Tips to Shop for International Fine Jewelry Gifts and Customs
If you are buying fine jewelry and it will be shipped internationally to you or as a gift to someone special, this is for you.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT SHOPPING INTERNATIONAL FINE JEWELRY, CUSTOMS, AND DUTIES
Finding an exceptional piece to celebrate a personal milestone or that one-of-a-kind jewelry gift that is profoundly perfect, can be a journey. Sometimes that jewel endures a literal journey through international customs to be delivered.
Before you invest, I can help you mitigate unanticipated delays, customs, and duties costs by choosing discerning jewelry from designers in the UK, EU, US, and beyond.
1. Customs duties and taxes can be an additional 15% +/- on top of the purchase price of the jewelry, depending on the country
The most important thing to know about shipping jewelry gifts internationally is that it must pass through customs. While every country is different and the duties and taxes cannot be calculated in advance, be aware it can be an additional 15% +/- the cost of your jewelry purchase. Most unfortunately, this payment is due upon delivery to be paid by the person receiving it. Otherwise, the jewelry will not be released until it is paid in full.
SOLUTION: By working with The Brilliant Concierge, I can curate 2 - 3 pieces for you to choose from that would not require shipping internationally.
For example, if you live in NYC and your partner lives in London, I would propose jewelry gift ideas for her that reflect her personal style from within the UK. Similarly, if you live anywhere in the world and someone dear to you lives in the US, the process is similarly seamless. I would curate ideas from a US designer, you would make the purchase, and I would ship it to her within the US.
JEWELRY FROM UK DESIGNERS
2. Some countries are more challenging than others to ship jewelry from the US
If you have selected a piece for purchase from this website and do not see the country listed that you would like the jewelry delivered to, it is due to known shipping issues. Unfortunately, a few of these countries are Portugal, Italy, and Israel.
SOLUTION: Depending on what global region you or the person you are sending a gift to is located, I can provide a selection of pieces from a designer within that region for you to choose from. Once the purchase is made, I work with the designer to ensure the jewelry arrives without incident.
For example, if you live in Italy, several celebrated designers whose coveted work is made in Italy or the EU can be shipped without incident.
JEWELRY FROM EU DESIGNERS
3. Jewelry that has been shipped internationally cannot be returned
Because of all the international logistics and customs duties and taxes involved, be aware that jewelry that has been shipped internationally cannot be returned for any reason.
SOLUTION: If you are planning to ship a jewelry gift internationally, be sure to contact me in advance of purchase so that any questions can be answered in advance of a sale. Any designer and I can provide additional images and videos of the piece you are interested in to ensure the unique qualities of the jewelry you choose are what you are seeking.
JEWELRY FROM US DESIGNERS
4. Shipping internationally increases your carbon footprint
Many of us are becoming more intentional about our purchases by choosing fewer better things. You can also choose to support a celebrated woman designer who may be local to you or the person receiving your jewelry gift! The shorter the jewelry must travel, the lower the carbon footprint.
SOLUTION: Supporting local women designers can lower your carbon footprint. There are talented women all around the world whose design signatures are uniquely beautiful. I can guide you in shopping for jewelry from one of these designers who may have ready-made pieces to ship or she can create something bespoke that reflects your personal story. Note that bespoke jewelry can take 4 to 8 weeks… good things come to those who wait!
As your fine jewelry concierge, finding deeply personal pieces for you or someone you love is what I love doing most. I look forward to providing you with peace of mind in helping you select jewelry that has an emotional connection and aligns with your values.
WHAT CLIENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE BRILLIANT CONCIERGE SERVICES
When seeking an especially unique birthday gift for my girlfriend, All The Brilliants’ concierge service guided me through the possibilities. From Melissa’s curated jewelry options, to behind-the-scenes updates, to delivery, I felt well cared for. The chandelier emerald earrings are awesome and she is over the moon!
I happily recommend the personalized shopping experience with Melissa.
INITIATED IN NYC, DESIGNED IN MONACO, MADE IN ITALY, DELIVERED TO GERMANY
Read on for the story behind this jewelry gift and discover my service in curating one-of-a-kind jewelry gifts that also create solutions to ensure a seamless, fluid delivery…
This EU-based customer commissioned emerald and diamond drop earrings as a gift to celebrate his girlfriend’s special birthday.
After a Zoom between me in NYC and him in Germany, we discussed what he was seeking and information about his partner. Because the earrings would be delivered to Germany, working with a celebrated EU-based designer was the best solution for him.
Together with Marianna of Makova, we shared two design directions for his consideration.
With the design selected, Marianna selected matching emeralds to create elongated drop earrings that would really move when being worn!
Once the CAD rendering was approved, the casting, assembling, and setting got underway at her Italian atelier. As updates became available, the client received photos and video, along with a detailed explanation of the process.
We were thrilled to receive the news from the birthday celebration in Germany that she was “over the moon” having received her sparkling gift!
What are the benefits of The Brilliant Concierge service?
A fluid, highly personalized service, presenting you with thoughtfully designed jewelry that will be loved and worn. The service can be:
• Helping you rediscover what you may already have in your jewelry box and identifying wardrobe needs for your next investment.
• Advising you on jewelry that will endure and fit your lifestyle.
• Sourcing gemstones and fine jewelry that aligns with your values and supports the UNSDGs.