Every modern cruise ship has a selection of high-end shopping, from fine jewelry and watches to designer clothing and accessories. For some, the best part of a cruise vacation was perusing these many shops onboard and finding a unique gift for themselves or someone they love. Some brands, like the ultra-exclusive Russalite, aren’t found anywhere else in the world other than onboard cruise ships, which creates even higher demand with the pause in cruising. 

If you’re a frequent cruiser, you’ve most likely admired the jewelry collections curated by the team at Royal Jewelry and their online store ShopRussalite.com. A highly-sought after brand on cruise ships for nearly 30 years, Royal Jewelry has helped countless cruisers find the perfect legacy piece; whether it be a diamond necklace, or Russalite ring and earrings set. Royal Jewelry is a pioneer in luxury cruise shopping, and now, they are taking the industry by storm with their online collection. Their selection of precious gemstones like Russalite, found almost exclusively onboard ships, is now available online and shipped directly to your front door at a fraction of the cost. For those who like to support local business, all Royal Jewelry merchandise is manufactured and shipped directly to you from the United States.

What is Russalite? 

Our story starts deep in the heart of Siberia, a place where the wintertime temperature average is below zero. This is where one of the world’s most exclusive and sought-after gemstones can be found; Russalite. 

Russalite is relatively new when it comes to exotic gemstones with mines only operating since its discovery in 1988. Also known as Russian Chrome Diopside, the brilliant gemstone is green in its purest form and the stone is translucent and is versatile enough to appear in a number of different varieties of jewelry. Depending on the amount of Chromium found in the stone, the color can range from dark and vivid to a bright green that shines for all to see.

The danger of freezing temperatures and the extreme remote location make it impossible to mine the gemstone throughout the year. Instead, crews head to the mines in the summertime when the ground thaws and the subzero temperatures of winter are still months away. This means that the yearly supply of the stone is limited, adding to the allure and exclusiveness of owning a piece of its jewelry. There’s no doubt that when you purchase a piece of Russalite jewelry, you’re on a short list of people who did the same that year. 

What draws people to Russalite is the gorgeous green color. Many mistake Russalite for an emerald as they both gain their color from the element Chromium. Russalite is an untreated stone, meaning that it doesn’t require any heat, radiation, oils or diffusion for it to look it’s best. Even after it’s mined, only 1% of the Russalite raised from the ground is of acceptable quality and makes it to the cutting room floor. Russalite is an ideal stone to craft gorgeous, long-lasting pieces of jewelry as it looks excellent set in white, yellow or rose gold so you can match your personal style. 

Russalite looks incredible in a number of different jewelry styles and the pros at Royal Jewelry have curated an impressive collection cruisers will love. Whether you’re buying for yourself or someone special, the Royal Jewelry online store makes it easy to view and select your favorite pieces. The Shop Russalite online store makes it easy to browse the many collections for those looking for a very specific piece of jewelry. The website has the largest collection of Russalite jewelry available online, making it a one-stop shop for all your Russalite needs. The team at Royal Jewelry are happy to help you make a selection via their convenient online live chat, by phone or at the email listed on the shoprussalite.com website.

Caring for Russalite

Russalite jewelry has the potential to last for decades in pristine condition. With a hardness rating between five and six, Russalite is on par with other exotic stones used in jewelry making. There’s no need to use any harsh chemicals when cleaning your stone. Simply use a mild dishwashing soap and some warm water and a soft-bristled brush to gently wash away any dirt or dust. Dry it off with a soft towel and your Russalite is as good as new!

Exclusive Deal for Porthole Readers

If you’re missing the cruise experience, Royal Jewelry is here to help. They’re offering an exclusive deal on their Russalite collection and it’s only for Porthole Readers! In addition to the 50% off sale currently going on at the Shop Russalite website, cruisers can take an additional 10% off at checkout using the code PORTHOLE10. That’s up to 60% off your favorite Russalite necklaces, rings, earrings and more. Even onboard ships you couldn’t find a deal that good. Shop Russalite ships direct from the manufacturer so they’re able to offer the lowest prices on high-end Russalite and the rest of their premier jewelry catalog. 

