Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suzimoo

[nomissjane]

I've been thinking about a reset for ages now and have fallen in love with Victor Caneras Emilya halo... I'm blaming SMTR for all the photos and creating my craving.
I've thought about having something similar done here in Sydney but to be honest I know I'd always compare it, and have it come out unfavorably to Victors gorgeous work.
I'm more nervous about having a custom ring made here that I'm not in love with, but I've seen so many stunning photos here of this ring that I already know I love Victors Emilya.

The problem is that I don't have the first clue about what's involved in sending my 2.12ct D SI1 over to him and I'm more than a little nervous.
Can someone share their experience or let me know the 'ins and outs' of the process. Ie, do I have the jeweler who made and set my current ring unset it or have Victor do this?
I imagine that I would send my current setting over with the diamond anyway to make sure I get the sizing right.

Suzimoo, I think if I read correctly that you were in Australia when you had Victor do your beautiful reset, do have any advice?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Chloegal]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

I was under the impression that a jeweller can make your ring without your actual diamond if he has the exact dimensions.

I am in a similar situation and live in Melbourne so you are not alone.

 

[justginger]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

For the sake of future reference, I'd love to know about this as well. I think I read someone did it with BGD, and made sure the invoice reflected that the diamond had been 'provided by customer' and the final amount paid was ONLY for the setting. That way, despite the package being insured for the entire value of the ring, the GST was only charged on the actual setting itself. We would all be so broke if we had to keep paying GST on our center stones!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

The setting make needs to set the diamond. I have seen this not turn out well more than once.

But nomissjane, as much as I love Victor for US ring makers, if I lived where you do, without a doubt I would be sending my stone to Mike Robinson! Much closer and he is a master craftsman, also!

 

[justginger]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

I didn't notice that comment earlier, DS, but completely agree - whoever makes your setting NEEDS to have it on hand. There are too many little things that could go wrong and essentially leave you with a useless or ill-fitting setting.

Going to Mike is always a wonderful option. Who can resist a NZ holiday when it comes time to pick the ring up??

 

[webdiva]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

I didn't notice that comment earlier, DS, but completely agree - whoever makes your setting NEEDS to have it on hand. There are too many little things that could go wrong and essentially leave you with a useless or ill-fitting setting.

Going to Mike is always a wonderful option. Who can resist a NZ holiday when it comes time to pick the ring up??

I think it depends on the setting and diamond shape. GOG send the exact dimensions of my POH to Bev K without the stone and it fits like a glove! I can't comment on this particular setting, though - hopefully someone with a VC can chime in!

 

[CaratLover2]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

Those from the US don't know how lucky they are ... both in relation to the actual cost of the stones themselves AND they have such a massive array of wonderful settings/designers to choose from too!

I'm no expert ... but I'm an Aussie, living in Europe, and I was recently thinking about having a ring shipped from the US to my family in Australia. There are a few discussions on this forum about it ... so perhaps do a search.

I had all this written down, but can't find it at the moment. Do you want me to keep looking?

I'd say have a read of the following links. Leon's website gives a really good, brief summary on the tax liabilities of imports under the US-AUS free trade agreement.

http://www.artofplatinum.com/vault/Policies/shipping-to-australia
See http://www.dfat.gov.au/fta/ausfta/final-text/index.html
http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page5498.asp

I don't think there is any major issue in relation to you sending your stone to the US for setting - apart from making sure that it's appropriately insured - but then again, I don't know if the US also has import taxes. Your biggest issue will be avoiding taxes when you have it sent back to you - your setting would pass the 'rule of origin' test, but your stone won't because you bought it in Oz (I'm guessing here?!) - so you may find you don't pass the 'rule of origin' test at all, and therefore don't qualify for the preferential rates. It really depends on how the Aus customs dept would see it, and you really need to speak to them.

