A destination... tax free!
Although the islands are not a free trade zone, there is no VAT, and each island has its own legislation. As a result, luxury goods are often offered at attractive prices. You'll find a considerable selection of alcoholic beverages, which the commercially-minded islanders even offer "à la tirette", for a better price! But beware: perfumes and cosmetics are not always cheaper than in France. Some tourists, particularly the English, don't hesitate to make a quick return trip during the day to take advantage of the duty-free stores on the boat, certainly the best place to take advantage of tax-free products, especially during the festive season.
A quality craft
As for crafts, the most common are pottery (fine pieces can be found at the Maison de Jersey in Saint-Hélier), jewelry, knitting and all kinds of wooden objects. Each of the archipelago's craftsmen runs a small museum where they welcome visitors and future buyers. Of course, there's something for every taste, but (let's face it), the crafts are often designed to suit the tastes of the many English visitors... Lovers of local creations can take home from their trip the famous jerseys and guernseys knitted on the spot.
The famous "jersey
The use of the word "jersey" to describe a knitted sweater has its origins in the islands' 400-year association with the knitting industry. Traditional fishermen's sweaters are still made here. The islands import wool from England and export knitted garments, socks and stockings. This craft, in which the entire population participated to the detriment of field work, became so widespread that in 1606 the States of Jersey prohibited knitting during the harvest and during the period of kelp harvesting, used for cooking and heating. Guernsey sweaters are worn by lifeboat crews operating along the coast. They are traditionally knitted from heavy navy blue wool and have no pattern. Beautiful ones can be found at the Guernsey Shop or at White Stuff in St. Peter Port. Thinner Jersey sweaters are made in various colors (De Gruchy is a reference address in Saint-Hélier).
Beautiful jewelry
The islands of Jersey and Guernsey have earned a solid reputation for jewelry making. Many of the artists and craftsmen based on these two islands create beautiful rings and necklaces, from luxury to classic, which are elegantly displayed in the chic stores of the shopping streets of St. Peter Port (Wink Jewellery for example) and St. Helier (Jersey Gems). In Jersey, the most famous jewelry workshop is Catherine Best's. Jersey Goldsmiths specializes in gold jewelry. Both islands also import several hundred tons of pearl oysters from Asia (mainly from China and the Philippines) each year.
