 99% of what I saw. They try to reel you in with bargains, but most of it is well... crap. JMHO

 

[perry]

IF you really know what you are looking at, and know the actual value, and are looking at a good sized diamond, and are patient and know how to negotiate - and when to walk away - then you will probably be able to negotiate a good deal.

If not.... Expect to overpay compared to what you can get things for elsewhere. Since the Virgin Islands are typically duty free people''s gaurd goes down - and the vendors are excellent at extracting the maximum from you for the item.

Someday, I should return. I intend to have a lot of fun.

Perry

 

[denverappraiser]

There are some good dealers in USVI. There are also a fair number of shonks. The trick is trying to tell them apart. It''s not the address that makes a good jeweler good.

Import taxes into the US on unmounted diamonds are currently zero and hipping is nominal. There is nothing about the USVI that makes dealers who set up shop there any better than dealers who locate their stores anywhere else. For rock bottom prices, try the US based internet dealers. For homegrown service, try your local jeweler. Which of those is best will depend on what you''re looking for.

Bringing home a souvenier from a beautiful place is a reasonable thing to do but don''t expect it to be a ''deal'' just because you bought it far from home or because the salesman promised that it was.

Neil Beaty
GG(GIA) ISA NAJA
Professional Appraisals in Denver