Exquisite Regalia

One of the most reputable and recommended diamond jewelry companies in the islands, Ballerina stands as your leading source for loose diamonds in all shapes and sizes including certified natural fancy yellows and colored diamonds. After selecting a stone from the firm's vast inventory ranging from .25K to 12 carats, you can have your dream diamond set in some of the most creatively crafted settings you'll ever see.

Established for over two decades, Caribbean Gems carries a huge inventory of certified loose diamonds and other gemstones at the best prices, in addition to designer jewelry, fine Swiss watches and RITANI's designs, a Caribbean Gems exclusive. RITANI's Endless Love Collection features diamonds micropave set in platinum, as well as the revolutionary PerfectMatchTM collection of engagement and wedding bands. The firm boasts an in-house workshop, and customers are offered certified appraisals and guarantees backed by U.S. service centers. There are two locations: 14 & 40 Front Street in Phillipsburg. For more information, call 599-542-2176 or toll-free 1-800-848-7925, or email at sales@caribbeangems.com

The stunning selection of fine jewelry and gifts at Colombian Emeralds International in St. Maarten is as breathtaking as our island location. Customers can buy with confidence from the firm's spectacular selection of precious emeralds, fine jewelry and name-brand watches, thanks to the company's 40-year reputation for quality, integrity and value. In addition, each purchase comes with a complimentary international guarantee, certified appraisal, and free 90-Day insurance replacement against damage, loss, or theft. Be sure and ask about instant credit and instant savings when you visit the store at 34 Front Street in Philipsburg.

The handmade watches by Daniel Mink, a small firm located in Biel, Switzerland, are some of the world's finest timepieces. The watch shown is the ladies' Squelette Open Heart Logo. This gorgeous 25-jewel watch features a stainless- steel, three-piece bezel set with 60 matched rubies, a sapphire crystal and a transparent case back and is water-resistant. It incorporates a mechanical, automatic winding ETA 2824. The strap is crafted of white pearlized alligator, and the retro styling will make a fashion statement no matter what time zone you're in. Available at Touch of Gold.

Whether you're searching for an exquisite diamond or have your heart set on a unique piece that reflects your own joie de vivre, you'll find just the perfect piece at DK Gems International. Here you can choose jewelry from the Kwiat, Tacori and A. Jaffe designers and even upgrade it with new settings or a larger stone. The loose diamond inventory includes "Ideal Cut" diamonds by FOREVER-LOVE that feature " Hearts and Arrows." DK Gem's GIA gemologists are on hand to provide you with guidance and education, and you can purchase with confidence knowing that your jewelry is guaranteed with a certified appraisal and a lifetime upgrade policy. DK Gems also has two U.S. service centers for your convenience. All jewelry is sold duty- and tax-free, at prices up to 50 percent lower than in the United States.

Colored gemstones add excitement and variety to any jewelry collection, and you'll find the best place in the Caribbean to enhance your personal jewelry collection at Effy Collection (www.effycollection.com). The company boasts the time-honored tradition of providing fine, fashionable and exceptional quality jewelry in a relaxed shopping atmosphere of personalized customer service and unparalleled prices. Effy's collection of diamond, Tanzanite, precious and semi-precious jewelry is exclusively designed by founder Effy Hematian and custom-crafted in the firm's New York workshops. Each purchase includes a lifetime warranty, a certified appraisal, and the security of a New York-based customer service center. An exquisite 10K purple amethyst is pictured here, flanked by two green peridots for a stunning visual effect, offering a colorful, updated version of the "three stone ring" concept.

Come and relive your childhood adventures of hidden treasures waiting to be discovered at Diamonds International, where we've gathered stunning pieces from around the world for you to personalize. Combine the semi-mount of your choosing with the hundreds of rare loose stones that we carry. Visiting us can be an opportunity to create your own signature piece commemorating the time you spent on our lovely island.

Celebrating its 25th year in business on the friendly island of St.Maarten/Martin, Gemsland boasts a vast selection of rainbow sapphires, multicolor inlay and pink mother of pearl, as well as an entire collection of men's accessories by Colibri & Dolan Bullock. Located next to Holland House Hotel in the heart of Philipsburg, the company offers the hottest trends in jewelry design, a vast selection of loose certified diamonds, the designer line of Honora Pearls and the latest collection of colored diamond jewelry.

Genoa Jewelers specializes in Rhapsody Jewels, loose diamonds, bracelets and precious gems. By buying direct from the manufacturer, you can save up to 50 percent off of comparable U.S. prices.

Joe's Jewelry offers a large selection of duty-free jewelry and watches, which can often be had for significantly discounted prices. Pictured is the Diagono Aluminum Chrono watch in aluminum and rubber with carbon fibre dial. This Swiss-made, timepiece is equipped with an automatic movement and is water resistant to 30 meters.

When visiting St.Maarten, we invite you to experience "Luxury with a Family Touch" at Kay's. Family owned and operated since 1988, Kay's specializes in certified diamonds from a modest 1K up to 12K. Kay's also boasts the largest collection of natural colored diamonds in the Caribbean and is the sole authorized dealer for Ammolite by Korite and Natural Alexandrite jewelry. Pictured is a limited edition Ammolite pendant handcrafted in 18K gold.

