Cruise Gem Scam

Holiday time fills one with dreams and expectation before departure. Not only are there any number of thing you might see and experience, but there are lots of opportunities to SHOP. However, where there are tourists shopping, there are those prepared to take advantage of them. If you're planning on going on a cruise and you're in the market for a jewellery souvenir, take care. There are 2 main scams that cruise tourists fall for. Read on and make sure you avoid them.  

As a gemstone dealer with over 15 years of experience buying gems and diamonds around the world, I am constantly amazed when when I hear stories from friends (and in some cases family), or read in the press about people being ripped off when attempting to buy gemstones or diamonds on holiday. If you're seriously thinking about buying a ruby or sapphire of this kind on your next holiday, please read this series of guides. It is written with the holiday maker in mind and isn't full of jargon or technical information, just straight forward advice.

How the Scam Works

This scam is by no means contained to any particular cruise company or country. It is also important to note that with most cruise lines the gem "experts" and shopping consultants on board are often not contracted by the cruise line themselves, but work for the shops on board instead, or the ports where the cruise line is docking.

While on a shopping expedition the tourist finds a ring and decides to make a purchase. However, the tourist is skeptical about the validity of the certifications that come with the ring. This is when the cruise line consultants step in and convince the tourist to make the purchase, using all the great reasons to give it a try including the great price, low tax, low overhead.

The main issue however is that some certificating laboratories often exaggerate certificate data (colour, purity etc.) and diamonds are suggested to better than they really are. You'll only find this out too late when you're home and far away from any chance of getting a refund.

How to avoid this scam

True diamonds are rare to find on cruise. If you are unsure of your jewellery purchase, better leave it behind and spend your money on drinks and excursions instead.

If you've had first hand experience of this gem scam or you know of any more gem scams you can warn people of, leave a comment below and we'll spread the word.. Thanks

Want to see the more gem scams going on around the world? Click Here For More Gem Scams