TL;DR: Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are treated differently for goods coming from Great Britain, so the tax and paperwork on a ring can differ depending on which side of the border it is delivered to. Tell us the exact delivery address. The customer pays import duty and tax, rules change, and we explain what to expect before you order rather than quote figures. Pieces start from £600.
Two different systems
The Republic of Ireland is part of the EU, so a ring sent from the UK is an import into the EU. Northern Ireland has special arrangements for goods, which can make the treatment of goods moving between Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the EU more complicated. The details are technical and change, so please do not treat this page as a guide to the rules.
What this means in practice
If your ring goes to the Republic, expect it to be treated as an import, with import VAT and possibly duty. If it goes to Northern Ireland, the treatment can differ, and extra paperwork may be needed. We cannot predict exactly what will apply to your parcel, so we explain what to expect and ask you to check the current rules.
If you are split between the two
Some couples live on opposite sides of the border, or the ring is a gift for family in the other jurisdiction. Tell us where you live, where the ring will be delivered and where the recipient lives. A small difference in address can change the process.
Why the exact address matters
Towns close to the border can have similar looking postcodes and very different customs treatment. We record the delivery address in your written quote so the courier is given the right destination from the start, which avoids a parcel being routed or declared the wrong way. If the ring is a surprise for someone who might receive it at a relative's home, confirm which side of the border that home is on before you order.
A few scenarios
- You live in the Republic and the ring comes to you: expect import charges, which you pay.
- You live in Northern Ireland: the treatment can differ, so check the current rules and tell us the address.
- You live in one and the ring goes to a relative in the other: tell us both places, so we can explain what to expect.
- You will carry the ring across the border yourself: check what applies to carrying a valuable item before you travel.
What to do
- Give us the exact delivery address.
- Check the current rules on the relevant customs website.
- Budget for charges as a possibility.
- Keep your invoice and design approval together.
Keep your records for later
Hold on to the invoice, the customs paperwork and any receipt for charges you paid. They are useful for insurance, and they help if the ring ever needs to come back to us for work, because the history of the piece is already documented. A digital copy stored somewhere safe, away from the ring, is a sensible extra. Our guide to reading your invoice and certificate explains what each document shows.
Who pays
The customer pays import duty and tax. Delivery is insured and tracked with FedEx, and the courier will contact you if anything is due. Our guide to ten questions international customers ask covers the wider process.
Timing
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. Our guide to how written approval works explains the step.
Frequently asked questions
Is the tax different in Northern Ireland?
The treatment of goods can differ, so tell us the exact address and check current rules.
Does the Republic charge import VAT?
Expect import charges, which the customer pays.
Who pays?
The customer pays import duty and tax.
Is delivery insured?
Yes, delivery is insured and tracked with FedEx.
Should I keep the customs paperwork?
Yes. Keep it with the invoice for insurance and any future work on the ring.