Shopping in St Maarten and St Thomas

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Pat32

Guest
Hi
I read and heard alot about shopping at these 2 location, is it really worth it? can we get better deals on gold, diamonds, watch, clothes etc then in the U.S. or Canada?
What should we really look for as far as deals?

Thanks for you help, this sites really helps us, new cruisers!

Pat
 
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Nanatravel

Guest
Always glad to help someone spend money! This really depends on what you may be looking for. Jewelry; 14 kt. gold earrings, bracelets, necklaces, diamonds, emerald, sapphires, etc. come in cheap $25 to $25,000 items. Many pieces are designed differently than you can buy in the USA. Example: 14kt. gold filigree half hoop earrings @ $85 would cost about $250 in my tax free NH. I bought a whole set: ring, bracelet & earrings for less than the total of $250. My Emerald bracelet (1st. St. Thomas purchase) had an appraised value of $2500; we paid about $600 however, two stones have fallen out and it is a real pain to keep sending it back to St. Thomas. I have had it fixed twice. A 5mm Omega Chain @ $250 in St. Martin would sell for about $600 in USA, etc. It really varies. Liquor and perfume too are other good buys. I bought a French Perfume 7 years ago in Martinque which was being sold in the states for $45. It came to the states about 2 years later and the starting price is $50+. It was a souvenir decanter too.
Have fun and Bon voyage
 
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