 

[CaratLover2]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

http://www.customs.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/importinggoodsbypostfaq.pdf

What is a “Tariff Classification”?
All goods that are imported into Australia valued over A$1000, or containing alcohol or tobacco products are subject to Customs duty. The tariff classification is an 8 digit reference number and 2 digit statistical code, obtained from the Australian Customs Tariff that identifies the imported item and the rate of Customs duty that applies. The Tariff is available on line at www.apectariff.org
The rate of duty is determined by the classification of the imported goods in the Customs Tariff. The rate is usually a percentage of the price paid for the goods, excluding postage.
Generally goods are classified in the Customs Tariff to what they are, or what they do. As an example, clothing is classified to Chapter 61 or 62, machinery to Chapter 84.
Some goods are classified to the Chapter that covers the material from which they are made. An example is plastic tableware, which is classified to Chapter 39.
If you have any queries about tariffs contact the CI&SC on 1300 363 263 or by email at [email protected]
As the Tariff contains more than five thousand headings and sub-headings it is impossible to list specific rates here. Following is an example of some tariff items. This is only an example, for the complete Tariff list please refer to the Customs website (www.customs.gov.au)

Goods Jewellery
Tariff Item 71131900
Stat Codes 12

Who can I call to discuss the calculation of duty and GST on my parcel?
Inquiries about how Customs and Border Protection calculates duty and GST can be directed to the CI&SC on 1300 363 263 or emailed to [email protected]

Also see thread here
[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/ring-delivered-to-australia-without-customs-import-duty-yeahhh.135724/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/ring-delivered-to-australia-without-customs-import-duty-yeahhh.135724/[/URL]

So pay GST on setting, but no customs duty.. If you have tax invoice/receipt from your original purchase of the stone, you can prove you've already paid GST on that purchase, so you shouldn't need to pay again - then apply for concessional rate of duty as per the Australian - US Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA), under shedule 5 of the Tariff Act.

You never know your luck either ... I know someone who bought a ring from the US and never paid a cent on any kind of tax!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

I think it depends on the setting and diamond shape. GOG send the exact dimensions of my POH to Bev K without the stone and it fits like a glove! I can't comment on this particular setting, though - hopefully someone with a VC can chime in!

So you are saying your local jeweler set the stone? I am not concerned at all about the stone fitting. I am concerned about the prongs being done well.

 

[nomissjane]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

Thanks everyone for some great advice.

Despite all my prowling around on pricescope I've completely missed hearing about Mike Robinson and I'll definitely consider this idea, however I am kind of thinking that if I'm going to be sending my diamond anywhere overseas then it might as well be LA as NZ. I'm only guessing here, I'll have to do some more research but I'm hoping that the tax issue with my diamond coming back into oz would be much the same coming in from both countries.

I've previously bought my 1.35ct Brian Gavin signature H&A Studs from BGD and had such an easy experience with this that I'm hoping if I have all the previous invoices/receipts etc for my diamond purchased here in Oz that it might be an equally smooth process.

I've toyed with the idea of a reset for a few years but haven't found anyone here in Sydney that has anything close to what I would like and I'm really nervous about trying to translate my idea to someone by going the custom route.
Seeing Victors Emilya here and everyone's detailed photos I think is as close as I'm going to come to walking into a store here and saying 'that one!'. I guess I already feel like I know what the finished product looks like and that is sooooo reassuring to me.

I had a feeling that Suzimoo might have sent her diamond from Oz to Victor and was hoping that she might chime in and tell me how she did it.
I thought I might have my diamond unset here and send both it and my current setting together as I'm not very familiar with the different sizing in the US.

I'm terrible At trying to quote but thanks for all the links, I'll check them out.

Thank goodness for PS....not only do you start the cravings but then you help me make them happen. My favorite enablers.!

 

[nomissjane]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

Justginger, I love your idea of a holiday to New Zealand but we are already leaving in three weeks for a 4week holiday to Europe. It's going to be our last holiday overseas for a while as everything is just so blooming far away from here and I'm 20weeks pregnant with our second.
We thought we'd squeeze in an overseas holiday before our new bub arrives...maybe I should have suggested the US instead, hehe.

 

[yssie]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

Justginger, I love your idea of a holiday to New Zealand but we are already leaving in three weeks for a 4week holiday to Europe. It's going to be our last holiday overseas for a while as everything is just so blooming far away from here and I'm 20weeks pregnant with our second.
We thought we'd squeeze in an overseas holiday before our new bub arrives...maybe I should have suggested the US instead, hehe.

OT thought: maybe consider a plain band or one with much less pave? I don't have kids but from what I understand a woman's ring size can change, and if you go with a plain band resizing would be easy, if it's needed - you wouldn't have to send it back to VC, you could just get it done locally

 

[susimoo]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

For the sake of future reference, I'd love to know about this as well. I think I read someone did it with BGD, and made sure the invoice reflected that the diamond had been 'provided by customer' and the final amount paid was ONLY for the setting. That way, despite the package being insured for the entire value of the ring, the GST was only charged on the actual setting itself. We would all be so broke if we had to keep paying GST on our center stones!

