Purchasing Diamonds From Canada – Import Duties, Taxes, and Customs Fees

*Note: ODBA no longer recommends EnchantedDiamonds.com

Q:

Hi Liz,

Thank you for all the advice on your website. Your diamond search was really helpful in looking for diamonds. That said, we’re still struggling to determine which diamond is the best value for our money – could you please help us?

We’re looking for a round brilliant cut diamond engagement ring. Our preference is to put it on a 6-prong solitaire setting (simple and elegant). We think we would prioritize brilliance/fire/etc. over the size of the diamond, so we’d really appreciate if you could make recommendations across a variety of carat weights (e.g. we would consider paying $500 more for 0.05 more carats, but maybe not $2,000). Our budget is around $6K for the diamond.

We will be purchasing this ring from Canada. Are you aware of any additional things we’d need to note (e.g. additional charges such as duties/sales tax) when purchasing this ring?

Thanks so much for your help.

Penelope

A:

Hi Penelope,

I’m glad to hear that ODBA’s diamond search has been helpful to you! Here are a few diamonds that I recommend for you:

1.02ct J VS2 for $5,200.00: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R102-TDLABM

1.36ct J VVS2 for $6,680.00: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R136-EFF24L

1.27ct I IF for $6,950.00: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/diamonds/view/R127-6W3QVA

Enchanted Diamonds regularly ships diamonds to Canada without any issue. You will likely pay for any import duties, taxes, or customs fees into Canada which is standard practice. All shipments are via FedEx International Priority and estimated delivery is within 3-5 days of the shipment date. Of course, every package is fully insured during transit and requires a signature upon delivery. Some things to keep in mind:

Typically, if jewelry has set diamonds and is being imported from the US to Canada then:

1. If jewelry has documentation that it was made in the USA, then under NAFTA, you are not liable to pay any duty fees and only HST.

2. If jewelry does not have documentation that it was made in the USA, then you will likely be charged duty fees and HST.

If you are purchasing only loose diamonds from the US to Canada then:

1. Must pay HST.

*Taxes are based on what you paid for the jewelry or diamond(s) and not the appraisal.

As for a six-prong solitaire – I recommend this gorgeous platinum Tiffany Style knife edge for only $1,330.00: https://enchanteddiamonds.com/rings/view/six-prong-knife-edge-round-solitaire-SL5-PT-R

Please let me know what you think and if you have any questions!

Kind Regards,

Liz

Q:

Hi Liz,

Thank you so much for your quick reply. Your recommendations are great. We will definitely give it some thought – we have lots to think about! Thanks so much!

Penelope