Diamond International St Maarten - stay away

[MarkZ56]

My wife and I came into the store and were dealing with Jay and a manager named SAM. We were on the ICON of the Seas to St Maarten and St Thomas and stopped into the store in St Maarten where we purchased a $12,000 Crown of the Light ring. It was our 40th wedding anniversary and wanted to get something very special for my wife. 

I am very upset after having returned home to see the certificate/specifics on the ring. At the time of purchase we were told the center diamond was 1.5 carats. In reading the statement of value, the primary stone was .5 carats and outside mounting was .65 carats, NOT 1.5 carats as we were told for the PRIMARY gemstone.

My wife already had a diamond ring for .75 carats so why would we buy a smaller one?? I find it HIGHLY disturbing and UNETHICAL for them to be misleading a client, much less a repeat client who has bought 2 previous diamond rings from the store in the past.

I spent a lot of money for the ring and expected ONLY what I was told to me and sold me, which they did not. I sent them 2 emails about my issues and I finally received an email to call the customer service number to discuss my issues and I did that and its amazing you get a voice mail to leave a message. I am still waiting for a callback since last week.

However, that being said, I did get a phone call from, what I believe is a manager in their NY based office named Harry. He read my review and was very upset and concerned. In fact, he also brought the sales person on the phone with us from the St Maarten store, SAM, who was the one who sold me and wasn't forthcoming in the size of the primary stone.

After a brief discussion it was clear SAM was aware of not telling me the truth about the diamond and went quite as Harry, the NY based manager picked up the conversation. Harry was very clear that he wanted us to be happy, was concerned with the efforts and said "I want you to be happy, what will it take for me to make you happy and come back as a repeat customer and refer others".

My answer was easy - I only want what you told me I was getting, a 1.5 carat primary stone. I don't want anything more or anything less, I just want what you TOLD me I was getting.

Well, he asked if he could send us some pictures of other rings and to see which one my wife liked and I explained that he could do that but with the clear understanding that I wasn't paying ANYTHING more then the $12,000 and what I was supposed to get.

We went back and forth on several emails and pictures of rings and my wife liked a ring that was smaller in carats (1.04 Primary stone). Would you believe Harry came back and said for an additional $4,400 we could get that ring!!!!!

I again reviewed with Harry what we discussed, NO ADDITIONAL cost for a ring, we wanted what we told we were getting. In fact we even agreed to a smaller 1.04 carats. Harry said he would go back to the owners and find out. That was 4 days ago.

As of writing this, Harry has gone dark, not a single word. I have also contacted Royal Caribbean Customer Service to tell them what has happened since RC suggests people visit Diamonds International.

Its really unfortunate and hurtful that a joyous occasion like 40 year of marriage and wanting to get my wife something special has ended up this way.

I will never do business with Diamonds International in any of their locations.
 

[Pooch]

 “am very upset after having returned home to see the certificate/specifics on the ring. At the time of purchase we were told the center diamond was 1.5 carats. In reading the statement of value, the primary stone was .5 carats and outside mounting was .65 carats, NOT 1.5 carats as we were told for the PRIMARY gemstone.”
 

Maybe if you had read this before you left the store.  Also surprised someone who purports to be knowledgeable (and already owned a Diamond that would have been 1/2 the size of this one) couldn’t see that it was a full carat less than they were told.  Caveat Emptor!

[WAYNO]

Some folks are best using the guidance of a knowledgeable person when away from their comfort zone.  I continually caution folks when they're buying from the cruise line jewelers or their brick and mortar stores on the islands.   

The shyster car lots of the tourist jewelry trade. 

[tonyfsu21]

16 hours ago, MarkZ56 said:

My wife and I came into the store and were dealing with Jay and a manager named SAM. We were on the ICON of the Seas to St Maarten and St Thomas and stopped into the store in St Maarten where we purchased a $12,000 Crown of the Light ring. It was our 40th wedding anniversary and wanted to get something very special for my wife. 

I am very upset after having returned home to see the certificate/specifics on the ring. At the time of purchase we were told the center diamond was 1.5 carats. In reading the statement of value, the primary stone was .5 carats and outside mounting was .65 carats, NOT 1.5 carats as we were told for the PRIMARY gemstone.