We’re all missing our favorite cruise vacation, but that doesn’t mean you can’t recreate some of your favorite cruise ship experiences from your own home. Enjoy even more discounts on your favorite cruise ship jewelry from one of the most trusted names in onboard shopping when you shop online with ShopRussalite.com. They’ve made buying high-end and exclusive jewelry like Russalite as easy as a few clicks and with the PORTHOLE10 discount, you can save even more than you would onboard the ship. 

If you’re interested in diamonds, rubies, sapphires or any other quality gemstone jewelry, you can also visit www.royallegacyjewels.com to view the many other collections curated by the experts at Royal Jewelry.  

This post was sponsored by Royal Jewelry.

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Fashion

From the days when evening gowns and tuxedos dominated the dining rooms to the colorful swimsuits you see all over the lido deck, cruisers have long been a fashion-forward bunch. What we wear is an expression of ourselves and face masks are no different! Some masks are bedazzled with things that sparkle and shine, others can offer an excellent accent color to an outfit. There’s no limit to the number of masks you can incorporate into your wardrobe to add a small bright spot to what has been a mentally taxing pandemic. 

For example, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a “Mask Up” campaign which collaborates with several prominent designers to offer high-fashion masks with some proceeds benefiting relief efforts like Feeding America, The New York COVID Relief Fund, and Nurse Heroes. 

Buy Local 

One of the worst parts about this pandemic is the economic toll on individuals. With so many people losing their jobs, many had to pivot to other sources of income to get by. One of the best ways to help out your fellow neighbors in this time of need is to buy local, and face masks are no exception. When you’re purchasing reusable fabric masks, make sure you’re looking for ones made by the people around you who need a little extra help. Rather than buy multi-packs of limited usage masks, a good cloth mask or two will hold up better and tend to be the most creatively designed as well! 

Fabrics 

There are a ton of different mask options available, but according to researchers at MIT, the most effective cloth masks are ones with the tightest weave possible. If you hold the mask up to the light and you can see the individual threads, the mask isn’t going to be as effective at filtering out the virus. 

MIT also found that tightly woven masks utilizing layers of multiple fabrics were highly effective. They found layers of silk (natural or synthetic), cotton and polyester offered higher levels of static electricity which particles cling to. Think about it like when you rub a balloon on your hair and the static charge makes it sticks to your hair. The same idea applies with masks. 

Cotton masks generally end up being the most soft and comfortable, but if the cotton gets damp at all, they’re actually LESS effective all the way around. For hot days, the masks you often see at the dentist and doctors offices can offer protection without as much sweat. When sweat and oils get trapped behind the mask, it can be irritating to the skin causing redness, dryness and more. Having the right mask for the right situation can go a long way in keeping you comfortable while also keeping you safe. 

Porthole Cruise Magazine is looking out for cruisers who want a great face mask for their next vacation! The latest issue has some of the best hand-crafted, fashion-forward face masks for the Caribbean and more. You won’t want to miss out on these fun creations!

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What do avocados, Monstera leaves, toucans, and cocoa pods have in common? All these organic forms have been immortalized in ceramic clay and transformed into one-of-a-kind jewelry by Trinidad designer Crystal Antoine, owner of Cocoa Vintage. The Port of Spain–based creator’s simultaneously dramatic and delicate pieces are coveted by fashion-forward wearers, who gravitate to her wildly popular Cocoa Pod Collection of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Handmade and island-inspired, Antoine’s creations are more than mere accessories — they’re wearable art.

Photo: Cocoa Vintage

Design DNA 

“Growing up, I was a ‘draw on the walls, paint on my clothes, don’t like math’ kind of kid. Luckily, my parents recognized my aptitude for art and helped me develop it. As an adult, I got into graphic design and became an art director at one of the top advertising agencies in Trinidad. But I never wanted to be behind a desk all my life and I craved more creative freedom. So I left graphic design to pursue another form of design: jewelry making. I had no formal training, just a passion to create.”

