Gate 2 in Terminal 1 is your last shot at duty-free gems
Colombian Emeralds sits airside in Terminal 1 near Gate 2, so you pass it on the way to most international departures from V. C. Bird. It’s a compact duty-free jewelry shop focused on mid- to higher-end pieces, not souvenir trinkets. Expect classic chains, rings, and earrings rather than fashion jewelry racks. Staff usually handle only a few customers at once, so you can see pieces up close without a long queue.
The store keeps the same general schedule as Terminal 1’s outbound flights, opening ahead of morning departures and staying open into the evening bank. Since it’s after security in Terminal 1, you need a same-day boarding pass to shop here. Pricing is in USD and Caribbean currency, with duty-free discounts compared with downtown resorts, especially on higher-ticket items. If you want to compare prices, snap photos of tags and check them against your usual retailer before committing.
The focus is in the name: you’ll see emerald-centered pieces in gold and silver, alongside diamonds, tanzanite, and a few Caribbean-style designs. Rings and pendants are the main draw; watches and small giftables sit closer to the front counter. Ask directly about stone certification and warranty terms and get them in writing on your receipt. This is the spot to upgrade a single piece, not overhaul your whole jewelry box in one go.
Cards are widely accepted here, but some visitors report better currency conversion using a no-foreign-fee credit card. Keep at least 15–20 minutes spare before boarding at Gate 2 or nearby gates so you’re not rushing a four-figure decision while your flight is calling final. Tip: photograph your purchase, receipt, and any certificates before you leave the airport, in case you need proof for insurance later.