Buying from Australia

[liz-e]

Hi All,

I'm looking at spending around $20k - $25k on a new setting for my engagement ring (+stone).

I've been a customer of Whiteflash over the years, spending approx $10kAUD (when 1USD = 0.60AUD) and after making enquiries about a new setting etc they wont accept credit card as I've used in the past.

This is a very disappointing outcome given that I thought we'd established some sort of relationship with them by doing business before.. we're low risk, goods are delivered to the same place and we've never had any issues in the past.

Anyway, I'm looking for a company that will accept international credit cards.

I know that Blue Nile will happily do so, are there any PS vendors that do?

Also, if you have paid by international wire transfer and live in Australia - please let me know your experiences (as that may be my next option).

Thanks in advance,
Liz

 

[stone-cold11]

Not sure which other vendor accept credit card but this thread about the FTA between US and Aust might be of interest.
Last 2 pages have some info on which bank to use for wire-transfer for the best rate.

https://www.pricescope.com/forum/rockytalky/custom-ring-ausfta-t130164-90.html

Also, Brian Gavin left WF and started his own company, BrianGavinDiamond, you might check that out. I think they accept WF ACA stones that were sold while he is still working there for trade up.

 

[Rixsy]

I've done transactions with BGD and GOG, I used the pennytel money transfer options by paying them with my credit card with a flat $8 fee and then they did a wire to the US vendors on my behalf. Transaction went through quickly, I think it was 2 or 3 days and no issues there. I believe they use Westpac's foreign exchange rates too.

 

[Supers]

Ozforex - www.ozforex.com.au are good. I've used them three times.
The rates are slightly better than the banks too I believe.

 

[Lovinggems]

Personally I am not comfortable with US vendors that won't take international credit cards or paypal, especially for a large sum of money. I'll never pay for anything to an overseas vendor for anything over $1000 via wire now because of a terrible experience with a US based manufacturing jeweller. Basically my expensive stone was damaged and they denied all responsibility, and called me horrible names in the process, and since I paid via wire I can't go through the credit card avenue to at least try and claim compensation that way.

If US based vendors value overseas sales they should rethink this policy.