Hello!!!!

I am in a rush this morning but will do a detailed reply this afternoon for you. Ginger pretty much nails it in her post quoted above.

Victor arranged everything for me and it was not an issue. (Although, truth be told it is very disconcerting seeing your sparkly leave in a box at the Fedex office! )

I am sure that you will find that it is a lot more reasonable than you think!!

I'll be back!

 

[nomissjane]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

Justginger, I love your idea of a holiday to New Zealand but we are already leaving in three weeks for a 4week holiday to Europe. It's going to be our last holiday overseas for a while as everything is just so blooming far away from here and I'm 20weeks pregnant with our second.
We thought we'd squeeze in an overseas holiday before our new bub arrives...maybe I should have suggested the US instead, hehe.

OT thought: maybe consider a plain band or one with much less pave? I don't have kids but from what I understand a woman's ring size can change, and if you go with a plain band resizing would be easy, if it's needed - you wouldn't have to send it back to VC, you could just get it done locally

Yssie, I'm pretty lucky that my hands and fingers don't ever seem to swell.
My ring size didn't change at all during my pregnancies and don't seem to change between summer or winter either.
I will however have 'Elephantitis' of the feet and ankles within the next month or so...I'll need something shiny on my finger to distract attention from the enormously swollen ends of my legs.

 

[nomissjane]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

For the sake of future reference, I'd love to know about this as well. I think I read someone did it with BGD, and made sure the invoice reflected that the diamond had been 'provided by customer' and the final amount paid was ONLY for the setting. That way, despite the package being insured for the entire value of the ring, the GST was only charged on the actual setting itself. We would all be so broke if we had to keep paying GST on our center stones!

Hello!!!!

I am in a rush this morning but will do a detailed reply this afternoon for you. Ginger pretty much nails it in her post quoted above.

Victor arranged everything for me and it was not an issue. (Although, truth be told it is very disconcerting seeing your sparkly leave in a box at the Fedex office! )

I am sure that you will find that it is a lot more reasonable than you think!!

I'll be back!

Thanks Suzimoo, I would really appreciate your advice and reassurance. Seeing your ring and knowing that your also in Oz is the reason I've even felt it was possible. Your ring is just stunning on your finger.

 

[susimoo]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

Just back home for a wee bit, so thought I would add a bit more detail.

If I miss anything out or if you want to know anything else, just say and I'll do my best to answer.


Ok...


I had been communicating with Victor about a possible custom ring project. I was second guessing myself and I think Victor picked up on that. He had gone to great trouble to explain various elements to me including Pave, which up until that point had terrfied me. (look at me now )

Once Victor had talked me through pave and its (obvious) benefits I felt that what I really wanted, was the ring that I had originally fallen in love with, Frankie's.

So, I asked Victor to arrange shipping of my stone. At his request it was removed from its setting and then he sent me a fedex label.
I printed this off, packaged up my diamond (VERY carefully ) and headed down to the fedex office.

Here is where it got a bit hairy.
They made me open my package. I was very upset and tried to talk them round. But they wouldn't budge.

So it was opened up, checked, then repackaged and sent on its way to LA.
I can tell you, I was a very relieved girl when Victor emailed me to say it had arrived.

The ring was made ( I like to think she was born )then sent to me.

The invoice clearly stated that it was for the value of the setting and shipping only. It also stated that it AUSFTA eligible.

I was very lucky that when it arrived and I had to pay duty, it only attracted the 10% charge.

I can say that Victor made the whole process plain sailing. If you are going to go ahead, just send him an email with all your concerns and I am sure he will do everything in his power to make this a very simple process.

In fact the hardest thing for me was the waiting!

Hope that helps a little. I look forward to seeing how you get on.

 

[nomissjane]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

Thanks Susimoo, that's so reassuring.

Can I ask what you did about insuring the ring during the process. I'm sorry, I'm probably going to end up asking some daft questions.
Also, if to not too rude to ask, is the insuring and postage obscenely expensive?

I hope you don't mind, but I may come back with some extra questions as they come to me.

I had thought that I wanted to reset my RB with a cushion halo instead as I have always lusted after a pillowy cushion diamond, but since I've seen the Emilya I'm hooked and I feel like I'd be trying to make my lovely RB into something "she's" not.

Victor just seems so great to deal with, he's returned my emails in lightning fast time, even with the time difference.

 

[susimoo]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

Thanks Susimoo, that's so reassuring.

