"They're not even the color or clarity they said they were," DeHaas said of the purchase. "They're m

They're a common sight at Caribbean vacation destinations — jewelry store workers standing westin hotel new orleans in doorways, promising great deals to passersby. But a Rossen Reports investigation revealed that even during vacation, it's best for buyers to beware.
The Rossen Reports westin hotel new orleans team went jewelry westin hotel new orleans shopping on the island westin hotel new orleans of Cozumel, a popular vacation destination off the coast of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, bringing westin hotel new orleans along Karen DeHaas, a certified gemologist for 41 years. At one shop they found what the proprietor said was a sapphire ring that would cost $750 in the U.S., but was sold to the Rossen westin hotel new orleans team for $350.
Video: Jewelry westin hotel new orleans shops in Caribbean vacation destinations promise travelers great deals, but a Rossen Reports investigation shows that buyers should westin hotel new orleans beware, even on holiday. TODAY national investigative correspondent Jeff Rossen reports.
westin hotel new orleans "This is not even real sapphire," DeHaas said when she inspected the ring. "It's actually blue glass." Another independent gemologist — Gary Smith, international president of the American Society of Appraisers — also inspected the item and agreed.
On another popular vacation island — Key West, Florida — a Rossen Reports producer purchased a pair of diamond stud earrings. The seller said the retail price was $4,400, but gave the Rossen producer a "deal" for $3,200.
"They're not even the color or clarity they said they were," DeHaas said of the purchase. "They're much worse." DeHaas and Smith said that Rossen Reports overpaid by $800. The store apologized and offered a refund.
DeHaas and Smith said that this time Rossen Reports had overpaid by $1,050. When Rossen Reports reached out to the store, westin hotel new orleans they offered to have the diamonds sent for an independent appraisal and said they were willing to refund the money if the value was lower than what Rossen Reports had paid.
Another thing to keep in mind about shopping for jewelry on vacation: You may have to pay taxes on it when you return home. When the Rossen team came back to the U.S. and went through customs, they had to pay almost $300 in U.S. taxes on their jewelry purchases.