Jewelry "appraisals"

[green_rd]

I don't put much stock on "appraisals" provided by retailers, but I was looking at some paperwork and noticed that all the jewelry we have purchased on cruises (I think) have been appraised for the exact purchase price. When we have bought jewelry locally the retailers that have provided an appraisal typically appraise it higher than the purchase price - I guess to indicate what a bargain they gave us. Of course local retailers often want to sell me an appraisal, I decline because and go independent.

[seadog2]

We have bought plenty of gold and diamonds in the Caribbean over the years most of it from our jeweler in St. Thomas. The appraisal that we receive is always higher than what we bought it for. I, like you don't put that much stock in the higher appraisal. I usually go by the exact price paid. We will be in the Caribbean in December and DW wants to trade one of her rings for something larger. I will see if my jeweler goes by the appraised price or the actual price. We'll see.

[Lakers Fan]

We have never bought jewelry on a cruise .

[Mike M]

I trust the appraisals in the Caribbean jewelry stores about as much as I trust the guys selling goods from the back of a truck.

We have bought a few things in the Caribbean only because we "liked" them. I did get a good deal on a Breitling watch in Jamaica. I had to have it appraised for insurance purposes and the appraisal, at a local watch dealer, was $500 more than the purchase price.

If you like it, buy it. If you want it insured then have it appraised, at home, by a reputable jeweler.

Take care,
Mike

[Trip]

Agreed! Those appraisals remind me of the "original prices" on the watches they sell onboard! Love it, buy it,and take it home to a jeweler, who didn't sell it to you