Antwerp shopping

[frequentflyer]

Hi!! 1st post on here.. I have searched this topic on here a bit but still not clear what I should do.

I live in US, but I have to go on a business trip to Germany in a few weeks. I was thinking of going to Antwerp for a diamond.. if not going to see Belgium anyway!

I have a setting in mind to buy in US, looking for a loose stone around .5-.6 carats.

Reading the posts here, I am not going to save much money, and buying within US is good/better, especially online order.

However I have a few motives to buy in Antwerp:
- I am thinking of proposing right after my return of this trip (a special date). I don''t have alot of time before getting on the next plane.. so the free time I have is during travelling.
- I like to see a stone in person, IMO better than online shopping.
- the setting does have a few accent diamonds, it would be also nice to bring the setting and pick out a stone for it..perhaps also have the stone set there by a jeweller. So I have a finished ring to propose right to bring back with me.

So question is:
- do I have to pay duty in return to US. I plan to declare it, but I heard loose stones there is no duty on it.
- I read the shops there are quite honest. can I expect a good shopping experience there with a slim chance of buying a dud?
- shopping day would be a saturday and sunday, beginning of September. I heard many shops are closed?

I have looked on the diamond search here and have an idea how much the stone will cost. Now what?
If any one wants to recommend a shop I would be happy to check it out.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

If you want a premium stone, and an ''Antwerp experiance'', then Paul from Antwerp posts here and distributes to some upper echelon stores and etailers.
Try searching for him

 

[WinkHPD]

I was going to say that, but our Aussie friend beat me to it. Perhaps one of the regulars here who knows how to search better than I can point you to a couple of threads that talk about meeting with Paul in Antwerp. He makes it very special!

Wink

 

[Lorelei]

FF try this thread.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-experience-with-a-super-ideal-and-a-gentleman.11184/=

Another thread with a PSer meeting Paul.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/a-gentleman-in-antwerp.14293/

 

[Regular Guy]

So, you''ve read the good stuff. Boring details here.

 

[frequentflyer]

Thanks, I have read posts regarding Paul and want to look him up next.

P.S. Anyone know the definitive answer about US customs and duty on loose diamonds upon return?