Need help with Loose Diamond purchase from St. Maarten or St. Thomas

[LuvDiamonds]

We're going to St. Maarten/St. Thomas to hopefully buy a loose Marquise diamond real soon (GIA certified, around 1.5 carat, no lower than G, no lower than SI1). What are your thoughts/advice on location and purchase? What are your thoughts/advice on general specs to looks for or avoid in a Marquise? I know there are general guidelines under the "tutorial" sections, but any personal thoughts/opinions/tricks that might help me as a novice?

Did I ask a "bad" question or not ask "correctly" because no one is answering.

 

[rocks]

there are no diamond "bargains" on the islands. is there a reason why you feel the need to buy there?

just curious

 

[Shappy]

Just got back from there two weeks ago. There were no bargains there on jewelry, in fact, mostly very over-priced. Didn't look at diamonds specifically. It seems like they cater to the cruise ships, impulse buy of people who just don't know better, IMHO. No USA consumer laws will protect you if you get ripped off. Why would you want to make such a large purchase in a place that caters to cruise passengers of say 9000 people dropped off for 6 hours? These vendors aren't looking for repeat business.

 

[Shappy]

Just got back from there two weeks ago. There were no bargains there on jewelry, in fact, mostly very over-priced. Didn't look at diamonds specifically. It seems like they cater to the cruise ships, impulse buy of people who just don't know better, IMHO. No USA consumer laws will protect you if you get ripped off. Why would you want to make such a large purchase in a place that caters to cruise passengers of say 9000 people dropped off for 6 hours? These vendors aren't looking for repeat business.

 

[LuvDiamonds]

I agree with you. We've been before and I think I'll stay with buying US---probably on-line.

 

[LuvDiamonds]

I agree with you. Were you on the Carnival Glory? because I heard someone say, "these prices aren't any better than in the states".