Luxury Jewelry Shipping Guide

📅 Updated:

Cartier, Tiffany, Van Cleef, Bulgari, Hermès + Paris VAT refunds + formal customs declaration required

Overseas Routes in Preparation — Not Yet Available

HowBridge currently provides consolidation services only from China (the Shenzhen consolidation warehouse) to Taiwan. It has not yet launched routes from the United States, Japan, Korea, Europe, or other overseas regions, and does not have any overseas warehouse addresses available for use, official rates, or guaranteed transit times. The warehouse names, shipping fees, and transit times mentioned on this page are provided solely as general market references and do not represent the services offered by this site. Do not use them to fill in a delivery address or place an order. If any such routes are launched in the future, the official website announcements and the terms then in effect will apply.

Services currently available: Taobao/Tmall Shipping to Taiwan Mainland China-to-Taiwan Freight Forwarding Route China-to-Taiwan Shipping Overview
⚠ Luxury jewelry = high-value goods + formal customs declaration required + original invoice required

Jewelry carries a 0% tariff (Tariff Chapter 71) + 5% business tax (pure gold exempt). Under HowBridge’s operating rules, genuine gold, silver, and jewelry always go through formal customs declaration, never simplified express declaration. If the declared value is clearly too low, customs will reassess it, so be sure to keep the original brand invoice + serial number. Cartier Love bracelet: EUR 7,200 + 12% VAT refund vs NT$280,000 in Taiwan.

Table of Contents

  1. Why Buy Jewelry in Paris / New York?
  2. European VAT Refunds + US Sales-Tax-Free States
  3. 5 Major Luxury Jewelry Brands
  4. Formal Customs Declaration + Customs Valuation
  5. 5 Ways to Buy
  6. 6 Steps to Ship Jewelry to Taiwan
  7. FAQ

Why Buy Jewelry in Paris / New York?

  • 25-40% price gap: Cartier Love bracelet EUR 7,200 + 12% VAT refund vs NT$280,000 in Taiwan (save NT$50,000+)
  • Limited editions: Cartier Paris exclusives / Tiffany New York exclusives / Van Cleef Paris flagship
  • 12-15% VAT refund: refunds in France / Italy / Germany (stamped by customs on departure)
  • No US sales tax: Tiffany / Cartier in states with no sales tax (e.g., Oregon)
  • Serial number + original invoice: an original overseas brand invoice = worldwide servicing + resale value
  • Vintage / pre-owned: vintage jewelry on 1stDibs / Vestiaire

European VAT Refunds + US Sales-Tax-Free States

2 tax refund systems
  • European VAT refund 12-15%: France 12% / Italy 14-15% / Germany 19%
  • No US sales tax: Oregon / New Hampshire / Delaware / Montana / Alaska (HowBridge has not opened a US route)

3 tax refund tips

  • You must visit the store in person: ask for a “Tax Refund” at checkout + show your passport
  • Customs stamp on departure: PABLO self-service kiosk / customs counter at your last EU airport
  • Refund method: cash (3% handling fee deducted) / credit card (2-3 months, you receive the most)

5 Major Luxury Jewelry Brands

1. Cartier (France, jewelry royalty)

Best sellers: Love collection (bracelets / rings), Juste un Clou, Trinity, Panthère
Price gap: ① Cartier Love Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold, Paris EUR 7,200 (NT$227,000) + refund EUR 6,336 (NT$200,000) vs NT$280,000 in Taiwan
Notes: ① founded in Paris in 1847 ② the classic Love with screw closure ③ SA allocation required (some styles are in high demand).

2. Tiffany & Co. (USA, king of the blue box)

Best sellers: T collection, Atlas, Hardware, Lock, Soleste engagement rings
Price gap: ① Tiffany T Smile Pendant, New York USD$2,800 (NT$88,300) vs NT$130,000 in Taiwan
Notes: ① founded in New York in 1837 ② LVMH group ③ buy via Tiffany.com / the New York flagship.

3. Van Cleef & Arpels (France)

Best sellers: Alhambra (four-leaf clover), Perlée, Frivole, Magic Alhambra
Price gap: ① Van Cleef Vintage Alhambra Pendant Mother of Pearl, Paris EUR 4,300 (NT$135,000) + refund = EUR 3,784 (NT$119,000) vs NT$160,000 in Taiwan
Notes: ① Place Vendôme, Paris, 1906 ② the Alhambra four-leaf clover ③ limited materials: Mother of Pearl / Onyx / Carnelian.

4. Bulgari (Italy)

Best sellers: Serpenti (snake), B.Zero1, Diva's Dream, Fiorever
Price gap: ① Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas Necklace 18K Rose Gold, Milan EUR 7,800 (NT$246,000) + refund = EUR 6,786 (NT$214,000) vs NT$280,000 in Taiwan
Notes: ① founded in Rome in 1884 ② LVMH group ③ the classic Serpenti snake design.

5. Hermès (France, Hermès jewelry)

Best sellers: Clic Clac H, Collier de Chien, Kelly Gourmette
Price gap: ① Hermès Clic Clac H Bracelet GM, Paris EUR 695 (NT$22,000) + refund = EUR 612 (NT$19,300) vs NT$28,000 in Taiwan
Notes: ① Clic Clac H is the entry-level piece ② the studded Collier de Chien is popular ③ buy via Hermès.com / the Paris flagship.

