A treasure chest of gemstone values
Big and bold are the watchwords
Like the pirates who lived here in olden times, visitors to Cable Beach, Nassau and Paradise Island can hunt for booty in The Bahamas. There’s a treasure chest of brilliant jewels and gemstones to tempt you, all at duty-free prices.
Browsing for the most eye-catching accessories is easy with a number of quality stores carrying the latest designer trends and fashions. You’ll find the best of them listed in the Shopping section, beginning on pg 39 and in the Advertisers’ Directory on pg 122.
Bigger is better when it comes to jewellery this season, says William Carey, senior manager at Little Switzerland. “Huge, bold-looking pieces have made a resurgence, and that goes for everything–necklaces, pendants and earrings. It’s fun, it’s not very expensive and you can build up a collection.”
Well made, well priced
Gemstones are also trendy this season, says Carey, who adds that high gold prices are driving customers towards silver and gems such as amethyst, blue topaz and quartz. This is good for those who like designs by John Hardy–who creates delicate sterling silver pieces– and Swarovski crystal, which Carey says is particularly popular because of its high quality.
“Swarovski is extremely well made and extremely well priced,” he says. “The crystals have taken on the look of diamonds, although they are made from Austrian crystal. And Swarovski is also using some of the bold look in their designs.”
Those looking for a memento are particularly impressed with the Roberto Coin collection. The brand has an ideal souvenir in the form of a small palm-tree-shaped pendant. “People who want to remember their trip gravitate towards that sort of piece,” Carey says. “Roberto Coin has a very large following among Europeans. The name is extremely well known.”
New designs
John Bull also carries Roberto Coin, in addition to lines such as Pandora, Marco Bicego, Tiffany & Co and David Yurman as well as Mikimoto pearls. The store recently added Italian brand Ippolita, which jewellery buyer Tarek Vanderpool says is selling very well. “Ippolita is very popular–it’s very feminine and carries a lot of semi-precious stones.”
Vanderpool agrees that the most fashion-forward customers are buying “statement” jewellery. “Big bold rings are in as well as longer-length necklaces and hoop earrings,” she says, adding that there’s something for everyone at John Bull.
“The best thing about our selection is that we carry a very wide variety. Whatever you see in New York or in magazines, we will have it in our stores.”
In terms of men’s fashion, the trend is just the opposite, toward minimalism. Accessories are made from leather and rubber. Bracelets from these materials are proving popular, says Vanderpool.
Eye catchers
Carlo Milano, with two locations on Bay Street and in Marina Village on Paradise Island, offers a wealth of sparkling designs to catch your eye–exquisite gold jewellery along with sparkling emeralds, sapphires, rubies, diamonds and pearls. You’ll find here the Tresor de la Mer collection, which includes intricate charm bracelets and pendants designed with a Caribbean theme.
The stores also carry stunning Italian gold accessories and the romantic Key to your Heart necklaces, which feature heart and key designs.
Effy Jewelers is another top retailer offering beautiful designs for those on the hunt for a memorable souvenir. The store’s stunning Balissima range of handcrafted gemstone pieces is a popular choice and includes sapphires, rubies, topaz and amethyst set in sterling silver with an 18kt gold trim.
“Balissima was made for women who love fine jewellery but don’t love the price,” says Effy’s director of marketing Jennifer Pearson. “If you love vibrant gemstone jewellery, then Balissima is a must-have.”
For men, Effy has the Gento line–a selection of bracelets, pendants, rings and cufflinks in gold, sterling silver and alternative metals.
Pearson notes that the hottest items this season are the traditional designs that never go out of fashion. “We still see that customers love classic pieces like studs and diamond line bracelets,” she says.
With five locations in Nassau, including two downtown, Colombian Emeralds International is a must on any shopping excursion. The store’s selection includes the popular Pandora charm bracelets, the Vianna Brasil range of gemstones set in yellow gold and Amoro’s sparkling Splash collection.
In keeping with the trend for eye-catching accessories is the Chamilia range available at Guccini Jewellers located at Prince George Plaza on Bay Street. The colourful beaded bangles, bracelets, charms and necklaces are great for fashion followers building up a collection to match every outfit. With over 600 beads to choose from, you can design your own accessory.
For something a little bit out of the ordinary, head over to Diamonds International. There you’ll find brands such as the Safi Kilima tanzanite collection. “Tanzanite is exceptionally brilliant and is unique among gemstones for its multi-dimensional colour. It is referred to as a ‘trichoric’, meaning that when unearthed it radiates three different colours–blue, violet and burgundy,“ says Diamonds International’s marketing representative Doyle Hudson.
“Because of its obvious beauty and rarity, it is often called the ‘investment’ stone.”
Diamonds International also carries the Crown of Light diamond range, using dazzling stones that have 90 facets compared to the usual 58. “With almost twice the amount [of facets] as a conventional diamond, the Crown of Light emits a whiter light and brilliance,” explains Hudson. All Crown of Light diamonds are conflict-free and certified by the European Gemological Laboratory USA.
From diamonds to gemstones, Bay Street can compete with any of the world’s shopping centres when it comes to finding top-quality jewellery at affordable prices. Whether for tourists seeking a special keepsake or trend-setting fashionistas completing their designer collections, Bahamian retailers offer the best.
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A treasure chest of gemstone values
Big and bold are the watchwords
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