You can visit the Cocoa Vintage Shop at Normandie The Hotel, St. Ann’s, Trinidad, or shop online. 

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“Must-Have’ Items from Beautiful St. Thomas

As you may have heard from your cruise director, not only is St. Thomas is a great shopping destination, but there are some things that visitors of the island just must purchase when they shop at this bustling port.

Some of the top souvenirs for those visiting St. Thomas include:

• Diamonds, Jewelry, and Watches
• Caribbean Rum
• Shipwreck Coins
• Local Art and Crafts

Where to Shop in St. Thomas

Cruise visitors are in luck, as some of the best shopping in St. Thomas is located along the harbor in Charlotte Amalie, right by the cruise ship dock. This allows guests of the island to take a leisurely stroll and choose from shopping centers, art galleries, quirky shops, and even an outdoor marketplace with handmade goods, for your day of shopping in the port of St. Thomas.

RELATED: Carnival Cruise Line Brings Top Brands to Onboard Shops

Not only is exploring the local shops a great way to find unique trinkets to remind you of your time in the Virgin Islands, but it also gives you an up-close and personal lesson about the island’s history and culture from the local artisans in the market. Here are some of the most popular places to shop ‘til you drop in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

Best Shopping in St. Thomas

Havensight Mall – Located near the West Indian Company dock, Havensight Mall is the closest and largest shopping area to the cruise ships on St. Thomas. With over 100 duty-free shops and boutiques, this popular shopping destination is a ‘must-shop’ when in port for the day. Popular stores include Little Switzerland for designer and name brand jewelry and watches, Caribbean Surf offers beachwear and snorkel gear, Boolchand’s is known for its cameras and electronics, and St. John’s Fragrance Company has great deals on your favorite perfumes. While at Havensight Mall in St. Thomas, grab lunch at the infamous Senor Frogs for a cold beer and a delicious snack in a festive atmosphere where there is always something exciting happening! (Don’t forget to buy someone special one of their popular t-shirts!)

The Shops at Yacht Haven Grande – Located just a short walk from the cruise ship dock in Charlotte Amalie, Yacht Haven Grande offers upscale waterfront shopping and includes a yacht marina, condos, restaurants, and over 40 high-end shopping boutiques. This is the place in St. Thomas to find designer brands like Coach, Gucci, Max Azria, and Bulgari. Other popular stores include BeBe, Cache, White House Black Market, other swimwear and souvenir shops. Stop in the Fresh Bistro for a true Caribbean lunch with delicious local seafood and Island favorites.

Crown Bay Center – Conveniently located near the cruise docks, this Charlotte Amalie shopping center has everything a cruise ship guest could want! Once a U.S. Naval Base in the 1940s, the Crown Bay Center is now a welcoming gateway to St. Thomas.  Shoppers will find Diamonds International, Del Sol, 340 Bookstore, Spice Isle, LaRosa Swimwear, and more. In addition, cruisers will find a variety of dining options, open-air market vendors, and live entertainment! Stop in Bushwackers for a frozen concoction, a casual lunch, or to test your luck at the casino slots and games.

Market Square – Also located in Charlotte Amalie, Market Square is the place to go if you are looking for local art, crafts, and vendors. This open-air market is a wonderful way to experience the local Caribbean culture. Have fun haggling with local vendors on the price for fresh produce, a Moko Jumbie Doll, or a painting from a local artist and take home a piece of the Caribbean to remember your cruise to St. Thomas.

No matter what you are looking for during your day of shopping in St. Thomas, you are certain to find unique shops, eclectic boutiques, open-air markets, and dazzling jewelry stores…all with amazing duty-free deals for you! Combine this with the delicious dining opportunities and beautiful, tropical ambiance, and you are in for an amazing day of shopping in St. Thomas, USVI.

-Vicki S. 

