Are diamonds cheaper on a cruise ship given the tax-free status?
I am a frequent cruise ship diamond buyer and let me tell you the prices are WAY cheaper. These people that tell you to buy it at home have never priced it. The Caribbean is the headquarters of Diamonds International, Columbia Emeralds, and Tanzanite International. They have a larger selection than most of the country (outside of NYC). For example when I go diamond shopping here and I’m looking for a truly high quality diamond (like at least a S1 with an E in color) your average store will only have one or two. You’d have to drive all over the east coast to find 15 in that range. That’s why people recommend going to Diamond Expos. However the DI stores will have close to 15 in that range. Now true–for people not picky on diamonds it probably isn’t a big savings. A J or K in color, and/or an I in clarity (I1, I2, or I3), can only get so cheap you know. So it probably is the best price you can get simply b/c you don’t have people who go to the Caribbean to buy an imperfect diamond. The
