Is it worth it to buy jewelry in Aruba!

[Sgroi135]

I am always scared to by expensive things away from home. They rely on you buying something, and knowing that you will never come back to exchange it, or you will most likely be WAY outside the return period.

When i was at the Radisson, I did look in the jewelry store there, but it was really a NY based store that was there, so for me, if it were cheaper, I could always fight the battle at home, if needed!

[mjn109]

Sgroi135---so very true, I kind of think that might have been the stores initial plan (at least in my mind)-that we would buy it, leave-since we told them we were leaving in just a few hours, and then be screwed in the end. But then they tried to make it right, since I sort of "slammed" their reputation on the board, then it went sour again...argh, oh well. Again, life lesson learned!

[Deb]

I've had some good experiences ... bought a Tag watch at 30% off the US Retail price at Little Switzerland. Also bought a David Yurman ring 30% off the US Retail price at a jewelry store in the Renaissance Mall (I forgot the name of the place). Both authentic ... I actually went to the nearby internet cafe prior to the purchase to verify whether I was getting good deals. My strategy may only work on branded items. Good luck.

[peapod]

My husband and I have bought jewelry in Aruba almost everytime we go. We have made friends with a couple of the people in the shops. I think we always got a great deal. You have to look at what you buy though, ask them to see the diamond with the magnifier to see any inclusions.
Pearl Gems downtown is one of my favorite shops. We have purchased several items.Ask for Orlando if you go. Very professional and great customer service. All types of stones and pearls as well. Also Noble jewelry has great service. Ask for Nevin, tell him Mike and Wendy sent you!
Also great gold at Colombian Emeralds. Report back on what you purchase if you do!

[Linda VH]

We buy from Sean Jewelers. If you are looking for something specific and describe it to them Sean or Paul will make it for you. I saw a ring in Grand Cayman that I wanted but they would not come down on the price and it was too high for what the ring was so......DH says wait til we get to Aruba and we'll have one made. Just picked it up yesterday and it is MUCH nicer than the one in GC.

[Shnyda]

You can get a pretty good deal on watches - but like someone said. Do your research!

[Divibound]

We have shopped at Larry's in downtown O'stad for several years, and we have had no issues with the quality or price. Have come home and spoken to local jeweler and have always done well with the price. I buy jewelry because I like the look of the piece and I am not looking at it as an investment.

[lizzardo]

Divi said:
I buy jewelry because I like the look of the piece and I am not looking at it as an investment.

I think that's the only way you can approach jewelry. When I got
divorced I had a nice engagement ring which was pricey - tried
to sell it and just got low ball prices everywhere. Jewelry is not something
you can use as a nest egg. I also would be really hesitant about
investment grade diamonds because I think you really have to know
your stuff to evaluate if it's a good deal or not. I think it falls into
the coins/stamps category - you buy at the high price and can only
sell at the low. Again unless you really know what you are doing.

[Linda VH]

There are a number of people in the States, at least, that will take something like your engagement ring and make another piece of jewelry with it.

[lizzardo]

Yeah - but since it was from previous marriage - I just wanted to get rid of it!