Have you visited St. Maarten by cruise ship recently? Then you know one day is just not enough for St. Maarten's 37 breathtaking beaches, the shopper's paradise of Duty Free bling and luxury goods, exciting casinos, entertainment and nightlife -- not to mention the glorious food in this culinary heaven.
Take advantage of the new “Bounce Back” rate, exclusively for former cruise passengers offered by Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino or Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino. A jaw-dropping $150 per night! Call toll free, 1-800-223-0757, or click here to print out the coupon offer.
Objects of Desire: Shopping in St. Maarten/St. Martin
By Pat Cantor
Shopping during an economic downturn does offer challenges. But for the savvy consumer, a place like St. Maarten/St. Martin is perfect to successfully meet that challenge. Everything, from fine jewelry to Champagne and caviar, is tax-free and duty-free. You also have access to those same incredible brands you’ll find at luxury shopping locations. Today, there’s very little you desire that you can’t purchase here, especially jewelry, watches, decorative items, tropical clothing and fine wines. So whether you’re on the French or Dutch side, get out your shopping list and GO!
Gems, the Go-with-Everything Accessory
As with the colors of rainbows and roses, nature’s marvelous colors extend to all the glorious gems spawned from the earth’s ever-shifting geology. Jewels by Love offers a splendid collection of diamonds and other gems, loose or set, predominantly in 18-karat gold and platinum. Diamonds International features a wide selection of loose diamonds and diamond jewelry to satisfy your diamond needs. Diamonds in every shape and form overflow from Joe’s Jewelry, from rings and necklaces to bracelets, cufflinks, watches and loose diamonds. Caribbean Gems carries fine GIA-certified diamonds in every color, shape and size, while Oro Diamanté has one of the most superb selections of GIA-certified loose or mounted diamonds. Boolchand’s is the exclusive retailer for the Perfect Diamonds by Natalie K and jewelry by Pandora.
Majesty showcases lots of color, including Kabana of Italy’s designs, specializing in opals and tanzanite. Even more color appears at Ballerina in brilliant white, canary and pink diamonds. Rubies, emeralds, sapphires and diamonds dazzle at Zhaveri Jewelers, alongside colorful semiprecious stones. For more lavish gem colors, stop by Tanzanite International to see their range of this unique eponymous stone. AMA Jewelers are retailers of the Angelique of Paris collection, which combines fine jewelry with high fashion. Pearl Gems has gorgeous pearls, including South Sea, cultured, freshwater, Biwa, flat and loose pearls.
Crossing All Time Zones
For the watch aficionado, St. Maarten/St. Martin has become the “go-to” destination. Many of the island’s fine jewelry stores sell the world’s most desirable watches—whether you’re seeking a sports watch, an opulently jeweled showpiece, a designer watch or simply an excellent timepiece to get you there on time.
Jewels by Love is the official agent for some of the most exclusive watch brands in the world, such as Patek Philippe, Breguet, Vacheron Constantin, A. Lange & Söhne, I.W.C., Jaeger-LeCoultre, Ulysse Nardin, Hublot, Tiffany & Co., Ebel and Swarovski. Diamonds International Watch and Design Center carries more than 30 brands of fine Swiss watches that run the price gamut. Ballerina represents many fine Swiss watch brands, while Majesty carries several brands like Maurice Lacroix, Fendi, Charriol and Seiko. Little Switzerland is one of the world’s most trusted duty-free retailers, with a worldwide reputation for luxury for more than 50 years and brands like Cartier, TAG Heuer, Omega Watches and Brietling. Joe’s Jewelry International features designers like Bulgari, Parmigiani, Philip Stein, Rado and Tissot. And at AMA Bella, find the always reliable Citizen watches. The island is the perfect place to fill in your watch wardrobe!
Jewelry& Watches
AMA Jewelers Retailers of exclusive Angelique de Paris, a refreshing combination of high fashion and fine jewelry, with incredible designs made of precious metals and luminous colorful resin in an extensive palette of gorgeous hues. The wide selection and impeccable service make AMA Bella the must-stop store for any woman. AMA Bella also offers diverse lines of designer jewelry and sunglasses, brand-name bags, luggage and travel accessories.
