Buying from USA when in AUS

[dan76n]

Hi all,
I have nearly picked my diamond and am looking at the prices for the same diamond in USA as the ones I picked out in AUS (im in AUS)and they seem to be atleast a few hundred dollars cheeper. (even more if i can bypass duty tax)
Would it be worth buying from USA or would it be too risky? I dont really need warranty like a camera
Also who is safe to buy from over there.
In regards to ring size what size would an AUS "M" be if I was to get a USA ring aswell?

Thanks heaps.

 

[Lestat]

Hey Dan,

I''m by no means an expert on diamonds, but I''m currently in Australia and I''ve recently bought a diamond (great timing with the $ value), so there may be a couple things I can suggest.

I purchased my stone at Whiteflash.com, they have a great reputation on these forums along with the other great vendors here so I didn''t feel there was any risk involved in the transaction at all and I paid via international bank wire (I''m with Westpac, I could do the transfer online using internet banking for $20) so I could get the Pricescope member discount. I wasn''t asked for any money at all until I had decided on a diamond and gave them the go-ahead. I was conversing with them almost daily via e-mail and the response time was excellent, I sometimes could get a couple e-mails back and forth before I went to work in the morning, sometimes I used the live chat feature on their website to get things rolling as well. They provided all of the measurements, photos, ASET, Sarin and Idealscope scans that I needed to get opinions on the stone from Pricescope experts. They also have a good lifetime upgrade policy. I''ll be writing up a full testimonial once the ring is finished.

I''m on my way to Canada next year and I''m having the finished product shipped to my family there (free trade agreement means no duty and only 5% GST in Alberta woo!), so I can''t comment on shipping to Australia and tax unfortunately. I have ordered products for business shipped into Australia, and I wouldn''t bank on avoiding duty and customs, it''s safer to assume it will be caught up than not. Usually items over $1000 will get stopped.

I chose to have my ring handmade by another designer in the USA instead of using Whiteflash (who had the diamond verified, checked and shipped it to the designer for free!), but Whiteflash has a lot of great settings as well, they just didn''t have the particular one I wanted. I also was worried about sizing from AUS to US, so I chose the less subtle route and bought myself and my girlfriend temporary silver rings (about $30 each) to wear for a week and see how we liked the size, and I''ve sent those rings to the designer so they can duplicate the size (Australia Post, under $4, they''ll be there in 7-10 days). I thought about ordering a set of sizing rings and we went to a few jewellery shops to be sized, but there''s nothing like having the ring on for a few days so you can feel how it works for you. Fingers swell at different times and finger sizers don''t seem to be standardised between companies, so I felt that a quick measurement in an air-conditioned jewellery shop wasn''t good enough for me. I had my finger measured at an M size, but I wore the ring and it was very difficult for me to take off at night, and then I couldn''t get it back on, so I sized it up to an N. Now it''s perfect. I didn''t want to just convert the size using a chart because I''ve seen a few different charts with the Australian sizes matching up to different USA sizes, and the rings are being custom made, so I wanted to be as accurate as possible by sending the rings. Just trying to save myself hassle down the track. Downside is I''ve lost the element of surprise, but she only knows there''s a ring coming, just not WHEN

I guess you just have to find a way that works best for you.

Just my 2 cents based on my one experience, so take it with a grain of salt as they say

 

[dan76n]

Just did some maths on the few diamonds I have picked so far and my saving by going through Whiteflash would only be around $250au for a diamond. That doesnt include any postage they charge and its also based on the wired price. I can pay via Master card in AUS so I get the 44 days interest free plus I will get enough points on my credit card for a $60 gift card for myer or Bunnings ( like a walmart Giftcard).
Dont think it would be worth it through Whiteflash. I will have to check a few more US sights.

 

[Lestat]

I can''t comment on the maths except to say that not all diamonds are created equal, and that makes price comparison difficult. The Whiteflash diamond you used as a reference point may be a much better diamond than the one you compared to for example (maybe similar clarity, color, and carat, but better cut?)

I reckon that the Pricescope discount for bank transfer (bank wire) at Whiteflash (which I believe is close to 5% if you pay by bank transfer) will come out more in your benefit than your $60 credit card bonus unless you''re looking at diamonds under $1200. Watch out for currency conversion fees with your credit card and find out if that method will give you a good exchange rate as well in case it''s different than what your bank would give you with a bank transfer.

In my particular case, I don''t mind paying a slight premium for good service, good policies and good information as well. I felt comfortable enough with my vendor to use direct bank transfer instead of credit card. Maybe I could have done better price-wise at an onlline vendor like Blue Nile, but then I''d be buying a diamond without even a picture, and that felt a bit too risky for me.

