Puerto Vallarta is a shopper’s dream, as long as that shopper is not put off by seeing what seems like the same jewelry, T-shirts, and souvenir trinkets on practically every corner of the Malecon. As a tourist, you cannot walk peacefully down a street without being offered something to purchase. Understandably, this is how many of the locals earn a living. I, for one, don’t mind senselessly throwing away my cash on something that I will never wear, but I prefer it if that something is unique and completely free of Corona logos.
Sterling silver is a great find in Mexico, but you have to be very cautious. To make sure that silver is authentic, always look for the .925 engraving that should be present on every piece. As soon as you’re secure that you have found a winner, prepare to bargain with the salesperson. Stores in Puerto Vallarta are more than happy to accept both American dollars and Mexican pesos. Very few jewelry pieces are ever priced correctly, and the Mexicans are very savvy negotiators. Even if you manage to persuade your salesperson to agree on a significantly lower price, you are probably still paying above the item’s actual value. Still, with the good exchange rate and quality of the stones and silver in Mexico, you are not on the losing side of the battle.
The shop Evolucion caught my eye because it was one of the largest in the area and had hundreds of particular bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, brooches, and even cigarette lighters. Aztec designs range from simple and sweet to dramatic and regal and are encrusted with stones like yellow and green amber, garnet, and opal.
Although it might not be a good thing to walk through the town center and have the salesgirl spot you and actually know your name, I was able to talk wise Julisa down a few more dollars after stocking up on silver for friends. Who knows? Maybe I actually got a discount.