PreviousSecond-best friends
Rubies, emeralds, amethysts…
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but there’s a big selection of alternatives in Grand Bahama, all at duty-free prices, waiting to be discovered by fashion-forward shoppers.
For example, John Heath Jewellers in Port Lucaya Marketplace is the exclusive retailer of the Mark Henry Alexandrite collection. Reserved for royalty in the 1800s, and named after the Russian Tsar, Alexander II, alexandrite changes colour from greens to purplish reds, depending on the light.
Mark Henry has shaped this unusual stone into a dazzling collection of rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings.
Other gems found in this store include the popular Marahlago collection, featuring larimar, a turquoise stone found only in the Dominican Republic.
“Larimar is a very desirable stone,” says John Heath. “It has had a terrific response, and it sells very well.”
Also at John Heath see the distinctive Sea Spray line of spinel gemstones, inspired by the clear waters of The Bahamas. Both Sea Spray and Marahlago larimar jewellery are exclusive to John Heath’s Freeport store.
On the hunt for a gift? Collectible Trollbeads are a popular choice. The charms, also available at John Heath, come in a variety of colours and materials including gold, silver and glass. With such a diverse range of designs, you can find the perfect accessory to any outfit–whether it’s a ring, bracelet, necklace or earrings. Beads and charms can be bought separately, allowing owners to create their own look.
rainbow of colours
At Colombian Emeralds International all colours of the rainbow are available, from sapphires and rubies to topaz and tanzanite, not to mention diamonds and, of course, emeralds.
Popular Pandora bracelets, with their distinctive style, are in high demand, as is the Amoro collection, which includes diamond-studded bangles, rings, earrings and necklaces.
With stores in Port Lucaya Marketplace, Our Lucaya Resort and Grand Bahama International Airport, Colombian Emeralds offers a guarantee, certified appraisal and free 90-day insurance with every purchase.
If you’re looking for an attractive watch, Colombian Emeralds carries classic timepieces, with top designer brands for men and women from Philip Stein, Omega, Raymond Weil and Citizen, among others.
big-name brands
Tag Heuer watches for men are especially popular at John Bull, says store manager Paula Robinson. John Bull is the official retailer for Rolex in The Bahamas and also carries exclusive Breitling watches and a new line of Technomarine timepieces, all available in the Port Lucaya Marketplace store.
Robinson notes that when it comes to jewellery, buyers are choosing sterling silver–particularly in lines such as John Hardy and David Yurman. Buying John Hardy not only boosts your fashion credentials, it’s also a benefit to the environment. The brand was founded in Bali, Indonesia, in 1989 and funds projects promoting environmental sustainability in that country.
As Robinson explains: “John Hardy is unique. Some of the pieces come from Indonesia, where a bamboo is planted for every piece of jewellery produced. The collection is different from anything you have ever seen.”
When it comes to seeking out jewellery with a Caribbean flavour, John Bull’s range of Steven Douglas pieces is perfect. These unique rings, bracelets and pendants feature dolphin, mermaid and hibiscus flower designs.
Luxury designers are also well-represented at John Bull. The store carries many big-name brands. “John Bull sells the high-end brands,” explains Robinson. “We carry a variety of high- quality pieces all under one roof.”
For something truly Bahamian and locally made, head over to Bahamian Caribbean Gifts & Apparel in the Port Lucaya Marketplace, where you can browse a selection of unique, handcrafted pieces from local jewellery makers.
Whether your taste runs to diamonds, silver, gold, gemstones or pearls, Grand Bahama stores are sure to have what you want. And there’s another bonus: The Bahamas has no additional sales tax, so the price quoted on designer name-brand jewellery is the price you pay.
With so much to choose from, memories won’t be the only precious things you take home.
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Lead_SeconBestFriends_WTDFJul11
Second-best friends
Rubies, emeralds, amethysts…
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