Tel: 599-542-6935
Fax: 599-543-1020
Ballerina Jewelers
Established in 1986 and devoted to customer satisfaction, Ballerina Jewelers stands as an unrivaled source for certified diamonds in all shapes and sizes. Featured are brilliant white, canary and pink diamonds set in unique handcrafted mountings. Boasting six locations in the Caribbean, Ballerina has maintained an outstanding reputation for quality, service and value as attested by their customers. All purchases are guaranteed and come with certified appraisals and U.S. service centers. Designer Jewelry: Tacori, Stefan Hafner, Leo Pizzo, Simon G., Fope, Hidalgo, Soho, Rodney Rayner. Watch Brands: Roger Dubuis, Franc Vila, Perrelet, Cvstos, Pierre Kunz, Frederique Constant, Oris, Martin Braun, Bertolucci, Jacob & Co., Technomarine, Versace and more.
Front Street 53A, & 56, Philipsburg, 6 Harbour Point Village; Tel: 599-542-4399; U.S. Direct: 1-213-291-8247; Toll Free: 1-866-478-4782
E-mail: balerina@sintmaarten.net
Web: www.ballerina-jewelers.com
Boolchand’s
Rare, memorable and exceptional quality is what you will find when you shop at Boolchand’s Jewelers. Boolchand’s carries a wide selection of 14k and 18k fine jewelry, along with loose diamonds, blue and black diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires and Tanzanite, and jewelry by PANDORA. Also available exclusively, the Perfect Diamond by NATALIE K.
Tel: 599-542-2245
E-mail: boolchand@sintmaarten.net
Caribbean Gems
Certina DS Action: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with antireflecting coating, reinforced case back, water-resistant to 200m/20 ATM, safety clasp on steel bracelet with diver extension, Swiss-made ETA movement.
Tel: 599-542-2176
Web: www.caribbeangems.com
Web: www.majestyjewelers.com
Colombian Emeralds
Colombian Emeralds International, Old Street, Philipsburg, Your Paradise Outlet Store. The first-ever and only Colombian Emeralds International Outlet store in St. Maarten offers its entire collection of fine jewelry at 50% off and 40% off all name-brand watches.
Tel: 599- 542-3933
Web: www.dutyfree.com
Diamonds International
Diamonds International sets the standard of excellence for diamonds in the Caribbean. With more than 100 stores, DI offers the widest selection of loose diamonds and diamond jewelry to satisfy your diamond needs. Choose from a variety of diamonds and settings to personalize your own jewelry. Welcome to our world.
Tel: 599-542-6230; Toll-Free: 1-800-51-JEWEL
Web: www.DiamondsInternational.com
Jewels by Love
IWC Aquatimer Chronograph, Edition Galapagos Islands.
Not only does it represent the quintessence of professional diver’s watches from the legendary watchmaker, it is also an emphatic statement of a partnership in aid of the environment. Marigot and Philipsburg
Tel: 590-590-87-25-50 and 599-542-6808; E-mail: jewelsbylove@aol.com
Joe’s Jewelry
Joe’s Jewelry International was established in 1980 and has since grown to three locations on St. Maarten, becoming a luxurious duty-free shopping attraction. Joe’s Jewelry provides a lavish shopping experience, retailing luxury Swiss watches, diamonds and fine jewelry. Pictured above: Tissot Sea-Touch Watch. Visit www.joesjewelry.com to win a prize from Joe’s Jewelry online.
40, 60 & 66 Front Street; Tel: 599-543-7020
E-mail: sales@joesjewelry.com; Web: www.joesjewelry.com
Kay’s Jewelers
Kay’s Fine Jewelry is now the premier family jeweler in the Caribbean, with an unmatched inventory of certified diamonds. It is also the sole authorized retailer for the rare Asscher Cut Diamond. Kay’s believes all jewelry should serve as an investment and invites you to invest in natural alexandrite and ammolite jewelry, as well as Swiss-made, handcrafted, numbered Graham watches.
