Anyone from UK bought e-ring via Internet?

[CatherineMcGr]

Hello, I discovered this and some other diamond websites several weeks ago. I am considering getting a new ring for my wedding anniversary next year. I know from looking at this site in particular that there''s a lot to learn but I want to know is it worth my while trying to buy over the Internet. Most messages that I have seen have been from people in North America, or from people who have travelled to North America to purchase their diamond/ring in person. Is there anyone out there in the United Kingdom who has bought, sight unseen, from an Internet company? is there a lot of customs duty/tax to pay? I would be very interested in your advice.

Thanks a lot in advance. I really like this site.......especially all the individual stories and photos.

 

[just_looking!]

Hi, there have been a few people within the UK who have bought diamonds. Try looking up Lord Summerside''s posts and also look for an old thread on customs and excise duty. There''s a bit of an EU / US tiff going on at the moment so any imports from the US are being charged high import duties and there may also be VAT on top.

I''ll see if I can find the thread as I posted on there when it was active.

I''m British but based abroad and have bought a half eternity ring online with whiteflash (delivered to Bahrain) and also bought my engagement ring online (diamond from new york, rubies from Boise, made in NY and appraised in Sarasota, Florida). I ran out of time and so ''nipped'' over to Florida to pick that one up.

The prices are much better online than in the UK and the quality and choice are better!

The only problem you may have is that if you have any problems with your purchase, then it''s going to be difficult to send it back as most of the couriers won''t insure it and many of them won''t ship jewellery from a private person either.

Might be worth asking about shipping and insurance with the Pricescope vendors, as you may find that they''ll sort something out for you (i.e. fairly confident that you will like your purchase)?

Otherwise Bluenile has an Irish based website which will reduce the tax. Just be aware that often their diamonds are a little more pricey and you may have to work hard to get enough information to run the HCA. You also won''t get the bells and whistles like lightscope, brilliancescope, microscope pics etc. Another option is the netherlands where another Pricescope poster (Paul of Infinity Diamonds) is based and he has been highly recommended if you are looking for princess or for rounds.

Another thing to consider is that many of the ''new'' shape diamonds i.e. jubilee, eighternity, regent etc. are not available in the UK or europe and so if you wanted something like this then you would need to consider the US?

Sorry to ramble!! Hope this helps and best wishes for the purchase!