Caribe Jewelry Museum & Factory, Bolivar Department, Colombia

5marilynnann 5:00 PM Feb 24, 2020

Excellent emerald buying experience
I had a goal of buying an emerald while in Columbia. I was first in Bogota where I looked, but wasn't confident with the stores at the emerald market or the other stores I visited. I'm so happy with the emeralds I bought at Caribe New Town. First of all, they have a workshop in the store where they can customize your purchase. That was not the case at my other stops. I had seen great reviews for this store before my trip, and I too had the impression the staff was honest. Jessica and Melbis were SO EXTREMELY helpful. In fact that applies to everyone there. I met the owner too. They made me feel like they had all the time in the world to devote to me, and showed me things with unending patience. I found a gold and emerald band I loved, and a beautiful loose emerald. The color of the emeralds from the Muzo mines are beautiful! They offered to set the emerald in a band to match the other band I had chosen. When I asked them what it would look like, they told me I would need to "trust them". Well I did and they made that ring for me the same day. I held my breath until I could see the final product, and WOW I'm so happy! I arrived in time to watch them polish and finish the ring which I filmed as a fun memory. I LOVE my two ring set so so much, and it's different from anything I've seen in the states. Plus it has the added benefit of having a wonderful memory attached. I just got my appraisal back - moment of truth - and these rings appraised for 2.3 times what I paid. That makes me even happier! So I HIGHLY recommend Caribe. Heads up, we learned the hard way when applying for the VAT at the airport that there is a limit to the VAT back you can receive as an American and I think it was $1000. I'm wondering if we had split the purchase between my husband's credit card and mine if we would have received the balance. I'm not sure, but maybe. We haven't yet received the VAT credit, but it takes awhile.

4midwaytoheaven 5:00 PM Jan 15, 2020

If You Love Emeralds, You'll Find a Ton Here. HIGH PRICES
All the Cruise Ships recommend this shop and well as all the taxi cab drivers for good reason, commissions paid to everyone from your purchase. Expect to overpay for everything. Yes you can buy in confidence that this is the real stuff, just know the markups are huge here, perhaps 300 to 1000%. BOTTOM LINE: Looking costs nothing unless you fall in love with something then it will cost you dearly! This company has multiple local stores. MY RATING: 7/10