14k Bracelet Diamond
Which of the Eastern Caribbean islands is the best place to purchase duty
free jewelry? We are leaving San Juan with stops at St. Thomas UVI, St.
Maartan, Antigua, Martinique, and Tortola and would like info from anyone
with past experience.
The best island for jewelry is St. Martin, followed by St. Thomas. If
you're buying diamonds or gemstones, be sure to loupe them outdoors
before settling on a price. If you're buying non-designer, gold pieces,
set a per gram price and stick fairly close to this. On my last few
serious shopping visits, the going rate for non-designer, 14K was about
$8/gram (about 1/2 to 1/3 the price paid on sale in the States); 18K was
a little higher. Gold prices have since risen, so you probably can't do
that well now.