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Thread: Importing Gemstone from India in the UK via Etsy, rules, regulations & custom charges

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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2019
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    Default Importing Gemstone from India in the UK via Etsy, rules, regulations & custom charges

    Hello,

    I’ve already searched on this thread can’t seem to find anything about this specific topic, so I’m going to ask and see if anyone else is in the same situation or have experience in this area.

    I’m looking to buy semi precious gemstones but after a lot of research I can’t find any good supplier in the UK. I mean there’re a quite few suppliers but they’re all very expensive in comparison to what you can get from abroad.

    I landed on Etsy and a lot of suppliers from India are selling these gemstone with 1000s of good reviews, so I was wondering if anyone has experience dealing with these suppliers through Etsy or directly and want to share their experience? I’ve spoken to a few suppliers from India and they have sent me pics and videos etc which are looking good.

    I know there’s custom charges when you get anything from abroad, every product you get has it’s own code etc and the rules are different if I was buying diamond or other high quality precious gemstones. But I’m mainly looking for semi precious stones, like opal or moonstones (to be more specific) as I would be selling my pieces eventually for £20 - £60.

    I know you register directly with HMRC for getting goods in and out for larger quantities but I’m talking here about once in a while so I think in this case mainly the courier dealing with it will be sorting this already and if there’s any charges they’ll let me know. Something like when you buy things from eBay sometime they charge you and other times it just goes through customs.

    Certififying Semi Precious Gemstones- I don’t think I have to certify semi precious gemstones, these include ruby, opal, sapphire etc by law unless I’m selling diamonds etc?

    I want to do things the right way and put the foundation right from the beginning, so any help, tips would be greatly appreciated!

    Thank you

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
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    1,086

    Default

    I can put you in touch with an actual opal miner in Australia - met her earlier this month in hong kong (yes,,Her!)
    You don't have to certify anything. This is an American thing because they do not have our strict consumer laws (eg trade descriptions act etc)

    For small packets you can leave customs clearance to the importing shipping agent who will do the clearing for you (and charge a fee)
    For just a few gemstones have a look at https://www.gemcollector.com/en-gb/ . Steve Bennett is an avid gem person who knows his stuff. Family company based near brum
    Later you may even want to go to India and select stones yourself - much more fun! (or you can go to the huge trade fair in Hong Kong) Then come back and ask me how to hand carry your imports through customs and save the fees and shipping charges
    Author: Pearls A Practical Guide
    www.pearlsapractical.guide
    www.Pearlescence.co.uk

  3. #3
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    Mar 2019
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    That sounds amazing! Yes currently just looking for a few gemstones so I would look at Steve's website. I was always worried about certifying them but this sounds great that I don't need to. I love Australian Opal, I'll be in touch when I need larger quantities! Thank you so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge xx

  4. #4
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    Dec 2014
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    South Australia
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    Can't help with UK customs etc, just want say that Ruby and Sapphire are precious stone not semi precious.

  5. #5
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    Mar 2019
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    Ah I see, I was always under the impression that the lower grade ones are semi-precious gemstones as they're so cheap. Perhaps I should go and do some more research online, thanks for letting me know! xx

  6. #6
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    I buy a lot of stones from India, and so far, fingers crossed, I have not paid any customs, although every packet I get from the US carries a charge! Also, the stones have on the whole been really good. You get what you pay for really. I don't sell very expensive jewellery and like my stones to have 'character', ie inclusions, veils, etc. If I need something special I usually go to Wards.

  7. #7
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    Mar 2019
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    Quote Originally Posted by theresa View Post
    I buy a lot of stones from India, and so far, fingers crossed, I have not paid any customs, although every packet I get from the US carries a charge! Also, the stones have on the whole been really good. You get what you pay for really. I don't sell very expensive jewellery and like my stones to have 'character', ie inclusions, veils, etc. If I need something special I usually go to Wards.
    Sounds good! Yes I got a few things from US and each time ended up paying a lot of money in custom charges so I know you’re pain. 🙂

  8. #8
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    Sep 2011
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    A really rubbish sapphire is still a precious stone.
    Author: Pearls A Practical Guide
    www.pearlsapractical.guide
    www.Pearlescence.co.uk

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Posts
    946

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    The only thing that worries me about buying from sellers who are offering cheap stones is how ethical their practices are towards the enviroment and their staff. I'd like to buy direct from artisanal mines less good quality stones (therefor cheaper) but most fairtrade and ethical projects seem to mainly deal in your high end stones .

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
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    Scotland
    Posts
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    I know this to be a family run business and mine, I’ve met Maira at fairs and she posts occasionally on our Scottish Jewellers group https://gemstonesbrazil.com/

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