importing engagement ring from america

deckycoop

hii. i am looking to import a ring from usa and i want to know.1.if its safe,2.is there a good saving.3.if there is any way to get around paying import duty into ireland.

ABajaninCork

Dunno about the safety of these sites. Most people actually go to NY and bring the ring back.

If you import via the website (and therefore the post!), then you'll be liable for import duty which is about 30% of the purchase price. And Customs won't release the goods until the duty's paid...

If you want to make a saving, then why not go across to Antwerp or the UK? No import duty that way as duty already paid and it'll be cheaper!

DiamondGuy

My advice would be to get the following information from the seller and then ask Irish jewellers to quote for same specifications:

What metal is the ring? If white gold, is it 14kt or 18kt, is it a high palladium content white gold (if so, less rhodium plating going forward)

What size are the individual diamonds and what is the total carat weight?

Are the diamonds certified? If so, by whom? Bear in mind some certificates are not worth the paper they are written on!

Are the diamonds 100% natural or are they treated?

What are the returns policy and what about after sales service?

Ask is the ring solid or is it hollow and flimsy- some manufacturers are making rings now that are light with reduced metal content that will not last the test of time.

Cheers

ABajaninCork

What's to say that Customs won't open the box and find the ring? Even if the parcel's marked as a gift, you run the risk of Customs finding it (or worse!). They can and do conduct spot checks.

It's a lot of aggro which can be avoided. Looks as though you have a decent budget. Diamond Guys's made an excellent suggestion. Or go to Antwerp or the UK where you can definitely get something decent? And you don't have to worry about Customs either!!

Just thought - Why not let the lucky lady choose the ring? After all, it's got to be something she'll love as she's the one wearing it for the rest of her life! Make a nice little trip out of it.

DiamondGuy

Hi Deckycop,

Did you get a copy of the certificate? Have you pictures of the ring?

If so, email some reputable jewellers and get quotes for exact specifications?

Cheers

Sleepy

deckycoop wrote: »

the ring i looking at is a good quality ring which is valued at about 3500euro. the Irish equivalent is valued at over 6000 euro but if i have to pay import duty it could be in the. region of 1000 euro so it would put me over my 4000euro budget.. could i send the ring to a family member in America and could they post it over via registered post in a box wit other bits and things

That's called smuggling. It's illegal. No-one on boards can give you advice on breaking the law without getting the site in trouble too.

Toots

Please do not ask for or give information on how to avoid import duty. As has already been pointed out here, to intentionally try to circumvent paying it is illegal.

prettygurrly

em i didn't purposefully circumvent customs...thanks for deleting my post for no reason.

bipedalhumanoid

Obviously you can't just import a ring from another country and escape import Duty, but what if you actually travelled together to a non-EU country and got engaged in that country. Are you liable for import duty on return?

It's not really the same thing as ordering a ring in the post or smuggling the unopened product back in your luggage.

nompere

bipedalhumanoid wrote: »

Obviously you can't just import a ring from another country and escape import Duty, but what if you actually travelled together to a non-EU country and got engaged in that country. Are you liable for import duty on return?

It's not really the same thing as ordering a ring in the post or smuggling the unopened product back in your luggage.

Yes - of course.

That's why there are red and green channels through customs at Dublin Airport. If you walk through the green channel, and get stopped having bought something abroad, you're going to have some serious explaining to do. It's called tax evasion/smuggling, and it's a criminal offence.

bipedalhumanoid

nompere wrote: »

Yes - of course.

That's why there are red and green channels through customs at Dublin Airport. If you walk through the green channel, and get stopped having bought something abroad, you're going to have some serious explaining to do. It's called tax evasion/smuggling, and it's a criminal offence.

Thank you for your considered response.

Of course I would declare it. But there are all sorts of exemptions based on volume, cost, whether an item has already been opened for use etc. Hence the question.

There is a problem with buying Jewellery in Ireland that goes beyond the ludicrously high tax rate. There also seems to be a ludicrously high markup.

A few years back I bought two ladies watches as gifts. For each I had a budget of €300. The one that was going to a person resident in Ireland, I bought in Ireland. The one that was gong to a person resident in Australia, I bought online from an Australian web site.

Neither were designer watches, but the Irish watch was stainless steal and had a very small face. The Australian one was a mix of white and yellow gold and had small diamonds encrusted in the face. the face was about twice the size of the Irish watch too.

The difference in tax rates was 13% in favour of the Australian purchase. not nearly enough to come anywhere near explaining the difference when it comes to what I got for my money in each case.

We get absolutely raped here on prices. I'm ok with paying Irish VAT, but I simply won't trust an Irish Jeweller with a purchase of this magnitude. I am consdering Antwerp now.

peter_dublin

OP I am the same, luckily I travel a lot for business to the US and will be purchasing in the US from a jewelers an antique ring whom put it on lay away. A smaller ring here in the vintage shops in beside Powercourt was over 5000 euro. I'm paying just over 2000. There also seems to be good value to be had in the UK especially compared to here and if buying vintage as everyone wants new. I am specifically after an Emerald and Diamond ring so have less choice than normal.

For my first engagement ring, (Same women ten years ago) I went via the Antwerp route, the Peter often mention on here, got a lovely ring here with a great stone for far less than Ireland when valued.

Arbiter of Good Taste

Bear in mind, if you buy in the US and take it with you then and there, rather than have them send it to you, you will be liable for sales tax. I think it's 8% in NYC. On top of that is the risk of being caught by customs when you re-enter Ireland

Wabbit Ears

Also note that you need to get anything posted insured and many postage companies will not insure small items to the value of an engagement ring for reasonable money. This also means properly delcaring the items and value on the postal documentation.