DONT SHOP FOR DIAMONDS

Well, I know this is an old post but what is really sad, Carnival isn't even the company who offers the "buyers protection". Go figure! Even more disappointing.....the Port Shop talker, doesn't even work for Carnival even though they wear a Carnival name tag. This is a perfectly executed scam from the port stores and PPI (the company who pays the port shop talker on the ship and gives the worthless guarantee). BEWARE!!! Also know Carnival is part owners of Diamonds International. What is happening here is a sick scam. I learned alot for my $25000 I got ripped off for. I hope it saves someone else from being taken. I will re-post should anyone actually come forward and make things right on the 3ct diamond I was stupid enough to buy from these sheisters. 

The value of anything is what someone is willing to pay for it.  This applies to jewelry, art , real estate, gold, cruises, etc.

If someone is planning to buy one of these things; it is likely that they want it for their own use or plan to sell it later at a profit.  Either way, the buyer should do his homework in advance to define his own personal value for something.

We have purchased diamonds and other jewelry from DI and other Carnival preferred shoppers.  The value to us as primarily for personal use; and we are definitely on the low end price range.

We have also purchased five artworks from Park West Auctions; primarily because we like them.  I can see three of them from where I am sitting.  The value to us as primarily for personal use; and we are definitely on the low end price range.  Five pieces of art for $900 total, shipped, is definitely not Peter Maxxxxxxxx.

The bottom line is: you should determine whay is value for you; don't let a salesman establish value for you.

We went on B2B cruises in April to celebrate our 25th Anniversary, which we celebrated the day the ship was at port in St. Thomas.  My husband and I had discussed purchasing a diamond ring for the occasion.  Prior to our stop in St. Thomas, we attended the talk on Diamond and Gem shopping, and found it very informative. Yes the Shopping experts will advertise and recommend thay you shop their select stores and do not like it when you do shop at another jewellery store, but advertising the select stores, can prove to be difficult, when you are  in port with 3,000 other guests and other cruise ships the service at the Diamonds International can be sporadic,  somewhat good, but pushy, so that they could get on to the next customer.  We were able to find a ring, but,  at another jewellery store where, the service was impeccable, as they had more time to spend with us, the sales clerk was knowledgable, friendly and a pleasure to deal with.  We shopped at Dynasty Dazzlers, they have two locations in St. Thomas, one down town and one at the port. We found the stone, size and setting we were looking for - it is perfect, we left the store with, certificate and appraisal in hand, we even left with a band to match the diamond - an extra surprise for me, again with certificate and appraisal in hand.  Love my new rings, loved the service at the store, glad we shopped around.

Either CCL or the cruise staff must get kick backs from the "recommended" jewelers in the ports.  I travel to Mexico fairly often and have stayed in port towns.  When a cruise ship is in town they jack the prices up.  If you do not know the value of the object you are buying and cannot haggle with the shop owner, do not buy.  If you do some homework first and find something you like, ask the salesman for the shop owner and work him/her down in price.  Also, in Mexico it really helps if you speak Spanish. 

For example, about a year ago on a cruise stop in Mexico my wife found a necklace of fire opal, U.S. sale price about $600.  The sales guy complimented the heck out of us, we start a bit of haggling and then he gives the B.S. "i like you, so instead of $950 I will go down to $800".  Sorry, won't pay that and begin walking out so naturally he offers $750 but he can't go any lower.  We ask him to check with the shop owner and he went over to speak with an older gentleman creating jewelry in a side room.  My wife goes over to the shop owner and now starts speaking with him in Spanish and the old guy's eyes lit up.  He dispatched the sales guy to the bar next door to get my wife a margarita and a Corona for me and we came out of that store about an hour later with the necklace and a pair of matching fire opal ear rings that he made for my wife right there on the spot for $450.

Either CCL or the cruise staff must get kick backs from the "recommended" jewelers in the ports.  I travel to Mexico fairly often and have stayed in port towns.  When a cruise ship is in town they jack the prices up.  If you do not know the value of the object you are buying and cannot haggle with the shop owner, do not buy.  If you do some homework first and find something you like, ask the salesman for the shop owner and work him/her down in price.  Also, in Mexico it really helps if you speak Spanish. 