My wife already had a diamond ring for .75 carats so why would we buy a smaller one?? I find it HIGHLY disturbing and UNETHICAL for them to be misleading a client, much less a repeat client who has bought 2 previous diamond rings from the store in the past.

I spent a lot of money for the ring and expected ONLY what I was told to me and sold me, which they did not. I sent them 2 emails about my issues and I finally received an email to call the customer service number to discuss my issues and I did that and its amazing you get a voice mail to leave a message. I am still waiting for a callback since last week.

However, that being said, I did get a phone call from, what I believe is a manager in their NY based office named Harry. He read my review and was very upset and concerned. In fact, he also brought the sales person on the phone with us from the St Maarten store, SAM, who was the one who sold me and wasn't forthcoming in the size of the primary stone.

After a brief discussion it was clear SAM was aware of not telling me the truth about the diamond and went quite as Harry, the NY based manager picked up the conversation. Harry was very clear that he wanted us to be happy, was concerned with the efforts and said "I want you to be happy, what will it take for me to make you happy and come back as a repeat customer and refer others".

My answer was easy - I only want what you told me I was getting, a 1.5 carat primary stone. I don't want anything more or anything less, I just want what you TOLD me I was getting.

Well, he asked if he could send us some pictures of other rings and to see which one my wife liked and I explained that he could do that but with the clear understanding that I wasn't paying ANYTHING more then the $12,000 and what I was supposed to get.

We went back and forth on several emails and pictures of rings and my wife liked a ring that was smaller in carats (1.04 Primary stone). Would you believe Harry came back and said for an additional $4,400 we could get that ring!!!!!

I again reviewed with Harry what we discussed, NO ADDITIONAL cost for a ring, we wanted what we told we were getting. In fact we even agreed to a smaller 1.04 carats. Harry said he would go back to the owners and find out. That was 4 days ago.

As of writing this, Harry has gone dark, not a single word. I have also contacted Royal Caribbean Customer Service to tell them what has happened since RC suggests people visit Diamonds International.

Its really unfortunate and hurtful that a joyous occasion like 40 year of marriage and wanting to get my wife something special has ended up this way.

I will never do business with Diamonds International in any of their locations.
 

This seems to be more of a diamonds education issue than a Diamonds International issue. Do not buy diamonds or other jewelry without understanding the basics. I am sorry you did not have a good experience, however, there should have been some better due diligence before making that purchase. 

[ChessE4]

Our experience with DI Cozumel is that the store restricted Internet to avoid price checking. They discounted a Philip Stein but charged more than the online price for earrings (we found out at home). The net was a wash. Royal's sales ambassador offered to verify quality of stones beforehand to avoid misunderstanding. Won't do it again, but it wasn't unpleasant.

[tjcruisers]

We've shopped at DI a few times. I tell my wife only spend what your prepared to lose. If we were going to spent that much, I'd be doing it with a store near home. You didn't notice until you got home that's far too late, you should have looked at the paperwork before you paid. Looking at it from DI's perspective, you are some random person making a claim that would be difficult to impossible to prove. DI is usually pretty packed whenever we walk by, Sam probably deals with 100's of people a day when the ships are in, wouldn't expect him to remember a specific sale from weeks earlier

[Wheeler825]

You can get better diamonds and jewelry from a close to home jeweler every. single. time.

[PhillyLady]

 

Last year I wrote this on this blog to somebody complaining about a purchase they made in the Effy shop on their ship:

"As you are the consumer, it is your responsibility to educate yourself and feel comfortable with jewelry purchases. Buyer always beware!

In my lifetime I have spent a lot of money on jewelry, and I will say retail prices are often 75% more than actual metal and stone value.  Never expect the piece to rise in value or be worth what you paid for it. You should only buy an item if you really love it and want it, and price point is not that much of an issue. "

Now, I would never buy a diamond without verifying all the stone information in the store, hopefully with a GIA certificate and a microscope to see the number laser-inscribed on the girdle. I have to admit I can easily tell the difference between a .5 stone and a 1.5 stone.  By the way, store clerks are not necessarily gemologists --they are just salespeople, and I would never take anything  at face value about jewelry that a salesperson tells me, sorry.

