All the Glitters

Whether it’s for you or that special “someone,” jewellery is the one gift that keeps on giving. From glittering diamonds to sparkling gemstones, shopping for jewellery is the quintessential Bermuda vacation experience. And with no sales tax, the price you see is the price you pay.

With a slew of shops showcasing a treasure chest of baubles, bangles and beads, the choices are many. The perennial favourite is 24K gold, and it refers to the proportion of gold in each piece. As a general rule, a high karat rating indicates a high quality of the gold. Platinum is pricier than gold and usually mixed with other similar metals. Make sure the piece contains at least 950 parts per thousand of platinum and is marked “950.”

Lasting memories are made at Astwood Dickinson Jewellers, where eye-catching 18K gold and silver charms, many with Bermudian themes, are crafted by master artists. Treasures from Tiffany & Co. and Baccarat also tempt at their boutiques. And as the exclusive agents for Colombian Emeralds International, the shimmering green gemstones are cherished gift items. (www.astwooddickinson.com, 292-5805)

If the occasion calls for diamonds, consider the clarity, cut and colour before wrapping it up. A diamond can be described as “flawless” if it has no visible imperfections when viewed under 10-power magnification by a diamond grader.

Timepieces are also popular keepsakes, with a dazzling array of designer watches at the many Crisson Jewellers stores that dot the island. Since 1922, the Crisson name has been synonymous with telling time in high style. As the Bermuda retailer for Rolex, Ebel, Raymond Weil and Tag Heuer, its expert salespeople can suggest a watch to suit every discerning shopper. (www.crisson.com, 295-2351)

On Front Street in Hamilton, Walker Christopher Goldsmith’s stocks a unique cache of gifts, from authentic coins and gold doubloons to silver pieces of eight salvaged from sunken galleons, including the best-known wreck of our time, the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, which was struck by a hurricane in the Florida Keys and went down on Sept. 6, 1622. (www.walkerchristopher.com, 295-1466)   

For a funky shopping experience, the Bermuda Craft Market is chock-a-block with unique jewellery designed by local craftspeople. Established in 1987 in a historic building at the Royal Naval Dockyard, the market is accessible by ferry and bus service from Hamilton, and is the ideal spot to wile away a sunny Bermudian afternoon. (www.experiencebermuda.com/dockyard, 234-3208)

A diamond may be a girl’s best friend, but a hand-picked piece of jewellery is a vacation treasure that lasts a lifetime.

Shopping Checklist

• Ask for the store’s refund policy before you buy.
• Check for the appropriate markings on all gold and platinum jewellery.
• Ask if the pearls are natural, cultured or imitation.
• Ask if a gemstone is natural, laboratory-created or imitation.
• Ask whether the gemstone has been treated and if that change is permanent.
• Make sure the sales receipt includes any information discussed during the purchase of the item, such as the gem’s weight or size.
• Ask for a grading report from a reputable gemological laboratory.

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