It's easy to save big money on expensive items in the duty-free world of the Caribbean. With already-cheap prices and no sales tax, the islands are great places to find jewelry, watches, and gifts for your loved ones, or yourself. Expect to save 25 percent or more on your purchases. Below is a guide to some of the hottest jewel shopping destinations, so go ahead: splurge.

© Bob CurleyNassau has always been the place to shop in the Bahamas, with everything from straw baskets to choice Colombian emeralds. Go to Bay Street, where you'll find the biggest selection of shops, like
King's Jewellery World and
Solomon's Mines. Or, if Nassau isn't your style, head over to the
Port Lucaya Marketplace on Grand Bahama Island, a twelve-acre waterfront market with over 66 retail stores.
The Dominican Republic might not spring to mind as a premier jewelry
shopping destination, but besides being known as a source of native amber, the D.R. is home to the world's only source of larimar, a turquoise volcanic rock used in much of the island's jewelry. Check out Puerto Plata for
Patrick's Silversmithy and
Joyeria Soler, as well as Santo Domingo for many top shops. The educationally inclined can visit the
Amber Museum in Puerto Plata to learn more about these precious stones.
St. Thomas is the best of the U.S. Virgin Islands to find your traditional upscale jewelry. Businesses such as
Cardow Jewelers and
Ballerina Jewelers on the island offer an array of necklaces, rings, pendants, and tennis bracelets. For shoppers looking for something a little more off the beaten path, head to
Island Boy Designs in St. Croix, which offers almost a dozen collections of handcrafted gold and silver jewelry from local artist and metalsmith Whealan Massicott.