TL;DR: goods sent directly from a UK business to a buyer outside the UK are generally treated differently for UK VAT, but your own country may charge import VAT, GST or duty when the ring arrives, and the customer pays that. We are jewellers, not tax advisers, so check your position with an adviser and ask us to set out the total in writing.
The short version
UK VAT is charged on sales within the UK. For goods that leave the UK, the rules are different, which is why prices for overseas buyers can look different from those shown to UK buyers. We explain what applies to your order when we confirm your design. Because tax rules change and depend on individual circumstances, please treat this page as general background rather than advice.
Shipped to you abroad
When a ring is sent directly to a buyer outside the UK, the treatment for UK VAT generally differs from a sale made to a customer in the UK. The business has to keep records to support that, which is one reason we ask for a delivery address and confirm it in writing. We set out the total you will pay for your design before you commit.
Collecting in the UK
If you collect a ring in person, the position can be different from a ring we ship abroad. Most of our international customers work with us by video consultation and message and never visit, so this is rarely the situation, but ask us if you plan to be in the UK.
Local taxes on arrival
Your country may charge import VAT, GST, sales tax or duty when the ring arrives. The customer pays import duty and tax, and rates and thresholds differ by country and change over time, so we explain what to expect rather than quote figures that may go out of date. Delivery is insured and tracked with FedEx, and the courier will tell you if anything is due.
Northern Ireland and the EU
Rules for goods moving between Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the EU have their own features. If you live in one of those places, ask us before you order and check your local requirements.
Planning your budget
Treat tax as part of the cost of the ring. Our pieces start from £600, each design is quoted individually, and your local charges are on top of that. Our guide to reading your invoice and certificate explains the documents you receive, and ten questions international customers ask covers the wider process.
Keeping records
Keep your invoice, payment confirmation and any delivery paperwork together. They help with a customs query, insurance and future valuations. Standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, varying with your location and how busy we are, and nothing is made until you approve the design in writing.
Questions to ask before you commit
- What total will I pay, and in which currency?
- Who pays import duty and tax, and when?
- Which documents will travel with the ring?
- Is delivery insured and tracked?
For us, the customer pays import duty and tax, and delivery is insured and tracked with FedEx.
Frequently asked questions
Do I pay UK VAT if my ring is shipped abroad?
The treatment generally differs from a UK sale, but check your own position and ask us to set out the total in writing.
Do I pay UK VAT if I collect in the UK?
The position can differ, so please ask us before you plan a collection.
Will I pay tax when the ring arrives?
Your country may charge import VAT, GST or duty, and the customer pays it. We explain what to expect before you order.