Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Easter Clark]

I recently bought a diamond ring through an acquaintance in the US for a good deal. The only problem is I need it to be in Korea. The reason I ordered it in the states is because diamonds are outrageously priced here.

If I have the ring sent here, will I have to pay a heavy duty? It's nothing too special (.75 carat) so I'm not sure if customs will even notice...maybe it would be a good idea to have something else sent and have the ring hidden in the package? What about having it sent with my CBC in a FedEx envelope?

[jdog2050]

[bassexpander]

Send it in a small box with some innocuous little christmas trinkets,cards from home, etc. Have the diamond hidden in with some of the food somehow. Make sure the customs label doesn't show anything special, and that the total is really low (maybe $40).

[Xuanzang]

Put it among other metallic stuff as a sole ring will light up like a Christmas tree on the x-ray.

[crazy_arcade]

sketchy.

[Easter Clark]

What's sketchy about wanting to avoid paying through the nose for a wedding ring? Any advice Mr. Arcade or are you just here to pass judgment on others?

bassexpander--I like your suggestion. May give it a try. Do they X-Ray FedEx packages? I was thinking of having some clothes sent over and stuffing the ring in a pocket...

I guess this problem hasn't been encountered by anyone else? Even if I flew to the US and got the ring myself, it would still be cheaper than buying a similar ring in Korea. When I was window shopping for rings last week, I told the lady my budget and laughed at loud at what she showed me.

[cazzy3]

i wouldn't try and hide the ring in any food substances. food can be discarded by carriers. check and see what the customs duty will cost and if it's not outrageous, have it sent by FEDEX w/ a tracking number. see how much insurance is for the package and if you need to, you can pay extra for the reassurance. something as valuable and sentimental as an engagement ring, shouldn't be taken too lightly.

also, have the diamond certification sent w/ the package and see if you can obtain another copy via email as proof of the size, clarity, shape, etc. if you encounter any problems w/ the package when it arrives.

good luck.

[CeleryMan]

Unless it's flawless vs1, I wouldn't sweat it. Everyone knows Korea is flooded with fugazis anyways.

[Easter Clark]

[CeleryMan]

My point was lots of fugahgah in this country when it comes to 'diamonds'

[Xuanzang]

You dont need to use FedEx. Just use USPS EMS service. Trackable, less costly, can have insurance and arrives within 3-5 days. There is no special exemption for jewellery. I used it to ship an expensive watch from home. I wrote sender`s personal items, USED. No commercial value.

[crazy_arcade]

[crazy_arcade]

I have no doubt that flying to the States and buying it would be cheaper.

Have you seen the prices attached to jewerly with cubic zirconia (Koreans say "cubix) in this country???

Just have it sent as a gift by fed-ex with the proper value on it. If it's worth money, then you want to be protected.

Also, just out of curiousity, what did they offer you and for how much? I'm in the market also.

[bassexpander]

Import/customs fees are very steep in Korea.

Be sure you check into this before you purchase it.

My wife bought me a platinum tiffany wedding band from Tiffany in the USA. If we had purchased it in Korea, the cost was about $500 difference! I think it was $1,800 in the USA, but $2,300 at a Tiffany store in Korea.

This was when the exchange rate was 950 to 1. I shudder to think what has happened to prices now!

[Easter Clark]

Hmm...the way things are looking, it may be best just to have my folks bring the ring over when they come for the wedding...