Certified Diamond Tennis Bracelet.
As someone else pointed out, it is quite usual to get an
appraisal considerably higher than the purchase price if one is
a saavy consumer. What's more important is how the Caribbean
Gemologist's description (color, quality, cut...) of the stone
matched the one from back home. How similar are they? For
example, has anyone purchased a diamond certified as VS1, F
color, good cut, and had it appraised differently?
"The largest loose diamonds center on St. Maarten is part of
the famed Diamond International of St. Thomas. Featuring diamond and
colored gemstones in every specification and budget. All diamonds graded by
a GIA gemologist and appraisals accompany most sales......" On the back of
the port guide Princess said "Shop with confidence at each of these
recommended stores. Only these merchants have given Princess Cruises a
buyer's guarantee valid for 30 days after purchase excluding passenger
negligence and buyer's regret and have paid a promotional fee. Price paid
for merchandise or verbal claims or agreements between you and merchant will
not be grounds for return. Only appraisals from certified gemologist
appraisers not affiliated with a retail jeweler will be considered. If a
problem arises during the cruise, contact your Port Lecturer for resolution.
Guarantee valid for repairs and/or exchanges only. If you find a problem
after the cruise, but within 30 days of purchase write directly to the
store. If resolution has not been reached within 28 days of writing,
contact our service representative at 960 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139.
Do not mail merchandise without prior instruction. Effective 10/21/99"
We went to Diamond Creations on St. Maarten and looked at diamond tennis
bracelets. After some serious price negotiating, with me mostly standing
outside begging my wife to get out of there, we made our purchase. When we
stopped on St. John I shopped for a like bracelet for a price comparison
near the terminal. So far so good. I was satisfied that we got a really
good price from Diamond Creations on St. Maarten. On return home we found
that our credit card was correctly charged. I then took the bracelet to a
local well known jewelry store chain for a hip pocket appraisal by one of
their salesmen who appeared to be pretty sharp. After eyeing all around the
bracelet for some time. He appraised the bracelet for far more than we
paid.