Hey guys, so I've been reading that the jewelry stores in St. Martin are super popular because of their prices. I was just curious as to what kind of discounts we are talking about? I would LOVE to buy an engagement ring for my beau, so I'm just curious how much cheaper it is compared to a US brick and mortar or website. Thanks for any info you have!

Do your homework at home to make sure you are making a fair comparison. A "discount" can be deceiving as some will advertise 80% or more, BUT 80% of WHAT? If it is a greatly inflated list price then the discount will appear to be huge. Look at the bottom line of a comparable item for a fair comparison. Most list or suggested retail prices are greatly inflated, both on the island and in the US.

Having said this, most on here have their favorite store or salesperson. We like Caribbean Gems and feel like we have been treated well there but we also do our homework prior to any purchase. Good luck.

Good advice. Get a price at home and comparison shop.

Times 3 on the being an educated consumer. Know what you're looking at and what a comparable item would cost at home. My feeling is that there may not necessarily be huge discounts from what you get at home, BUT it is really neat to think where you bought it. The ring I wear on my right hand I bought in St. Thomas. And when I somehow managed to lose the diamond out of my engagement ring, I replaced it in St. Maarten. And I have a blue topaz stone that I bought unset in ST. Thomas, YEARS ago, that I had made into a necklace that I get tons of comments on. My feeling is, if you know what you're looking at and know what it would cost at home, even if you pay virtually the same amount, you should be saving taxes at least, and it makes for a wonderful memory!

Alexander,

For sure, good deals can be had but do educate yourself well before you make that purchase. There’s a lot involved in buying a stone and there are those who will take advantage of the unwary, too. It also doesn’t hurt to know your jeweler but as a first time customer you don’t have that luxury so be prepared with the knowledge regarding diamonds, and particularly the three Cs of diamonds along with a good idea of what you might buy and pay for at home so you can make your own comparisons wisely. Another suggestion is to be certain the store you're dealing with has a US connection in the event you need any kind of servicing after the fact of your purchase.

No matter what, always ask for a better price even after the salesperson gives you a first discount.

Being educated in what you are looking for and diamond quality is very important. Price shouldn't be the only factor but the setting and sentimental value of buying it in St Maarten with the one you love is.

It's duty free & tax free. We have bought many pieces of jewelry over 20 years from st maarten including diamonds, gem stones & gold chains & have been happy with every purchase. Had some appraised at home in the beginning & were very happy with the appraisals & quality.
Always ask if it's their best price. It's lovely to have jewelry for special occasions. Not sure what We will buy next year for 50 year anniversary.
Congratulations on your engagement! It will be easy to find rings you love.

St. Thomas has cost me a small fortune over the early years...do you remember Cardows(35 years ago and its still there) before the mass tourism crowd came into being...those were the days?

Yup, was there several times over the years..

That is a great question! Over the years we settled on DKgems in Philipsburg on the water side of Front St about a half block west of the Court House. We (i.e. my wife) have purchased a LOT of very nice pieces there over the years. The staff is very welcoming and not high pressure at all.

We learned that the key words to say at DKgems when you find something you like are: “I am interested in this... What is the ‘TTOL discount price?’”

All of a sudden the sales pitch stops, the calculator comes out, the sales personnel punches in the tag price, punches in the discount percentage, and shows you the absolute minimum price they will sell the item for. No cat and mouse haggling, this is the bottom line.

We have found over a decade and a half that the items we bought at DK appraise at 2 to 3 times what we paid...

Just our opinion...

Bill and Linda