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SLIDE BRACELETS : I've lost stones from three pieces I bought at Colombian Emeralds over theyears, so I don't buy gemstones from them anymore. On the other hand, I boughta Raymond Weil watch on sale in St. Thomas, got home, and saw the same watch ata local jeweler for 5 times what I paid for it.I bought a loose tanzanite which was lovely and now appraises for far more thanmy purchase price, BUT the stone originally had a crack which had to bepolished out. Likewise, I bought a pair of loose amethysts and had them setinto earrings. I could have easily purchased a pair of earrings for what thestones and the setting cost. However, they weren't that expensive to beginwith and they hold good memories of the trip, so I still consider them a goodbargain.
SLIDE BRACELETS : I could go on with the list, but the bottom line for me is that there is greatvariety and there are some good bargains in the Caribbean. But, it's also easyto get carried away with "vacation fever" if you don't know what you arebuying.As for gold, I never touch the stuff down in the islands -- wait for someoneyou know to go to Italy and get the good stuff!I agree! Although my best bargain was in Turkey. I got an 18k gold bracelet,with *evil eyes* set in to it. I paid 50 bucks. I brought it in to a localjewelery store to have a larger clasp put on it and the guy said it was worthwell over $200! I guess ya just never know...Norma,Your story sums up my feelings about jewelry. The concept of "precious"jewelry is about what it means, not what it costs.You have something that is so precious to you that it can not be assigned adollar value.
SLIDE BRACELETS : I agree here. On our recent trip I picked up a glass bead necklace in Venice,andsome gold jewelry with the Greek chain patterns signifying life's eternity inGreece. They remind me of where I've been, and if you can find them at home,they wouldn't have the same memories associated.Shop in the US to get an idea of prices first, and NEVER believe what thesalesperson at the counter tells you. Example: I bought an ImperialTopaz pendant for my mom at Amsterdam Sauer in Rio. It came with anappraisal and guarantee of authenticity. It was half the price of acomparable item in the States, and the setting was 18 kt gold instead of14kt as is usual in the US. A jeweler friend here in the US confirmed theappraisal and told me I got a bargain. So, a few years later, I took mom& dad on a Caribbean cruise. In the Amsterdam Sauer in St. Thomas, welooked at their Imperial Topaz collection. For fun, I innocently askedthe saleswoman what she thought of my mom's pendant. She sneered and saidthat the topaz in her shop was far superior, and that my mom's pendant wasnot a true Imperial Topaz, and the setting was poorly made. I said "gee,that's not what your branch in Rio told me." She tried to recover thefumble, but it was too late, we were already out the door. Caveat emptor.
SLIDE BRACELETS : While we are on the jewlelry thread, I have a question. Have any of you seenany gold slides with interesting stones for the two chain slide bracelets inthe islands? I have one my husband started for me several years ago, and needabout four more to complete it. I would love to know if they are available inthe stores there. Each one of my slides has a sentimental meaning from aspecial occasion.Thanks,Unfortunately, you found a very poor salesperson. When I used to be inretail sales, I would NEVER say anything bad about someone's jewelry....evenif it was junk. What a way to destroy a customers confidence in the wholeindustry! My bet is that if she would have complimented your mom's pendant,she might have made another sale.Amsterdam-Sauer does have some incredible Imperial Topaz. Of course theyshould since they do control the mine it comes from. If anyone is going tobe in St Thomas, be sure to check them out as well as theirAlexandrites...YUMMY!
SLIDE BRACELETS : I can get bone-in chicken breasts for .99/lb, but have been toolazy to debone them myself in the past. I may give them a trysometime, they ought to be good for baking, anyway. Aww, thanks, but I know the shipping would probably be hideousand most likely cancel out the money I'd save by paying UK prices.(Which are, after the conversion, cheaper, believe it or not.) I saw the caramel chocolate ones at the store. They looked so good! And so not good for me. The ginger nut and chocolate covered gingerones looked awfully good, too.We took advantage of the Dallas Zoo's $1 admission day, and rode the TRE(Trinity Railway Express) for $1 each (reduced prices, a homeschool fieldtrip)Bone in chicken breasts go on sale for .99 per pound about four times ayear here. I try to stock up then. I wash and package themindividually in ziplock type bags.
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