Importing from States

[yoshu]

Hi all,

I'm pretty set on importing a diamond from Whiteflash to the UK but I've been searching a lot for the exact customs, duty, VAT and admin charges.

So VAT is obviously 15%, admin for fedex is apparently about $8 but what about customs/duty??
I've read some posts saying its 2.5% but on another site it says its "usually around 20%"!!

Any help and accounts of personal experiences greatly appreciated

 

[yoshu]

UPDATE Sorry, I did even more reading...my eyes actually hurt now! So apparently the charges are VAT (15%) + 2.5% (if set in ring). There is no duty charge if un-set loose diamonds are sent over.

Ok, so I've decided to not get just a loose stone from WF, but instead get a platinum ring here in the UK and send it over for WF to set the stone.

Now comes the crucial bit: I want the platinum ring shown in the links below (its from 77diamonds in UK). It's classic, simple and with a diamond that sits pretty low. The question really is, should I just get it as an empty ring straight from 77diamonds (£350 = $560). Or do you think I should get someone else to copy this exact same design for a cheaper price?? (recommendations very welcome!)

Image 1
Image 2
Image 3

Thanks so much

 

[wenwen1111]

a platinum setting at about 560 sounds like a very good deal. You probably won''t get anything cheaper by asking another maker to copy it because it would involve more hours of labour.

 

[4ever]

I would assume you would pay just VAT and some admin fees for just a stone while if it is set in a ring there is usually extra tax on top of this. You can probably ring customs and ask them.

 

[Lorelei]

Just posting one of the pictures directly here. WF have a similar 4 prong solitaire.

 

[yoshu]

Thanks,

Crucially, it's the side profile that has a low-set diamond and sleek/slim prongs. I've seen it in real life and the prongs and ring sort of blend into each other with smooth lines and no sharp edges. The 4-claws I've seen on WF are more similar to tiffany's style with large and sticking-out prongs that have a clear edge to each of them. This has much more gentle and dimunitive lines to it.

So this isn't a generic design from a manufacturer like 'Domino' or something??


Profile view:

 

[yoshu]

Also just saw this one from DiamondGeezer. I''ll ask them how much it will be to buy just the ring without diamond.

It''s so hard to see it as online pictures!! From personal experience, it looks vastly different with a smaller stone and smaller ring size and in real life!!!!! I''ll call them up to see what they can do to show it to me before I commit to buy I guess

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/12/2009 8:11:53 AM
Author: yoshu
Thanks,

Crucially, it''s the side profile that has a low-set diamond and sleek/slim prongs. I''ve seen it in real life and the prongs and ring sort of blend into each other with smooth lines and no sharp edges. The 4-claws I''ve seen on WF are more similar to tiffany''s style with large and sticking-out prongs that have a clear edge to each of them. This has much more gentle and dimunitive lines to it.

So this isn''t a generic design from a manufacturer like ''Domino'' or something??


Profile view:

I would ask WF if they can modify their 4 prong solitaire, it is entirely possible they could do so on request.

 

[yoshu]

Hmmm that could be an excellent idea. But any idea of the additional costs involved for such a ''bespoke'' ring??

The other problem is that it''s hard to dictate to them exactly how I want the setting. No doubt anyone would be frustrated if I saw the pictures online and then send them back to the drawing board a further 3-4 times!!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/12/2009 8:55:30 AM
Author: yoshu
Hmmm that could be an excellent idea. But any idea of the additional costs involved for such a 'bespoke' ring??

The other problem is that it's hard to dictate to them exactly how I want the setting. No doubt anyone would be frustrated if I saw the pictures online and then send them back to the drawing board a further 3-4 times!!

It might not cost much extra at all if it is just slight adjustments to the design, but definitely ask them to find out for sure. WF are used to doing this for clients, particularly with prongs and heads, for example " swoopy scoopy" prongs were in high demand from WT at one time ( still might be) - I would say give Whiteflash a chance, speak to them and see what they can do to help you.

 

[yoshu]

ahhhh... it costs about $1400 to custom make that ring. Exactly twice my budget.

So I guess it''s back to the plan of sending an empty ring over to get it mounted. Sighhhh... This is getting more and more complicated

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/12/2009 1:29:08 PM
Author: yoshu
ahhhh... it costs about $1400 to custom make that ring. Exactly twice my budget.

So I guess it''s back to the plan of sending an empty ring over to get it mounted. Sighhhh... This is getting more and more complicated

Oh blast...

 

[yoshu]

So I''ve settled with the guy at Whiteflash. I''m going to get the 0.412ct F SI1 for $983 (=£614). Includes all the setting and all the customs charges. Then I add the ring (hopefully £345) price, making it all just under £1000.

I didn''t know that AGS diamonds from WF that are not in the ACA range don''t have laser inscriptions!! Apparently only ACA range have the inscriptions!! They only supply the documentation and certificates assuring my stone is of the stated quality. I guess it should be enough, it''s got Whiteflash''s backing.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/12/2009 4:37:38 PM
Author: yoshu
So I''ve settled with the guy at Whiteflash. I''m going to get the 0.412ct F SI1 for $983 (=£614). Includes all the setting and all the customs charges. Then I add the ring (hopefully £345) price, making it all just under £1000.

I didn''t know that AGS diamonds from WF that are not in the ACA range don''t have laser inscriptions!! Apparently only ACA range have the inscriptions!! They only supply the documentation and certificates assuring my stone is of the stated quality. I guess it should be enough, it''s got Whiteflash''s backing.

Congrats!!!!

 

[staci]

congrats, it really was a nice ring. can u post the actual picture of your ring too

 

[stone-cold11]

Congrats.

 

[yoshu]

unfortunately, it won''t be the ring shown above! I''ll show you guys the result in about two weeks!