Well, obviously your wife liked the ring since you bought it. Instead of going through all the back and forth with stone size, just see if they will give you a refund, or if not, start a dispute with your credit card. Since you do not seem to know that much about diamonds, remember that they can always sell you a big diamond that has lousy clarity, cut, and color, so size is only one component of value.

I always go into the DI stores on the islands, but I rarely purchase there, because I can get better deals in the NYC diamond district. 

 

[Mike n Ky]

This clearly fits the format of other hit and run posts.

[loki007]

Who spends $12k at a cruise port jewelry shop? 

[Reigert2008]

10 minutes ago, loki007 said:

Who spends $12k at a cruise port jewelry shop? 

That was my first thought when I saw this old post resurrected.  Of course, our max spend at any port has been about $100, when i was finally able to get shirts from the Life is Good store in St. Kitts, after our third trip there (it was closed the previous times).   I get that people want to save money and I'm all for that, but in my opinion large purchases are best done at home with a trusted retailer.  Sure you can avoid tax (if you don't properly claim it customs, which is still wrong) but having the confidence that the location will support and service your purchase is probably worth the cost. 

I'm in KY and 6% sales tax on $12,000 is "only" $720, which isn't nothing, but if you afford the purchase, you're probably not too worried about the tax.

 

I've tried on many watches on our sailings so I can narrow down what i am looking for, but then came home and made my purchase with my jeweler. 

[Ditchdoc]

Its been general knowledge for years that cruise ships and ports have a  lot of hype and high pressure for watches and jewelry sales that seldom actually deliver a product any better or cheaper than you can get almost anywhere else.

Some of the nicest jewelry pieces I bought for my wife came from a independent jeweler in my home town that have proven to hold their value and quality decades later. 

I bought a couple of Citizen Eco Drive watches on board. The price was OK but I could have done just as well or better back in the US at a dozen brick and mortar or on line stores.

Its pretty much the same with the on board art auctions.

If you find something you really like, its very unique, not likely found many other palaces and you are sure you will derive years of pleasure from it, then maybe splurge. Keep in mind, you will seldom if ever get a real bargain on a cruise ship or port.

[JimnKathy]

"Hit and Run" OP needs to do major jewelry purchases close to home where it's FAR easier to work with a trusted jeweler after a significant purchase.

I can't imagine anyone in my immediate family who'd even consider spending more money than they're willing to "lose" on some Caribbean island far away from West TN. LOL

 

[Bruin Steve]

First, this thread is almost a year old...and it was the OP's first and only post.  They never even came back to update assuming anything happened after this.

My advice:

NEVER buy anything of high value while traveling unless you are ABSOLUTELY certain of its value and that it is a significant savings over what you can get it for at home.  Buying at home means you  have local consumer protection laws and use of local courts.  And you can go back and demand service in person.  When we travel, we only buy cheap local souvenirs, costume jewelry, local handicrafts, etc.

NEVER buy from "cruise line recommended" shops.  They kick back to the cruise line and charge exorbitant prices for the same cheap junk you can buy elsewhere in port for a LOT LESS.  Once, in Mazatlan, the crew "Shopping Expert" showed us an onyx and abalone mask that looked cool.  She told us it cost only around $100 to $120 at their "recommended" shop.  We looked and that was correct...They had a really nice looking one for $120.  But we decided NOT to buy it.  Then, in another shop just a few doors away, we saw a large selection of exactly the same masks.  The shop owner told us "Take your pick--TWENTY DOLLARS each, not negotiable".  We bought one.  Still have it today, years later.  Looks nice in our living room.  Saved us $100!

NEVER buy "art" from the ship's "art auction".  If you REALLY like a piece, go online when you get home.  They are all mass-produced and available online...for MUCH lower prices.  IF you want art as a souvenir from your cruise, buy something one-of-a-kind from a LOCAL artist in port.

