Will I pay import duty for gems in my home country?

Whether you pay import duty really depends on your home country’s customs rules, plus whatever duty-free personal allowance you get, and also any current free trade agreements about loose gemstones versus jewellery that is already set and mounted.

• United States: Loose, unmounted gemstones are usually brought in without duty, while completed jewellery can attract a small charge if the assessed value goes past your personal exemption, which is listed as $800.
• United Kingdom & EU: In many cases, you will owe standard VAT, about 20%, and then any customs duties that apply too, if the declared value exceeds your allowance thresholds. Always verify this with your local border force website before you travel.