Is gold cheaper in Aruba than the States? I'm looking for a new gold necklace. When you buy it in the states they always mark it up by a couple hundred and then you negotiate.

Is that the same in Aruba?

I have not found Aruba to be one of the less expensive places to buy gold jewelry.

I purchased a 30 gram 14 k mens bracelet(modified figaro link) for around 300.00. I was able to negotiate a little on the price all of the stores there sell gold jewelery so they are willing to work with you if you know how to negotiate. My jeweler in the US said he would have charge 700 or 800 for it.

Just asked a jewelrer.
Gold, unlike most mounted gemstones, is sold by the weight based on the Karats and the actual finished product. He mentioned that when you get a deal on gold, you might not be getting the quality of gold you are being told you are about to buy.
That is about as much as he could tell me over the phone.
Hope it helps.

charles
arubafastphones.com

Depends where you shop and when. High season with Cruise ships in dock tend to keep prices on the up side.

Shop several jewelry outlets or more. Compare what you like, mainly as to weight.

Youll get other suggestions but Ive had great buys at Kays, Rams, Noble jewelers to name a few.

You can haggle with them somewhat.
Little Switzerland, Shivas, Columbian Emeralds, and a few more wont negotiate or bargain.
Happy Hunting

As a former jewelry store employee, I can tell you that jewelry retail mark-up is as fair as the rest of the industry.
More than price, you need to be aware of the gram weight of the gold & the K stamp in the piece.
You cannot compare the price of a 10K lightweight chain to a 14K heavy link. They're not the same animal! Good luck!

Hey Char, its me the sentimental Fathers Day guy.

I understand about the weight 10K up to 18K etc. and style and cut and all, but how can you tell if a piece is in fact 14K or 18K?
I (sucker me) bought a beautiful 18K heavy mens figuro necklace from a jewelry store in St. Thomas about 10 yrs ago. The store was closing and going out of businees due to the death of the owner. Everything was half priced and even less.
I paid $350.00 for it.
It was very heavy and beautiful. It was stamped in two places 18K, another number and Italy. One on the fastener and the other on the part that the fastener clips on too. It was yellow gold.

I wore it for a week there and it sparkled great.

After about 3 weeks when we got home, it very slowly started to fade and when I cleaned it with a jewelry cloth, the gold started to look like white gold. I took it to a jeweler and he said it was gold plated over sterling silver. Like the gold nechlaces you can buy for $40 at a stand in a mall that really look like real gold.

They used an 18K fastener and clip only! on the necklace.

I'm sure i wasn't the only fish that bought in that place.

I dont know if there is a test you can use, but definately I would recommend to know your jeweler's credibility anywhere you buy.

PS had a great Fathers Day.
Instead of a gift cert. my son gave me a unique gift. An umbrella stand that is very heavy with a built in heater for chilly mornings, nights etc. It has vents on all sides and blows out nice warm air 360 degrees. We actually used it that very night. Thanks again for the well wished. c.h.

Thank you for all your info!!!

I think Aruba has some great prices on gold jewelry. We never had a problem. Touch of Gold is a great place to shop.

Bought a gold heavy link bracelet for $800, and in the states was appraised at $2,500. that's a great deal.

Same as my gold heart bracelet. I purchased it for $250 and it is the price is twice as much in the states

None of the pieces we purchased--and we've had for 9 years are in the best of shape the date we bought them. YOu just have to be knowledgeable of where you go shopping.