DO NOT buy a discounted warch from the shops on the ship.  They are "discounted" from the "maunufacturer's suggested retail price"--a price NOBODY EVER PAYS.  You can buy these watches even cheaper when you get home.  Want a cheap watch?  Wait until you cruise to Kusadasi Turkey and look for the sign "Genuine Fake Rolex".  I bought one there for $10.  I've never worn it.  Who wears watches nowadays?  I just wanted to show people my "ten dollar Rolex"...It's worth ten bucks for the laugh.

[JFCruise]

1 hour ago, Bruin Steve said:

Who wears watches nowadays?

Lots of people. I never leave home without one.

[Reigert2008]

1 hour ago, JFCruise said:

Lots of people. I never leave home without one.

I love my mechanical watches.  I don’t get to wear them as much as I like sine I need the Apple Watch to do health tracking for insurance, but any chance I get I break out the fancy watches that I own and live it up!

[tonyfsu21]

9 hours ago, loki007 said:

Who spends $12k at a cruise port jewelry shop? 

Diamonds International is reputable. I can/have easily spent $12k+ on diamond studs for my wife and kids. 

[Mike n Ky]

There are reputable shops outside the U.S. and we often visit one in St. Thomas and have made some major purchases there. The quality and value have proven to be above and beyond what we find locally. We 'found' them through a referral from someone who has been making purchases through them for over 20 years. 

[tonyfsu21]

14 hours ago, Bruin Steve said:

First, this thread is almost a year old...and it was the OP's first and only post.  They never even came back to update assuming anything happened after this.

My advice:

NEVER buy anything of high value while traveling unless you are ABSOLUTELY certain of its value and that it is a significant savings over what you can get it for at home.  Buying at home means you  have local consumer protection laws and use of local courts.  And you can go back and demand service in person.  When we travel, we only buy cheap local souvenirs, costume jewelry, local handicrafts, etc.

NEVER buy from "cruise line recommended" shops.  They kick back to the cruise line and charge exorbitant prices for the same cheap junk you can buy elsewhere in port for a LOT LESS.  Once, in Mazatlan, the crew "Shopping Expert" showed us an onyx and abalone mask that looked cool.  She told us it cost only around $100 to $120 at their "recommended" shop.  We looked and that was correct...They had a really nice looking one for $120.  But we decided NOT to buy it.  Then, in another shop just a few doors away, we saw a large selection of exactly the same masks.  The shop owner told us "Take your pick--TWENTY DOLLARS each, not negotiable".  We bought one.  Still have it today, years later.  Looks nice in our living room.  Saved us $100!

NEVER buy "art" from the ship's "art auction".  If you REALLY like a piece, go online when you get home.  They are all mass-produced and available online...for MUCH lower prices.  IF you want art as a souvenir from your cruise, buy something one-of-a-kind from a LOCAL artist in port.

DO NOT buy a discounted warch from the shops on the ship.  They are "discounted" from the "maunufacturer's suggested retail price"--a price NOBODY EVER PAYS.  You can buy these watches even cheaper when you get home.  Want a cheap watch?  Wait until you cruise to Kusadasi Turkey and look for the sign "Genuine Fake Rolex".  I bought one there for $10.  I've never worn it.  Who wears watches nowadays?  I just wanted to show people my "ten dollar Rolex"...It's worth ten bucks for the laugh.

 

[Jolly Ogre]

The only high dollar thing we have ever gotten was our bed from Cariloha.

However, I new what I wanted and what I was willing to pay for and I did save about $1200.

I did my homework and I knew what the price was if I just ordered it directly from them.

This is the best bed we have ever had and it works for us.

[GatorCruiser]

On 12/27/2025 at 6:05 AM, Mike n Ky said:

There are reputable shops outside the U.S. and we often visit one in St. Thomas and have made some major purchases there. The quality and value have proven to be above and beyond what we find locally. We 'found' them through a referral from someone who has been making purchases through them for over 20 years. 

Where about in st Thomas if I may ask? 

[Mike n Ky]

13 hours ago, GatorCruiser said:

Where about in st Thomas if I may ask? 

Will send you a message with the info.