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Gifts for that “someone special”
Choices galore along Bay St
If you’re on the hunt for an inspired gift for a special friend or loved one, you’ve come to the right island. New Providence is a shopper’s paradise, offering a dazzling array of gift items and chic stores that cater to all tastes and budgets.
Shops and boutiques specializing in designer-name products line Bay St and the quaint side streets and plazas in downtown Nassau.
Since finding the right present can be a puzzle when you don’t know where to begin, here are a few stores to zero in on when looking for a great gift for that special someone.
For the diva
If the lady in your life is more than a little hard to shop for, John Bull on Bay St is a good place to find a just-right luxury item.
There’s plenty to choose from, says Keith Jones, the store’s marketing coordinator. “You’ll find it all here, from sunglasses to cosmetics, fragrances to jewellery and watches to leather… and much more.
“John Bull provides the ultimate luxury shopping experience for the ultimate diva,” says Jones.
John Bull carries some of the world’s finest handbags, the most sought-after perfumes and cosmetics and many top-of-the line writing instruments.
It’s easy to save big money on expensive items like these since there’s no sales tax in The Bahamas.
Bling lovers
Colombian Emeralds International, on Bay St opposite the Straw Market, is known for its beautiful emeralds, but it also carries all the precious stones, including diamonds, sapphires, rubies, pearls, amethysts and very popular tanzanite jewellery.
Ready to pop the question gentlemen? At CEI, one could pay less than $700 for a stunning princess-cut diamond engagement ring in 14K yellow and white gold. In the “I Forever Do” collection a smart buyer could snag a ruby and diamond band in 14K two-tone gold for under $300.
With three locations on Bay St, Effy Jewelers has a wide range of gorgeous baubles at irresistible prices. One reason for that is that Effy orders diamonds and other gemstones straight from mines around the world.
The Diversa line features jewellery that you can transform from great daytime pieces to sophisticated evening wear. Store manager Roger Asrani says customers are showing particular interest in the Balissima collection, which combines gold, silver and precious gemstones.
Coin of the Realm, located in a historic building on Charlotte St, is famous for its one-of-a-kind pieces, including coins from Greek and Spanish shipwrecks and coins made into rings and jewellery.
Coin of the Realm also specializes in the only indigenous gem of The Bahamas–the rare pink conch pearl. Coin pendants start at $310, while shipwreck coins go for $1,200 and up.
For big savings, check out Jeweler’s Warehouse on Bay St near Market St. It’s the perfect store if you love shopping for a good deal.
You’ll find bargains on watches and on sterling silver and gold (14 and 18K) jewellery. This store carries a wide selection of precious and semi-precious stones. Some of these–mystic topaz, for example–you will be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.
For men
If you think your beau deserves a special wristwatch, there are scads of well-known brands on offer in Nassau, including Breitling, Breil, Hublot, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vacheron Constantin, the International Watch Company (IWC), Piaget, Blancpain, Baume & Mercier, Dior, Fendi, Tag Heuer and Bedat & Co.
Carlo Milano, the Breitling boutique and the Quantum Duty Free store offer great watches at great prices, from under $100 to well over $100,000. There are timepieces matched to every pocketbook.
“With 10 prestigious brands, around 40 different lines of watches, we have prices to suit all budgets–from the conscientious shopper to the wealthy buyer,” says Quantum manager Dilip Wadhwani.
Unusual gifts
For that friend who marches to the beat of a different drummer, a gift from Bahama Hand Prints might be just the thing. The store, located behind Outback Steakhouse, off Mackey St, is bursting with colourfully dyed fabrics and clothing, from upscale resort wear for men and women to household items such as tablecloths, tea towels and cushions.
Art lovers will appreciate a gift from the Marley Boutique on West Bay St (see map on pg 64), named for the late reggae sensation Bob Marley. Spend as little as $10, or as much as $10,000 for artwork that captures the essence of the islands.
For a really unusual gift, check out Marley Resort’s Natural Mystic Spa. Treatments combine beauty and health secrets from Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.
Another store for unusual presents is A Divine Design, two doors east of Victoria Ave on Bay St. This store specializes in interchangeable gem and pearl jewellery.
Interchangeable jewellery allows the wearer to customize the bauble or gemstone, explains store owner Chelsie Maura. Pendants, earrings and rings have a mechanism to hold and release the gemstone, making it easy to swap one for another.
“Most of the pieces are hand-cut, and all are uniquely shaped,” says Maura, who has about 2,000 pieces in her collection. Thus, you have “endless possibilities to change your jewellery. You can have the same necklace and put on a different clasp to match your attire.”
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Feat_Shopping_WTDNJan10
Gifts for that “someone special”
Choices galore along Bay St
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Information in editorial and listings is subject to change at any time.