Combined with such a daring design, Swiss Haute Horlogerie actually begins to speak the language of emotions: the Zenith Chronomaster OPEN has the acclaimed generosity of soul that turns a timepiece into a work of art. Zenith is available exclusively at Little Switzerland, located on Front Street in Philipsburg.

Also offered by Little Switzerland, the Sintra Jubilé Pink by Rado is a spectacular timepiece, characterized by its colored ceramic bracelet — the first of its kind — fabricated of high-tech pink ceramics, white gold links and a mother of pearl dial. The completely scratchproof case — Rado originated the concept in 1962 — is adorned with 48 diamonds. The manufacturer is also committed to the battle against breast cancer and will donate 10 percent of the retail sales of the watch to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Now you can recapture your Caribbean vacation forever with a piece of unique seashell and sterling silver jewelry from Lord and Hunter. You can visit any of the companies locations on Front Street (599-542-2737), Pelican Key, in the Maho District and Marigot on the French side for a vast selection of handcrafted pendants, rings, bracelets and bangles.

Majesty Jewelers brings you the House of Taylor Jewelry's Mirabelle Hollywood Collection, which is as glamorous as its name sounds, with its diamond-studded 18K handbag pendants handcrafted in the classic style and elegance inspired by Hollywood. The company also offers Kabana, a beautiful selection of exquisite Australian opal & mother-of-pearl jewelry. Majesty is the exclusive dealer for House of Taylor and Kathy Ireland Jewelry. You won't want to miss the Mark Henry Collection of the natural color-changing Alexandrite. It's also an authorized dealer for timepieces by Maurice Lacroix, Cyma, Pippo, Elini, Coach, ESQ, Seiko & Citizen, and the firm carries an extensive selection of loose & colored diamonds, Tanzanite & other gemstone jewelry.

At MCM, leather lovers will think they've died and gone to heaven. Located in Simpson Bay, the beautifully appointed shop features a full line of designer bags and accessories inluding everything from purses to attaches, luggage, portofolios, hard-to-find dog carriers and accessories like credit card holders, wallets and key chains.

Of all the gems found on earth, nothing surpasses the palette of natural-color diamonds for beauty, distinctiveness and desirability. Known as fancy-color diamonds, they occur in virtually every color and shade of color. Today, more and more consumers are becoming aware of these natural wonders. You can find these and other fine diamonds at Om Jewelers, located on Front Street next to the historic Philipsburg Courthouse.

With more than 25 years of experience in the business, Omni is your best bet when it comes to jewelry. Step inside any of the four locations on Front Street to be pampered by the company's highly experienced staff. You can choose from a wide range of diamonds, tanzanite and precious and semi-precious jewelry. Omni is also an authorized Citizen watch retailer.

This 18k rose gold and platinum ring is set with a 3-carat center, brilliant-cut round diamond, GIA certified G color, VS1 clarity and flanked by two smaller brilliant-cut round weighing 1.03 carats. It's handmade with exquisitely detailed scroll and milgrain work and is available with diamonds of different shapes and sizes. It's exclusively available at Oro Diamanté, which boasts the largest selection of GIA certified diamonds on St. Maarten/Martin. For more information or pricing, call 800-635-7950.

Pearl Gems creates eternal works of jewelry art by fashioning one-of-a-kind creations from pearls imported from all over the world. Pearl Gems carries a large selection of Black Tahitian, white Australian and Golden South Sea pearls in natural colors, as well as cultured and freshwater pearls. Pick your own pearl strand from unstrung pearls and then have it custom strung to any length with the clasp of your choice.

Shiva's Gold and Gems and Trident Jewelers are a branch of a family of fine jewelry stores in operation throughout the Caribbean. This third generation jeweler is dedicated to becoming the largest diamond retailer in the islands. The company's extensive network allows it to buy in large volumes — directly from sources in Israel and Amsterdam — thus eliminating middleman commissions and passing on extra savings to you! The stores offer a wide range of certified diamonds from one pointer to 10 carats in any shape and size. Its vast inventory, low markups and an enthusiastic workforce have earned the company the position as St. Maarten's premier diamond dealer. Shiva's Gold and Gems and Trident Jewelers are St. Maarten's only jewelry boutiques that have qualified for membership in the "Leading Jewelers of the world," an elite group of no more than 100 very prestigious and exclusive jewelry retail stores worldwide. Shiva's Gold and Gems and Trident Jewelers are pioneers in the jewelry and watch trade, proudly showcasing the world's most prestigious Swiss watchmakers. Here you'll find such renowned names as Blancpain, Glashutte, Roger Dubruis, Franck Muller, Gerald Genta, Daniel Roth and Carl F. Bucherer.

Shopper's Haven has an outstanding variety of colored diamonds in 13 colors — ranging from blue, green and pink to yellow, red, black and the amazing pumpkin orange diamond. From stone selection to the white gold or platinum setting, the service is outstanding. They have a full line of jewelry and watches.

With two locations on Front Street and one in Alaska, Zhaveri (599-542-5176) offer outstanding personalized service. The company specializes in natural colored diamonds and hand-made jewelry, offering an outstanding selection in pink and canary diamonds set in handcrafted platinum and white gold mountings. Offers after-the-sale service. You can also call toll-free from the United States at 877-ZHAVERI.

You can spend days shopping in St. Maarten/St. Martin and not visit the same store twice! So much to buy - so little time... visit our Shopping Guide and get full details about each merchant before you go. Print our shopping maps and take them with you.