Tel: 599-542-4556
Web: www.kaysfinejewelry.com
Little Switzerland
Defining Luxury Across the Caribbean. Little Switzerland is one of the world’s most trusted duty-free retailers, with a global reputation for luxury and service for more than 50 years. The 25 Caribbean stores offer an unprecedented showcase of the most desired collections of respected names in fine designer jewelry, watches, china, crystal and accessories. Treat yourself to a Little Switzerland shopping experience in St. Maarten today!
Harbour Pointe Village, St. Maarten
Tel: 599-542-7785
The Westin, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Tel: 599-543-6451
52 Front Street, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Tel: 599-542-3530; Toll Free: 1-800-524-2010
Web: www.littleswitzerland.com
Majesty
In the journey of love, maps and directions are insignificant; the experience is the destination. Majesty Jewelers brings you the “Journey” Diamond jewelry, which symbolizes the breadth and depth of your unique relationship. The Journey Diamond Collection features a sequence of graduated diamonds arranged in a setting from the smallest to the largest—which represents the growth of a couple’s love and a strengthening of their relationship over time.
Tel: 599-542-2473
Web: www.majestyjewelers.com
Oro Diamanté
Fine attention to detail, first-rate service and exceptional value are qualities that have set Oro Diamanté apart for over two decades. They specialize in loose diamonds and diamond jewelry, and they have perhaps the largest inventory of GIA-certified diamonds on St. Maarten. No size of diamond is too large or small, and no quality is unattainable. They carry one of the largest selection in GIA-certified Natural Fancy Colored diamonds such as Canary Yellow and Natural Pink. Let their staff of GIA-certified gemologists and designers educate you and help you make the best selection for a loose diamond and accompanying setting. Oro Diamanté’s fine jewelry collection is also very extensive; they are the exclusive distributors for the innovative and original creations of master designers Gabriel & Co. and De Hago.
Tel: 599-543-0342
Toll-Free: 1-800-635-7950
Web: www.oro-diamante.com
Pearl Gems
Pearl Gems carries the Largest Selection of
Tahitian, Australian, Golden South Sea , Salt and Freshwater Pearls. Custom stringing of pearls with a choice of your clasp. Designer Jewelry: Yvel, Oliva, Tara, Hanora, Samuel B. Watches: Bulova, Elysee & Nautica.
Tel: 599-542-6758
E-mail: pearlgem@sintmaarten.net
Venetian
Victoria by Sophia Fiori has five interchangeable diamond bands that can instantly transform the ring to reflect your many moods and passions. The exquisite Victoria ring was recently seen at the 2009 Emmy Awards in Hollywood.
Tel: 599-542-3428
Web: www.sophiafiori.com
Zhaveri
Trollbeads jewelry has been charming women around the world for more than 30 years. Trollbeads are crafted from the finest quality raw materials, including 18K gold, sterling silver, Italian glass, freshwater pearls, amber, diamonds, semiprecious stones and Swarovski crystals. By combining individual Trollbeads on a bracelet or necklace, the wearer can design a meaningful, one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry that represents a narrative of their accomplishments, life experiences and passions.
Start a tradition with a next-generation charm bracelet. Every bead tells a story, and every story has a bead™. For more information, visit www.TrollbeadsUS.com.
Tel: 599-542-5176
You can spend days shopping in St. Maarten/St. Martin and not visit the same store twice! So much to buy - so little time... visit our Shopping Guide and get full details about each merchant before you go. Print our shopping maps and take them with you.
Shop for GUCCI, ORIS, Hamilton fine timepieces. Diamonds International was established nearly two decades ago and has grown to more than 100 locations. Diamonds International is now one of the largest jewelry retailers in the world! Shop in St. Maarten at 68 Front Street & Princess Juliana International Airport.
Jewels By Love
Five generations of traditional jewelers. A splendid collection of meticulously selected, masterfully cut diamonds and gems. Exquisite and rare timepieces by Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, A. Lange & Sohne, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Ulysse Nardin, Hublot, Breguet and Tiffany & Co.. Marigot and Philpsburg locations.
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