Best western port for jewelry?

[snorkelman]

I accidentally posted this on the general forum, so sorry for the repost.

My wife and I will be on RCCL’s Navigator of the Seas in June. This cruise goes to Labadee, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. Of these places, my wife and I have only been to Cozumel.

I have done a little research and I don’t think that any of the ports (except maybe Cozumel) is known for much jewelry. I am not expecting anything to compare to St. Thomas, which is her favorite for jewelry.

Regardless, this trip she will be looking for a Movado watch and some kind of gold designer charm in the shape of a small shoe.

Where is the best place that we should look for these two things?

I have heard that Ocho Rios is a dump and the shopping sucks. Is that true? How about Grand Cayman?

By the way, my wife does not like silver or turquoise, which are sold in large quantities in Mexico. The last time that we were in Cozumel, we saw plenty of Jewelry stores that sold gold, so I guess my question is whether I should even bother looking when we are in Ocho Rios and Grand Cayman.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Callander Girl]

Actually we found some great deals on watches in Ochos Rios. I do remember Movado being one of the great deals. I think it was $250 for his and hers Movado Museum watches. Of coarse that was last Sept. Prices could be different when you're there, but I doubt it would be much different. I would stick to the recommended shops from your ships shopping guide (he/she will have briefings and there will be shopping guides to stores that are endorsed by the ship. I trust those shops more and the ship guarantees the product for a limited time, so get your jewelry appraised!) Anyway, we had a similar itinerary as you and found that you could find good deals on watches in Jamaica, I think Grand Caymen was really a good place to buy Tanzanite. We got a fantastic deal on a diamond in Cozumel. I think the diamond and tanzanite are supposedly really marked up when they come to the States. The great thing is, if you are just buying the stone/gem (which is what we did and had it set into a ring I already had) you don't have to claim it on your customs forms because it is considered a "rock". We were told that by the cruiseline rep. that gave instructions on filling out the customs forms.

 

[BurBunny]

There can be some decent shopping in Ocho Rios, but I'd not call it a shopping mecca. Grand Cayman is terrific for higher-end or designer/unusual pieces, but prices are high on the more common items, like watches and such. If I were looking for unique jewelry and price wasn't the primary factor, I'd definitely shop in Grand Cayman. But I think you'll find the best selection for what you're looking for in Cozumel.