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Colombian Emerald Holiday Buying Guide

First, a little about what an emerald is and what you should be looking for when purchasing one of these stunning Colombian gemstones. An emerald is actually a form of the gemstone beryl which occurs in a number of different colors and shades. When looking for a quality emerald, there are a few things to look for. It’s important to remember that every emerald is different so paying close attention to the color before making a decision is vital when buying an emerald as a holiday gift. At Caribe Jewelry, professional emerald experts can help guide you through the buying process so you can feel confident your purchase is authentic and of the highest quality. 

First and foremost is the color. While some may think that a darker emerald is more valuable, that isn’t always the case. The intensity of the color is usually more sought after when it comes to jewelry. The best emeralds have a rich green color throughout that isn’t too dark and isn’t cloudy. Some emeralds may even have a bluish tint to them and that’s fine! It all depends on the preference of the gem’s new owner. 

When finding the right gold or silver jewelry for an emerald, there are plenty of options to choose from. Emeralds are found in earrings and bracelets, rings and necklaces. How you buy yours is up to you! Emeralds pop brilliantly when set in gold jewelry, but don’t discount the elegance of silver as well. Emeralds work well in nearly all types of jewelry and really make a statement when given as a holiday gift.  

At Caribe Jewelry, emeralds of the highest quality are on display throughout the gallery. If you find yourself exploring on a cruise to Cartagena, stop by Caribe Jewelry and learn a thing or two about what makes the emerald so unique!

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A Clothes Call … A Clothes Call … A Clothes Call …

I confess. I was once turned away from a cruise ship dining room for not adhering to its dress code. It happened in Oslo in 2004 and at the time I was looking fabulous in pristine, dark blue AG boot-cut jeans, a black Max Mara shirt, a black Armani fitted blazer, and a $100 Nicole Miller black & white polka dot silk scarf (that I picked up on eBay for half the price, but still). Full make up, hair artfully tousled, and stiletto heels that could have given me a nosebleed. It was the perfect outfit for later that evening when I’d be hitting the Oslo hotspots with two local friends.

But, hey, I can play by the rules! I contritely returned to my cabin, slipped into a pair of ill-fitting wrinkled black pants that I’d picked up at Ann Taylor Loft and wore on the trans-Atlantic flight over and was warmly welcomed into the dining room.

Go figure.

RELATED: Wear-everrr! Why does cruising bring out our inner fashion plate?

It’s astonishing how fashion has changed over the years, not just at sea, but ashore as well. In my corporate life, my wardrobe has gone from tailored suits and dresses (someone once told me I’d never have to buy something to wear to a job interview because I always dressed like I was headed to one) to jeans nearly every day. The change in my cruise wardrobe is even more dramatic. Heck, if I was to put on the cocktail dresses and sequin stuff I used to wear, my shipmates would probably think I was part of the production show. And if a gentleman were to don a tuxedo … well, I’d bet anything that other guests would try to place wine orders with him.

Cruise Fashion, Explained

Call me old fashioned, but sometimes I miss those days of formal nights and dressing for dinner — and it’s not only because I really have no clue what “country club casual,” “resort casual,” and “elegantly casual” mean. There was something simply magical about formal evenings aboard ship: a glimpse through the windows at starlight sparkling on the ocean while we were all assembled, looking our best, with the whir of the blender whipping up cocktails, crystal glistening, and the tinkle of a piano providing a soothing backdrop. And, let’s not forget that those formal nights also gave women somewhere to wear those bridesmaid gowns that had been collecting dust in the back of the closet for years.

Sure, we can still dress up whenever we like during our cruise, but if we do, there’s a good chance that the guy at the next table will be sporting a tank top, shorts, flip flops, and a baseball cap, which is an instant formal-night buzz kill.

These days cruising is all about comfort, something that I totally get, particularly after a 12-hour shore excursion in Florence or cycling 23 miles through Brittany during your call at Belle-Ile-en Mer. But even in casual mode, I still believe the best cruise wardrobes should remind us that we’re on vacation, not going to mow the lawn.