Can I ask what you did about insuring the ring during the process. I'm sorry, I'm probably going to end up asking some daft questions.
Also, if to not too rude to ask, is the insuring and postage obscenely expensive?

I hope you don't mind, but I may come back with some extra questions as they come to me.

I had thought that I wanted to reset my RB with a cushion halo instead as I have always lusted after a pillowy cushion diamond, but since I've seen the Emilya I'm hooked and I feel like I'd be trying to make my lovely RB into something "she's" not.

Victor just seems so great to deal with, he's returned my emails in lightning fast time, even with the time difference.

No problem.

The cost to send/insure via Fedex was approx $200 each way which I was very happy with!!

I have just sent, via Australian Post, a mount to Wink, for him to fit a you know what( ) into it, for travel purposes. It cost me over $60 in postage and it is only worth a fraction of my RB!!

I actually was in a pickle re insuring my RB during the process. Basically it wasn't. The insurance that my husband took out did not cover it whilst it was being worked on, out of the country. Your policy may be different. It was a choice I had to make. I wouldn't encourage anyone else to do the same. However, because we are new to Oz, here 11 months, it was just too much red tape, trying to change/re insure etc, so I took a leap of faith!!
Once our current year runs out I will be looking for a different one or even a stand alone policy. That will be a whole other thread.

I, too am very drawn to more rectangle shapes but I am hopelessly in love with the performance of a RB. And I say that as a previous owner of a very awesome AVC. I do not regret going back to a RB, especially in its new home. I adore the roundness!!
I will simply have to get a second ring at a later stage that is more rectangle.

Just do not tell my darling and long suffering husband!!!

Victor was amazing with emails. That in itself was enough to make me want to go with him for my reset. I felt he was always there!!

My DH used to be amazed at the amount of 3am email convos Victor and I had via my iphone. I would update him at 6am and he was amazed that he didn't even wake. He only does that if I am shopping.

If you think of anything else, just ask!!!

 

[nomissjane]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

I think it depends on the setting and diamond shape. GOG send the exact dimensions of my POH to Bev K without the stone and it fits like a glove! I can't comment on this particular setting, though - hopefully someone with a VC can chime in!

So you are saying your local jeweler set the stone? I am not concerned at all about the stone fitting. I am concerned about the prongs being done well.

I agree, part of what I love about Victors work are those scrumptious prongs...it's also one of the things I've never truly loved about my current setting. I just don't know how I'd feel about anyone else touching the masters work, so to speak. Hehe.

 

[susimoo]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

I have to be honest, as I have paid the money for a hand made setting, I want it made with my diamond present and set by the master!!!

Hey, you may be different. as Kenny say's "people vary!"

 

[Chloegal]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

Susimoo, can I ask about the postage insurance? `If` the diamond would have gone missing on the way to US what was the diamond value insured up to.

I have been told that the maximum value that the diomand can be insured for is $5000.

What is your take on this?

 

[susimoo]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

Susimoo, can I ask about the postage insurance? `If` the diamond would have gone missing on the way to US what was the diamond value insured up to.

I have been told that the maximum value that the diomand can be insured for is $5000.

What is your take on this?

Hi Chloegal

Victor insured my diamond, with Fedex, for its current value (not the price I paid in March 2011), on the way there. On the way back, the packakge was insured for the value of my diamond plus setting.

That is way in excess of $5000.

Hope that helps!!!

Have a great weekend!!

 

[nomissjane]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

Oops double post

 

[nomissjane]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

I actually was in a pickle re insuring my RB during the process. Basically it wasn't. The insurance that my husband took out did not cover it whilst it was being worked on, out of the country. Your policy may be different. It was a choice I had to make. I wouldn't encourage anyone else to do the same. However, because we are new to Oz, here 11 months, it was just too much red tape, trying to change/re insure etc, so I took a leap of faith!!
Once our current year runs out I will be looking for a different one or even a stand alone policy. That will be a whole other thread. :'!

Should I look into getting my diamond insured for the time that it's with Victor, or is it usual that my diamond would be covered by Victors insurance for the time it's with him?
My diamond and setting are only covered as a separate valued item under our house and contents insurance so I'd need to find another way of insuring it if it was away from me.
Pity Sydney is just soooooo far 'down under'!

 

[Chloegal]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

I think it depends on the setting and diamond shape. GOG send the exact dimensions of my POH to Bev K without the stone and it fits like a glove! I can't comment on this particular setting, though - hopefully someone with a VC can chime in!