For example, about a year ago on a cruise stop in Mexico my wife found a necklace of fire opal, U.S. sale price about $600.  The sales guy complimented the heck out of us, we start a bit of haggling and then he gives the B.S. "i like you, so instead of $950 I will go down to $800".  Sorry, won't pay that and begin walking out so naturally he offers $750 but he can't go any lower.  We ask him to check with the shop owner and he went over to speak with an older gentleman creating jewelry in a side room.  My wife goes over to the shop owner and now starts speaking with him in Spanish and the old guy's eyes lit up.  He dispatched the sales guy to the bar next door to get my wife a margarita and a Corona for me and we came out of that store about an hour later with the necklace and a pair of matching fire opal ear rings that he made for my wife right there on the spot for $450.

dkslmac:

DON'T SHOP FOR JEWELRY!  Even though Carnival SAYS they will back up your purchases if you buy from places that are on the Carnival map.  We even went with Lacey and Amy - Carnival's "personal shoppers"....Well guess what?  We got ripped off at Milano Jewelers in Grand Cayman - One of the recommended jewelers.  The owner - Andy did not give us a certificate of authenticity.  My husband and I each thought he gave it to the other person and we didnt find out until it was too late.  We had the ring appraised at home and our $900 ring is only worth $500-$600.  Very disappointing.  So now it is the holiday weekend and we can't do anything until Tuesday.  I hope Carnival sticks to their word and backs us up.  For now, I am keeping my ring safely in the box.  As always - BUYER BEWARE.  Go have fun and sight see but DONT MAKE ANY BIG PURCHASES.

That was the only bad thing.  The cruise itself was WONDERFUL!

Very strange that you somehow "forgot" the diamond certification. I do not know if anyone could help you without the certification. The best thing you could do is get your diamond certified now. Certification is a much better judge of price than an appraisal is.

Certifications verses appraisals: It is very important to understand that appraisals are often not as accurate as a certified diamond quality report performed by an independent gemological laboratory.  Appraisals are only as accurate as the skill, knowledge and training of the appraiser.

There is currently no legal educational or training requirements one must have to appraise diamonds or jewelry. Appraisals can be done by anyone, even someone with no training. Appraisals are often done by the salesperson selling the diamond. If you read the fine print, virtually all appraisals include legal disclaimers to protect the appraiser from legal recourse if the appraisal is inaccurate. Disclaimers usually state the appraisal is no guarantee of quality and is only the opinion of the appraiser. Many people who buy uncertified diamonds usually pay to much. What often appears to be a unbelievable low price usually turns out to be a diamond that has been inaccurately graded. It is not uncommon for a diamond appraisal to be inaccurate by two, three or more grades when the diamond is sent to G.I.A. for accurate evaluation.

Thanks 

Pollywog

You proved a point - Don't trust Carnival to back you up on the diamond purchases because thry don't care.  I know this couple personally and nothing was resolved.  Both options given by the jeweler and Carnival were to trade it in for another ring of the same bad quality or return it for a 20% restocking fee.  NOT GOOD ENOUGH.  The couple went to their own jeweler, had them put the diamond back in, and reinforced all of the prongs - for a fee of course - but at least that jeweler will back up their work and so far so good..  

Also, @ Pollywog the couple did not "forget the certificate"

Each one thought the other person had it.  Wife had the bag and husband who paid had the reciept.  They were in a hurry to get back on the ship and each thought the other person had it.   At least they had a good cruise despite the ring purchase.

SO - TO SUM IT UP - DONT EXPECT CARNIVAL TO BACK UP YOUR DIAMOND PURCHASE BECAUSE THEY WILL NOT HELP YOU OUT.

Thank you for this Advice,I am totally Agree with your Points.

mhalla:

We purchased a diamond ring from DI in Cozumel.  After 3 months a small diamond fell out.  We had to ship it to New York for the repair.  The cost was $70.00 after the repair, postage, insurance.  They sent it back in a large envelopt.  No insurance-nothing.  Another 3 months go by and a small diamond falls out.  This time we go back to Cozumel for the repair.  The cost was $35.00.  The manager said that this is a real rare occurance.  He also assured us that if it happened he would take care of it.  Well guess what, a small diamond has fallen out again.  We are leaving on April 23,2012 to Cozumel.  I was told by a man that works for DI that the trained diamond setters were in New York.  Well, I'm waiting to see how this goes.

We've purchased jewelry from several of the Carnival preferred vendors, including DI.  We haven't had anything fall out (knock on wood.)  If that does happen in the future, I think I would be more comfortable going to a local jewelry store for repairs, as opposed to mailing it to another city.