When it comes to fun and fabulous cruise wear, the following brands are the ones that really float my boat:

– Loudmouth (men and women): Designed for golfers, the vivid and whimsical patterns of these shorts, skirts and pants are perfect for sultry days around the ship’s pool or strolling the streets of sundrenched ports. With three percent spandex in most styles, they’re cute and comfy, too. (Note: I’ve received more compliments on my guitar-print Loudmouth shorts than I have on anything I ever wore or a formal night.) us.loudmouthgolf.com

Jams World puts ships on shirts | Photo: Judi Cuervo

– Jams World (men and women): Hawaii-based Jams World screams Caribbean to me, probably because my first purchase was a cruise ship–print shirt I picked up over 20 years ago in St. Thomas! Since then, the line has expanded to include cool and sassy sundresses, jumpsuits, shorts, and more, with new prints added each season. Made of 100 percent spun crushed rayon, they wash and dry beautifully … and last for decades. jamsworld.com

– Dmitry Ties (men): Don’t let the name fool you. Dmitry Ties may offer a wide selection of neckties, but it’s their boldly-patterned socks, Italian-made shirts, and swim trunks that dazzle me each time I pass their tiny shop in my Queens, NY, neighborhood. Fortunately, they have a website: dmitryties.com

Bon Voyage!

^{Photos: Judi Cuervo}

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What To Do in Downtown Miami Before Your Cruise

Staying at a Hilton hotel in Downtown Miami puts you just minutes from the cruise port, and close to some of Miami’s hottest spots. There are great options for all types of travelers including the chic boutique-style hotel, The Gabriel Miami, Curio Collection by Hilton or the comfortable suite hotel, Homewood Suites in Miami Downtown/Brickell.

Those staying at Hiltons in Downtown Miami have the whole city at their fingertips, but you’ll need some energy to see and do it all. Start your day with a quick ride over to Panther Coffee where you can sip on a freshly-roasted cup of coffee. This Miami-based specialty roaster puts their roasting process on display every Monday morning and throughout the afternoon. The smell alone will draw you in and wake you up! 

From there, the Wynwood Walls are just a short walk down the way. These huge displays of street art are famous the world over and visitors come from around the globe to enjoy the graffiti-style art. Take a stroll through layers of stunning imagery among an array of contrasting colors, or sip a mocha at the adjoining cafe as you take in the scenery. Miami is a multicultural city, and nowhere is that more on display than through the art galleries and local boutiques that line the streets of Wynwood. Forbes once ranked Wynwood as one of America’s “Hippest” neighborhoods thanks to the modern art that has encompassed the city.

Stay in South Beach After Your Cruise

The day you disembark a cruise ship is a sad one, indeed. However, when you’re cruising from Miami, getting off the ship doesn’t mean vacation has to end. Booking a beachside hotel is a vacationers way to extend that cruise an extra day. Staying on the beach, you’ll find yourself just steps from Miami’s art deco district. The stunning architecture and exciting color schemes bring a vision of the fabulous 50’s. Stroll down Ocean Drive and stop in to one of the many restaurants for a quick refreshment. South Beach is known for a host of cocktails bigger than your head! Sharing is optional.

After you have wet your whistle with a South Beach cocktail, take a quick journey over to the Design District for an art-lovers paradise. The Institute of Contemporary Art Miami on the mainland is one of the newest galleries to open in Miami, and it is a must see. Not only is the gallery completely free for visitors, it hosts a number of special events every year highlighting local and emerging artists who are breaking boundaries and creating waves in the world of art. Modern art is about freedom of expression and you’ll find that in droves at this gallery. 

Special Credits:

Installation view Eric-Paul Riege: Hólǫ́—it xistz at ICA Miami. Photo: Fredrik Nilsen Studio. 

Installation view Robert Gober, 1978–2000, 1978–2000, and Untitled, 1993–1994 (Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami). Photo: Fredrik Nilsen Studio.

Fly Into Miami a Day Early & Explore Little Havana

You can’t visit Miami without checking out one of the coolest neighborhoods in the entire city: Little Havana. What makes Little Havana so authentic is the fact that a fourth of the population is Cuban!

