Best way to buy Harry Winston ring from Canada?

[CBK]

Hey All,

First time poster. Great community you have here.

My question. I've *finally* found the ring I want to buy for my (hopefully) soon to be fiancee. It's from Harry Winston. Only issue is the store I am dealing with is in the USA, and I'm in Canada.

The salesperson I'm talking to is looking into what their recommended course of action is for selling to a Canadian, but figured it would make sense to check in here with the experts. I definitely want to do things on the up and up (will pay the Canadian duties, etc. if/as required - I don't want to just wear the ring back without declaring it), but just want to make sure I don't pay more than I have to. Not sure if it's better to straight out ship the ring to Canada (I think that avoids the state sales tax, but then I pay both provincial tax and duties when it arrives) or if there is a better idea.

What I find really strange is that looking at Harry Winston's website, I found out that they have operations in Canada:

Where do Harry Winston diamonds come from?
Harry Winston Inc. is owned by Harry Winston Diamond Corporation, a Toronto-based specialty diamond company with a 40% interest in the Diavik Diamond Mine located in Canada’s Northwest Territories. Being one of the world’s leading rough diamond suppliers, the company uses its strong industry relationships to secure reliable and trusted sources of the high-quality polished diamonds necessary for Harry Winston jewelry.

The diamonds in Harry Winston jewelry are purchased from global sources that adhere to the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme and The System of Warranties, which are the industry standards governing the purchase of diamonds from non-conflict areas.

You'd almost think as a Canadian entity they should be able to sell to Canadians direct.

Any help/advice/insight is appreciated. Also, if there is no way to buy Canada from them, do you think they're willing to negotiate down a bit on price still (I saw a thread here mentioning that you try and knock down the price when dealing with HW, but it was a couple years old.. not sure if that still applies). Would be nice to save back a few of the % I'll have to pay extra in duties.

Thanks in advance!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Some vendors do not sell ER's online and HW might be one of them (Bulgari does not...). If they ship to you in Canada, excellent. If not, your recourse is to visit a store, in person, and purchase a product. Your warrenty, etc, is not void b/c you live across a border.

If you do purchase, in person, across the border, simply declare your purchase as you would anything else (booze, purses, jeans...) by filling out the declarations card provided (by airline, at the border if driving...), etc. Since there are no other taxes (AKA NO DUTY) other then GST and PST, you pay just that...I think our dollar is par, so all is good there.

If they do have online shopping for ER's and ship across the border--same principle applies. You GST/PST only. Whatever you negoitate with HR is up to you!

And for goodness sakes, come back with pictures!

cheers--Sharon

 

[CBK]

Thanks for the quick reply. Makes sense. Definitely will come back with pictures... as long as she says yes!

 

[CBK]

Just following up here with an update. HW was great to work with this on this. I did pay my local taxes (GST/PST), but then Harry Winston took care of all the shipping expense (plus insurance) and paid the duties on the shipment (which would have been significant if I had to pay). Definitely good for people to know if looking to pick up an HW when in Canada.

Overall great experience in dealing with them.. and best thing yet, she said YES!!!

 

[distracts]

Congratulations!

 

[canuk-gal]

Just following up here with an update. HW was great to work with this on this. I did pay my local taxes (GST/PST), but then Harry Winston took care of all the shipping expense (plus insurance) and paid the duties on the shipment (which would have been significant if I had to pay). Definitely good for people to know if looking to pick up an HW when in Canada.

Overall great experience in dealing with them.. and best thing yet, she said YES!!!

That is awesome--but I didn't think there are any duties...I mean no excise tax...that has long been abolished in Canada..of course you paid the sales and Prov tax....that said......


For goodness sakes man....WHERE are the PICS??????

cheers--Sharon

 

[Enerchi]

Ditto Sharon's request ==== HW diamonds require mandatory photos!!! You have a reputation to uphold!

Congratulations on your engagement!