So you are saying your local jeweler set the stone? I am not concerned at all about the stone fitting. I am concerned about the prongs being done well.

Good point. I didn`t think of the prongs part but you are totally correct.

 

[Chloegal]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

Susimoo, can I ask about the postage insurance? `If` the diamond would have gone missing on the way to US what was the diamond value insured up to.

I have been told that the maximum value that the diomand can be insured for is $5000.

What is your take on this?

Hi Chloegal

Victor insured my diamond, with Fedex, for its current value (not the price I paid in March 2011), on the way there. On the way back, the packakge was insured for the value of my diamond plus setting.

That is way in excess of $5000.

Hope that helps!!!

Have a great weekend!!

Hi back !!!!

That is so cool how Victor did that.
I was talking to one of the more popular vendors here about how to get my stone to them and they offered me very little help really. Basically just told me to work it out myself and insure it myself from here. I explained that I was nervous about it and that was as far as we got. They also indicated that the insurance was only up to $5000 from here? Anyway it left me even more unsure about the whole idea after our online chat.

 

[justginger]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

Chloe, I know that sending through AusPost, $5000 is definitely the limit. I returned a colored diamond from Perth to Israel once and only insured it for $5k. It was worth $2k more than that, so I held my breath til it got there!

If you phone FedEx, I think you'll find that they'll insure heaps more. Strange though, once again when I was mailing a colored diamond (only in the States this time, and domestically, not internationally), they told me their limit was something like $6k for an unset stone. I think that may be different internationally though, and nearly every method of shipping (express, registered, etc) has its own rules. I think they do their utmost to make sure we're beyond confused!

 

[susimoo]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

I actually was in a pickle re insuring my RB during the process. Basically it wasn't. The insurance that my husband took out did not cover it whilst it was being worked on, out of the country. Your policy may be different. It was a choice I had to make. I wouldn't encourage anyone else to do the same. However, because we are new to Oz, here 11 months, it was just too much red tape, trying to change/re insure etc, so I took a leap of faith!!
Once our current year runs out I will be looking for a different one or even a stand alone policy. That will be a whole other thread. :'!

Should I look into getting my diamond insured for the time that it's with Victor, or is it usual that my diamond would be covered by Victors insurance for the time it's with him?
My diamond and setting are only covered as a separate valued item under our house and contents insurance so I'd need to find another way of insuring it if it was away from me.
Pity Sydney is just soooooo far 'down under'!

Hello!!!

I would look to have your diamond insured when it's travelling, being worked on etc.

Victor's insurance will not cover your stone when it is being worked on. That has to be done via the owner, ie you!
Victor did tell me he has never, ever, damaged a stone in all his time making his materpieces.

I have yet to find a policy here that does that though.

My situation is further complicated because we are only temporary residents, plus we are in rented accomodation. Your situation will be a lot different to mine.

I would love to know who you find that can do that, as it is always good to know, for future projects!

 

[susimoo]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

Susimoo, can I ask about the postage insurance? `If` the diamond would have gone missing on the way to US what was the diamond value insured up to.

I have been told that the maximum value that the diomand can be insured for is $5000.

What is your take on this?

Hi Chloegal

Victor insured my diamond, with Fedex, for its current value (not the price I paid in March 2011), on the way there. On the way back, the packakge was insured for the value of my diamond plus setting.

That is way in excess of $5000.

Hope that helps!!!

Have a great weekend!!

Hi back !!!!

That is so cool how Victor did that.
I was talking to one of the more popular vendors here about how to get my stone to them and they offered me very little help really. Basically just told me to work it out myself and insure it myself from here. I explained that I was nervous about it and that was as far as we got. They also indicated that the insurance was only up to $5000 from here? Anyway it left me even more unsure about the whole idea after our online chat.

Chloe

Like Ginger said I am sure if you contact Fedex you may be able to insure it for more.

That wasn't the case in the UK ( insurance limit was £1000 I think) so I had my vendor arrange the shipping, at my expense, via their Fedex account. This worked well with Good Old Gold, as I merrily changed and upgraded my stone several times!

Victor did the same as GOG. All shipping was arranged by him, via his account.

Good luck. It might be worth asking your vendor if they could do that for you.

 

[Mike R]

Re: Sending my diamond from Oz to US for reset - calling Suz

Hi, you might also find this thread helpful in your dealings with VC & Customs.

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/custom-ring-ausfta.130164/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/custom-ring-ausfta.130164/[/URL]