The best part about staying at a Hilton near the airport is that the hotels offer transportation options to PortMiami and the airport to make your experience as seamless as possible. You’re also just a few blocks from Domino Park and authentic Cuban coffee. Stroll through the park and get your picture taken with the colorful parrots before watching Cuban-Americans playing a spirited game of dominos. 

Ball & Chain, one of the most popular live venues in Little Havana, is a spot for locals and tourists alike. Open since 1935, Ball & Chain has seen Miami go from dirt roads to glitzy high rises, but the bar and lounge’s unique charm has stayed exactly the same. Danzón and mambo music flow from Ball & Chain nightly and it’s the best place to cut the rug before you head to your ship in the morning. 

The best part about staying near the airport including at the Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon is one way transportation for two to PortMiami on embarkation day and up to seven days of parking for those with a vehicle. They’ll also give you a ride to the airport when it’s finally time to go home! 

There’s a ton to do in the Miami and if you’re cruising from the Magic City, make sure you leave time before and after to explore! From the food and art to Cuban culture not found anywhere else in the United States, Miami is as unique as it gets. For more great things to do, check out Hilton’s awesome guide to the city with maps, restaurant recommendations and more for all your vacation needs!

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Guide to Sawgrass Mills

When it comes to mega-malls, there aren’t many in the entire country that rival Sawgrass Mills. With over 350 retailers, it’s the second largest mall in Florida and the 11th largest in the United States. It’s over 2 million square feet of retail space and there are plenty of great deals to be had! What makes the complex unique is the focus on outlet and value stores offering recognizable brands for far less than retail. 

The Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass Mills | Photo: Sawgrass Mills/Facebook

Located west of downtown Fort Lauderdale at the edge of the famous Everglades, the mall can be overwhelming to first time visitors because of the sheer number of places to explore. We suggest starting in one of the newer sections of the mall, The Colonnade Outlets. This outdoor section has a number of high end outlets like Prada, Burberry, Coach, Kate Spade and plenty more. There are also a few places to eat or grab a drink with outside seating. On a beautiful South Florida day, there’s nothing better than being outside, so this section of the mall is usually a popular spot for window shoppers. 

Stay near the mall so you can maximize your shopping time at one of Florida’s premier shopping and dining complexes.

DoubleTree By Hilton Hotel Sunrise-Sawgrass Mills

From there, head inside the main section and peruse hundreds of stores from small to massive. There’s a Super Target if you need to grab some sunscreen before you sail or the O’Neill outlet if you’re in the market for a new swimsuit. The full list of retailers is impressive and means having plan in place before you go is smart so you don’t get overwhelmed with all the options and places to explore. The mall is just a 15 minute ride to Port Everglades so staying nearby makes embarkation morning a breeze.

What’s on your pre-cruise shopping list?

More than Just Shopping

While you could spend all day popping from store to store, Sawgrass Mills has a bunch of fun things to do and great places to eat. If your legs need a break from walking, the Regal Cinemas and IMAX theater is welcome relief. If you need a fuel boost, there are plenty of good bites to be had. Some of the most popular restaurants for shoppers at Sawgrass Mills include: 

• Zinburger Wine and Burger Bar
• Yardhouse
• Villagio 
• SushiGami
• Texas de Brazil
• Seasons 52
• Mojito Bar Tropical Eats & Latin Beats
• Matchbox Vintage Pizza Bistro
• Burgerim 

Guide to the Galleria Mall

If you’re staying at one of the many luxury hotels and resorts along Fort Lauderdale Beach, the best place for retail therapy is the Galleria Mall. With more than 100 retailers and some of Fort Lauderdale’s most popular restaurants, Galleria Mall is a popular spot with locals and visitors alike. Stefano Versace Gelato hits the spot after a day spent enjoying the sun, surf and sand of Fort Lauderdale Beach, or treat someone special to dinner at The Capital Grille.

Here’s a great tip, if you go to Guest Services at the mall, they hand out coupon books with tons of awesome savings so don’t miss out!

