A visit to scenic Grand Bahama is an opportunity to explore an island paradise, indulge in spicy Bahamian cuisine, bask in the warmth of the sun either poolside, or on one of the many beaches. For some that's enough, but for the majority, the trip would not be complete until they have hit the stores!
A gift for Mom and Dad (HINT - Mother's Day is May 9th & Father's Day is June 20th), the kids, the in-laws, best friends, siblings, grandparents, co-workers, the dog, the list goes on and on, very much like Santa's list! You don't want to leave out anyone, but you don't want to destroy your budget either. Fortunately, you can manage to take back mementos of your trip for you, as well as for your near and dear, without emptying your wallet.
Jewelry is always a well appreciated gift; not only that, it's a gift that lasts forever and can be passed on as an heirloom. A bottle of duty-free rum just doesn't have the same attraction! In Grand Bahama, you can purchase top quality items duty-free and usually well below US prices. So you get beautiful pieces for a bargain and I know just the place to get them!
The Jewellery Box in Port Lucaya Marketplace boasts an impressive collection of Tanzanite jewelry and colored diamonds. These two stones are all the rage right now. Plain old white diamonds and more common gems like rubies and pearls are passÈ. Tanzanites along with pink, yellow, brown, purple, red, blue and green diamonds (among others) are what to get this season.
If you don't know about Tanzanite, it is one of the rarest and most desirable stones nowadays. Found in the East African country of Tanzania in the late 1960s, the blue stone with purplish tones has entranced experts and connoisseurs alike. Tanzanite did not always have such a catchy name. There were originally known as blue zoisites. But, the world-renowned jewelers at Tiffany & Co. decided they could go one better. Thus, the tanzanite was born. Zoisites are usually brown, but experts believe the unique blue-purple was created by lightning striking the areas around the stones, heating them and creating the color we know associate with the tanzanite. Instead of waiting for lightning to strike twice, many people heat treat the brown zoisite in special ovens to reproduce the blue stone.
Tanzanite has a range of colors from a pale lilac to a rich deep blue, almost resembling a sapphire. The color that is most sought after is the blue that features purple highlights. This unusual combination is eye-catching and will always garner attention and compliments. The exact hue will differ depending on cut, which affects how light moves in the stone. The blue-purple combination is prized for its flare and elegance, while some also admire the soft glow of the more lavender tints.
If you want to make a bigger statement, what speaks louder than a diamond? The latest array of colorful varieties don't just sparkle, they dazzle. As people learn about diamonds, they are usually told that the less color a diamond has, the more expensive and desirable it is. However, that only refers to slight hints of color in an otherwise white diamond. When the diamond is completely a different color, it can sometimes surpass its paler cousins in both price and desirability.
A rainbow myriad of stones emerged into the forefront over the past few years with the advent of a certain well-publicized colored diamonds. Most notably of the group is a five carat pink diamond engagement ring valued at just over a million dollars worn by a certain actress-singer-clothing designer-dancer. While most of us will not be shelling out that kind of money for a piece of jewelry, you can get smaller colored diamonds for reasonable rates.
The staff at The Jewellery Box is among the most knowledgeable and friendly on the island. Proprietor; David Finland, Manager; Katie Deveaux, Sales Consultants; Carlene Holmes and Marilyn Ferguson, welcome guests to their store with typical Bahamian charm. If you are on a budget, don't be embarrassed to say so, the well trained and professional staff can easily direct you to the pieces that will meet your needs.
Among the most popular choices at The Jewellery Box is their selection of Omega necklaces and matching bracelets. No matter what your personal preferences are, you can find a little something to make you smile.
Along with Tanzanite and yellow diamonds, The Jewellery Box carries an assortment of gold, silver and other gemstone jewelry to fit any budget. You can visit the Jewellery Box, Monday Saturday, 10am to 5pm. Or call for details on specials (242) 373-8319.
Asides from lovely sparklers, you can find island-inspired items that will memorialize your vacation beautifully. After all, t-shirts never say "My friend went to the Bahamas and all I got was a lousy * carat tanzanite pendant"!
