Purchasing a ring to send to the UK from the US

[sparks1007]

Hi All. I know this has been asked a couple of times but I can only find topics where stones are being set into settings etc. I am considering buying a complete ring from New Jersey. I need to get it sent to the UK so that a friend can bring it over when she comes to visit at the end of October.

Any ideas on how to avoid tax/customs etc? Or rather, to minimise the costs?

Thanks!

 

[Gypsy]

Well, we can't help you with tax evasion. That's illegal.
But can tell you that there are certain vendors that have expertise in overseas transactions who can make the process easier for you.
But also tell you that there are a few vendors in the UK we know of that maybe you can buy from, so that the transaction is not an overseas one.

 

[sparks1007]

I'm not asking you to do anything illegal or to help me in doing so but there have been several similar questions asked and answered on here. I genuinely have no idea how the US tax system works. If I buy something from NJ and it gets shipped abroad, do I pay tax in NJ? I know I have to pay customs duties in the UK - does anyone know how much they are? Can I safely limit these by using someone like UPS who offers that service where they remove paperwork prior to delivery at customs?

Thanks.

 

[Natylad]

Well, we can't help you with tax evasion. That's illegal.
But can tell you that there are certain vendors that have expertise in overseas transactions who can make the process easier for you.
But also tell you that there are a few vendors in the UK we know of that maybe you can buy from, so that the transaction is not an overseas one.

I don't want to threadjack, but Gypsy could you please give us more information about the UK vendors from whom you can buy online? Do they sell loose diamonds?

 

[Gypsy]

The best person to advise you is a vendor versed in international transactions. Try calling Brian Gavin Diamonds and ask them.

Naty, I think there is an Infinity Dealer in the UK and one in Europe as well. I also know of a reputable old cut vendor in London... I would have to dig him up, but he's a very lovely man.

 

[sparks1007]

I'm sorry but making phone calls is a little bit difficult for me.

Maybe I could email Brian Gavin. I just need a rough idea of where to start.

I would also be very interested in the old cut contact that you have in the UK please. This is exactly what I'm looking for. Unfortunately I cannot call him but I could email.

Many thanks.

 

[Rhea]

Phone calls to the US are quite inexpensive if that's your concern. I have family over there, call them regularly, and pay 1p per minute. It just shows up on my monthly phone bill. Good Old Gold is on the East coast and has a 5 hour time difference so if you work a traditional 8 or 9am til 5pm schedule your evening would be their early afternoon.

VAT is 20% for items over £15, about $22, if it's not a gift, and items over £18, about $27, if it is a gift. I think an extra duty is added over a certain value which an engagement ring almost definitely would be. http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/tax-and-duty.htm is a good starting point.

 

[sparks1007]

Thanks Rhea. I don't live in the UK so phone calls are difficult from here.

Hmmm... the customs and VAT charges are hefty. So, if something costs me say $2000. I would have to pay an additional 20% when it gets to the UK plus additional charges if applicable right?

 

[Rhea]

I'm confused about where you are and what you're trying to do. If you live on one of the outlying islands, like Jersey or Man, then the VAT and tax rules may be different and it might be less expensive to have it sent directly to you rather than having someone carry it over.

Import taxes are very high to most of Europe. Depending on your location and what you're looking for it may be less expensive to shop local. Diamonds in general are very expensive in Europe, but if you have a $2,000 budget, which seems to be about £1,000 if you take into account the VAT then it might be better to try to stretch it over here. I don't know what the threshold is for when you get hit with the import tax and I have no idea what shipping is from the US to the UK costs. The US vendor that you're considering may be able to assist in figuring out the shipping costs.

 

[sparks1007]

Sorry. I should have explained but I've already bored most people on here with my situation. I don't live in Europe. I live in Asia. I have a friend coming out to visit though soon so she could bring the item with her when she comes to visit.

Thanks for all the info.

 

[Paul-Antwerp]

Just wanting to put some things in perspective here.

A consumer buying inside the US generally has to pay a sales-tax on top of the ticket-price. Inter-state-sales like the traditional one over the Internet can avoid that tax, but in theory, the sales-tax is payable.

A consumer buying inside the European Union has to pay the VAT-rate of the country of purchase. If the item is imported from outside of the European Union, that tax is payable at import. For instance, in the UK, the VAT-rate now is 20%.

On top of that, for someone importing diamonds or jewellery into the UK, there is an import-duty of 1 or 1.5%.

In theory, for a consumer coming from outside of the European Union, the VAT can be recovered. However, buying in the US, importing it into the UK in some way, than re-exporting, good luck on arranging the VAT-return.

Live long,

 

[Gypsy]

This is the vendor from the UK. I have spoken to him quite a bit and he's a lovely gentlemen. I have also referred people to him, and they have all been very pleased.

http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/haughton1956?_trksid=p2047675.l2559 He has a store (a real physical one).