Galleria Mall in Fort Lauderdale | Photo: Galleria Mall/Facebook

There’s a lot to do before you cruise, but those looking for some retail therapy on vacation should consider a stay at a hotel in Fort Lauderdale near the best shopping in the area. Both Sawgrass Mills and The Galleria Mall have all the best shopping, dining and entertainment nearby so you can start your vacation long before you set foot on the ship! 

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Start at Mister Emerald

One of the city’s most established emerald jewelry producers, Mister Emerald is located in the plaza on the street running along the right side of the Church. Why start here? The prices are firm and the stones are of the best quality. Haggling with lesser venders wastes your time and prevents you from seeing more of the city and it’s gems. At Mister Emerald, visitors discover they have no difficulty spotting pieces with top quality stones and can quickly figure out what sorts of pieces of jewelry are going to fit their budget.  With that information, you can conveniently canvass the other recommended stores to compare prices.Mister Emerald also backs that up with certifications and customer service with phone numbers in the U.S.A.

Insider Tips for Finding the Best Emeralds

Insider Tip #1:  While the best emeralds are set in gold, there’s always a great selection of natural emeralds mounted in silver at prices that will allow you to buy impressive gifts for family members or for yourself. Emerald jewelry like rings, pendants and earrings can be made with gold or silver and which visitors choose depends entirely on their preference and budget.

In high quality emeralds set in 18K gold, notice emerald colors that range from very light to quite dark.  At Mister Emerald, all the emeralds are chosen for their brightness. You won’t find more opaque emeralds that have lots of inclusions or imperfections because those need to be improved using fillers. While even the highest quality emeralds will all have some imperfections, less means more from a value sense. After just a few minutes viewing the emeralds of Cartagena most begin to notice more quality stones compared to others.

Insider Tip #2:  Always look for damage along the surfaces of the emerald.  Ask the staff for a 10-power loupe, and have them show you how to focus it in a way to observe not the inclusions inside, but rather the top surfaces of the stones.  Slight imperfections may be acceptable, but not broken stones, or those with chips or holes.

Exploring Cartagena isn’t complete without viewing the city’s incredible emerald jewelry. Every piece is unique and ready to keep for a lifetime. Cartagena is your opportunity to buy the most personal of gemstones: an emerald from Colombia.

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The Rare Emerald

In order for emeralds to form deep in the mountains of Colombia, a lot has to go right. The forces of geology have to bring together rare elements like beryllium and chromium under conditions of high temperature and pressure and then a slow cooling process which creates the large crystals we all know and love. Colombia has been exceptionally blessed with the unusual geology for their formation and people have been mining brilliantly clear emeralds for hundreds of years. Emeralds of this quality are rare and unlike diamonds or other precious gemstones, a slight flaw in the color or shape is an indicator of authenticity and won’t reduce the value of the stone.

An emerald set in a ring

This is not to say that inclusions or imperfections are a positive aspect of an emerald.  Very clean stones have a sharp brilliance, a “life” that sets them apart. When this brilliance or “sparkle” is combined with an attractive and intense green color it demands an exceptional price.  

RELATED: Emeralds of Cartagena: Colombia’s Prized Gemstone

The Perfect Green Color

An emerald’s signature green color is unique to the stone, but can vary from emerald to emerald. Too dark and the stone won’t shine when worn, too light and it loses its identity as an emerald. While those who mine, cut and sell gemstones may insist on very intense saturated “grass-green” colors as the most valuable, you may find that you prefer somewhat lighter-colored stones, or those with a more bluish tint. Above all else, the green of your emerald has to be attractive to you!

Brilliant green emeralds

Though not hard like a diamond, emeralds are a substantial gemstone which stands to the test of time. Some jewelry scratches over time as dirt, sand and other environmental factors come into play. Emeralds resist abrasion due to their hardness and make for a long lasting piece of emerald jewelry from Cartagena.

Comparing emeralds in Cartagena is always easier when you have the expertise and professionalism of a Mister Emerald associate to rely on. Quality is obvious in the 1,200 individual pieces of emerald jewelry on display. Whether you’re coming from a cruise ship or traveling through Colombia, an emerald is the best gift you can find!

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