Every year, tourist purchase jewelry from port town shops, major city tourist areas, and even from cruise ships, either on board or at a recommended local store.
There are different markets to buy jewelry in and different markets have different pricing. Some markets get higher markups due to overhead, location, advertising, and yes, even operators. Someone can always sell something for less, but that is not what is at issue. The only thing that is important is whether the tourist received what they expected at a fair price for the location in which they made the purchase.
When there is a dispute, the consumer will probably be directed to get an independent appraisal and that is one reason we independents see so many of these purchases. I fairness to the tourist stores and cruise ships, we do see many cases where the purchase is price is legitimate, so this is not just about the tourist trap. In most cases clients come to us for the independent appraisal thinking they overpaid, we substantiate the price paid.
So in conclusion if you are to be brave and buy while on vacation, just make sure you are comfortable with the price and the quality you are buying, don't be afraid to ask questions if you have a gut feeling about something stick with your feeling.