Buying jade across borders is normal today, but the paperwork and risk are different from a domestic purchase. The seller should be able to confirm every point below before you send money - and if they cannot, that is a warning sign in itself.
Before payment: the confirmation list
- Delivery method and tracking: which courier, which service, and the expected transit time to your address.
- Insurance: whether the parcel is insured for its full declared value and who claims if it is lost or damaged.
- Duties and taxes: who is responsible for import duties, VAT and customs handling at your end. Ask for a written statement, not a guess.
- Packaging: how the bangle or strand is cushioned - a bangle needs firm support so the ring cannot flex or knock inside the box.
- Customs description: how the parcel will be declared. A truthful, correctly valued declaration protects both sides; asking the seller to undervalue parcels is risky for you.
Payment and protection
Use a payment method that gives you a record and a dispute channel. Avoid wiring money to unknown accounts without a written order confirmation, photographs of the exact piece, and agreed terms. A professional seller expects questions and answers in writing.
Returns and disputes
Agree return terms before payment, not after: how long you have to inspect the piece, who pays return shipping and insurance, what condition is expected, and what happens if the piece does not match the listing or fails an agreed test. International returns are expensive, so the terms are part of the real price.
Should I buy before I see the piece in person?
Many collectors do, based on photographs, video and documentation - but only when the seller offers clear evidence and fair return terms. If the value is high, consider arranging an independent check at a recognised laboratory before final payment.
What should I do when the parcel arrives?
Film or photograph the unboxing, check the piece against the listing immediately, and report any damage within the agreed window. Keep the packaging until you are sure the piece is correct.
Final checklist
- Written confirmation of courier, insurance, duties and delivery time.
- Photographs of the exact piece before payment.
- Clear return and testing terms agreed in writing.
- A payment method with a dispute channel.
Ask us about any of these points through the contact form before ordering from our collections.
Sources: GIA education pages on jadeite and nephrite. Import rules differ by country - confirm duties and customs terms with your local authority as well as the seller.