Anyway, good luck in your search, there''s heaps of vendors to choose from, I''m sure you''ll find what you''re looking for, especially with the help of all the experts here! I know I did!

 

[wenwen1111]

I saved about 2500 Aus dollars on a ring by purchased from the US (accounting for duty) and my ring sparkles better than what even the big stores like Gregory and Nader have.

 

[dan76n]

In regards to different diamonds, Im actually comparing the same diamonds based on the GIA report numbers. so the Figures are pretty spot on. I didnt count the fees for the exchange though so that would probably make it even more apealing to buy here in AUS. I will check ouit a few more US dealers to compare first but I think it looks like Im better off buying local.

 

[D2B]

Hi,

I have used WF for buying diamonds and had no issues at all. Great service, great diamonds. I saved a lot more than the percentages you seem to be refereing to.

I am currently investigating purchasing a major stone (well for me, not by PS standards

) and WF and USD is still much cheaper - plus I get a AGS 000 stone.

Can I ask where you are looking at getting your stone from in australia, a street jeweller or an online australian vendor - I am just curious at your pricing references.

Either way, now is as good a time to buy in the US as any for us aussies, so if you feel the stone is right and the total cost (taxes etc) makes it worth your while - good luck with your purchase decision. WF has an excellent return policy, and for my diamond earings they promised if I need to retrun them I could use their insurance coverage for fedex (I would pay of course), but I didnt need to use it and kept my lovely sparkly earrings.


db

 

[arjunajane]

Dan, everyone's situation is different but since I've been on this board, I've purchased 3 diamonds from PS vendors, various diamonds from non PS vendors, numerous settings/jewellery and a number of reasonably valuable gemstones (all from the US).

I have not, to this day, found *anyone* in Australia that can match the prices and quality I obtain from the US - this is taking import taxes into account.

If you can find the exact same stone from an Aussie vendor, and they are reputable, than I would say go ahead. You also need to consider the setting though - will you be getting that from the same place? Settings are typically about 30% more expensive (at least) from my research in Au than in US.
Also please look at their policies - not sure if its important to you, but Aussie vendors haven't really caught on to the extended inspection periods/warranties and especially trade up policies like US Co's have embraced.

You will not be able to "bypass" customs charges - it just won't happen if you are using a vendor that values their reputation (ie.everyone except maybe some "diamond by Bob" on Ebay

)..

Of course, you are also in an advantage position to purchase from the US at the moment with the stronger dollar.

good luck, and feel free to ask more!

 

[hihowareyou]

When you are comparing the diamonds make sure you look beyond colour, clarity and carat and pay special consideration to cut and light return. I found that it was difficult to find beautifully cut stones in Australia. If you are looking for a round it may be easier but in terms of fancy shapes most vendors/stores that I came across I felt I knew more than after just spending a few hours on this site.

There are a few wholesale places who do offer ok prices but as stated above most will try to brush over cut quality or not be able to provide the relevant images and information.


Maybe post the information here on size, colour, shape, clarity and budget that you are looking for and see if any of the resident experts can find you a better deal on a great quality cut. Remembering that it is difficult to avoid paying customs fees when importing a diamond. I doubt any of the PS vendors will help you evade those taxes and it isn't advisable as it would mean your diamond would be uninsured in transit.

Out of curiosity, which vendor in Australia are you considering using?

 

[dan76n]

Thanks guys,

I have just worked out the pricescope members prices so that makes the savings for diamond only around $500aus on a $10,000au diamond.
What is the rough cost to get a diamond shipped to Australia? It seems Fedex iswho they all use but there is no prices. Im just after a rough idea so It can make my decision a little easier.
Spoke to my bank and to do a wired transfer to overseas its a $35 fee but it must be done in a branch not online at home.

Diamond exchange, Jogia diamonds and Diamond specialists are Aussie online dealers. Jogia is the best priced.

 

[katebar]

Hi usually about $75.00 US

 

[katebar]

Date: 10/25/2009 7:04:57 PM
Author: dan76n
Thanks guys,

I have just worked out the pricescope members prices so that makes the savings for diamond only around $500aus on a $10,000au diamond.
What is the rough cost to get a diamond shipped to Australia? It seems Fedex iswho they all use but there is no prices. Im just after a rough idea so It can make my decision a little easier.
Spoke to my bank and to do a wired transfer to overseas its a $35 fee but it must be done in a branch not online at home.

Diamond exchange, Jogia diamonds and Diamond specialists are Aussie online dealers. Jogia is the best priced.

Also some of us have joined this http://www.ozforex.com.au/ wire thransfer service. Better rates than the bank and cheaper fees!