What I need to know about bringing Diamonds Back

[280AI]

Girlfriend is hell bent in buying a diamond or two while in South Africa. Please school me in the 'How To' bring these back into the USA.
I read somewhere if they are loose and not mounted in jewelry they are Duty-Free. I know you have to declare them at customs. but everything else is a blur.

TIA,
Ken

 

[Hyde Hunter]

I would say you should contact Customs in the airport you will fly back to, it could get costly and you don't want a surprise

 

[Ryan]

Go to help.cbp.gov and search or ask questions

Last I recalled loose gemstones have no duty, though you better declare them. Gems are sometimes used as a monetary instrument in illegal activities, so not declaring it looks pretty suspicious. Best to get with CBP now.

You may want to have her do some research too. Just because they are mined there doesn't mean she'll get any sort of a deal. Diamonds are pretty controlled and last I recall they go to Asia to be cut.

 

[ACE (in CT)]

I always thought that the accepted method was to just put them in a ballon and swallow them. Just me?

 

[IvW]

As long as you have paperwork and they are not bicycle diamands you should be fine.......

 

[Nyati]

Unless you know about diamonds, it could be a great deal, or you might pay more than they are worth.