Formal Customs Declaration + Customs Valuation

⚠ Luxury jewelry always requires formal customs declaration + an original invoice

HowBridge operating rule: genuine gold, silver, and jewelry always go through formal customs declaration, never simplified express declaration. The clearance method (C1 no document review or inspection / C2 document review / C3 physical inspection) is decided by customs based on risk, so prepare the original brand invoice (store name / serial number / date).

3 key customs points

  • 0% tariff + 5% business tax: Tariff Chapter 71 has a 0% column-one tariff, and pure gold products are also exempt from business tax
  • Customs valuation: if the declared value is clearly too low, customs will reassess it → additional tax
  • Personal vs. commercial use: customs decides case by case whether goods are for personal use; there is no numeric “released if under X pieces” threshold

5 Ways to Buy

1. Paris flagship stores (Cartier / Van Cleef / Hermès)

Region: Europe Type: flagship store

Pros: ① choose in person + VAT refund ② limited editions ③ chance of Hermès SA allocation
Cons: ① you must go in person

2. Tiffany.com US official site

Region: USA Type: brand direct

Pros: ① full range of colors and styles ② Custom Engraving ③ no sales tax in some states
Cons: ① HowBridge has not opened a US route, so you must use the seller’s international shipping

3. 24S (LVMH group)

Region: France Type: LVMH multi-brand

Pros: ① LVMH brands such as Bulgari / Tiffany ② some items priced in euros
Cons: ① some items are Europe-only

4. Net-a-Porter / FARFETCH

Region: Europe / USA Type: luxury e-commerce

Pros: ① wide multi-brand selection ② some items 50% off during sale season
Cons: ① some items show Taiwan pricing

5. 1stDibs / Vestiaire Collective (vintage / pre-owned)

Region: worldwide Type: vintage / pre-owned

Pros: ① rare vintage Cartier / Van Cleef pieces ② pre-owned 30-50% cheaper
Cons: ① beware of counterfeits (authentication required)

6 Steps to Ship Jewelry to Taiwan

1Choose the brand + refund country

① France: Cartier / Van Cleef / Hermès (12% refund) ② Italy: Bulgari (14-15% refund) ③ USA: Tiffany (no sales tax + Oregon)

2Choose a platform

① buy in person at a flagship → Paris / New York / Milan ② USA → Tiffany.com ③ vintage / pre-owned → 1stDibs / Vestiaire ④ multi-brand → 24S / Net-a-Porter

3Confirm the shipping method

① HowBridge currently only ships from China (Shenzhen consolidation warehouse) to Taiwan; for purchases in Europe or the US, use the seller’s international shipping ② confirm with the carrier whether it accepts jewelry, its declared-value limit, and its claim terms (HowBridge does not offer declared-value insurance)

4Prepare your documents

① original brand invoice + payment record ② serial number + certificate + original box ③ record a video when you open the parcel on delivery

5Formal customs declaration (required)

① HowBridge operating rule: genuine gold, silver, and jewelry always go through formal customs declaration, never simplified express declaration ② the customs broker must first obtain your customs declaration authorization and check the invoice and packing list ③ pay business tax on the customs value assessed by customs

6Declare truthfully + pay tax for release

① describe the item accurately (e.g. 18K gold bracelet, diamond ring) and declare the actual purchase price ② 0% tariff + 5% business tax (pure gold exempt) ③ keep the original invoice + credit card record for review

Luxury Jewelry FAQ

Q1. Is it worth buying a Cartier Love bracelet overseas?
Very much so. ① Cartier Love Bracelet 18K Yellow Gold: ① Paris EUR 7,200 + 12% VAT refund = EUR 6,336 (NT$200,000) ② NT$280,000 in Taiwan, a gap of NT$80,000 (29%) ② Tax-inclusive estimate: item NT$200,000 + international shipping NT$1,000 + 0% tariff + 5% business tax ≈ NT$211,000, saving about NT$69,000 (25%) ③ In practice: ① buy in person at the Cartier flagship in Paris (Place Vendôme) ② Detaxe refund form + PABLO stamp ③ Global Blue credit card refund (2-3 months) ④ Notes: ① the Cartier screwdriver (accessory) must be included ② serial number + original invoice ③ formal customs declaration is always required ④ Tips: ① a Paris trip + in-person purchase + VAT refund is the best value ② with enough budget → a pair of Love bracelets (for couples) ③ pair with a Cartier Trinity / Juste un Clou set.
Q2. Is it worth buying a Tiffany T Smile overseas?
Very much so. ① Tiffany T Smile Pendant 18K Rose Gold: ① US Tiffany.com USD$2,800 (NT$88,300) ② NT$130,000 in Taiwan, a gap of NT$41,700 (32%) ② Tax-inclusive estimate: item NT$88,300 + international shipping NT$500 + 0% tariff + 5% business tax ≈ NT$93,200, saving about NT$36,800 (28%) ③ In practice: ① buy from the Tiffany.com US official site ② use the seller’s international shipping (HowBridge has not opened a US route) ③ Custom Engraving (free) ④ Notes: ① worldwide warranty applies ② the Tiffany Blue Box must be included ③ serial number + original invoice ④ Compared with Europe: ① Tiffany in Paris / Milan costs 10% more than in the US ② close to US prices after the VAT refund ③ no US sales tax (Oregon) = equivalent to a refund ⑤ Tips: ① for US purchases → Tiffany.com (HowBridge has not opened a US route; use the seller's international shipping) ② ship together with Tiffany accessories (Blue Box / polishing cloth).
Q3. Can you buy Van Cleef Alhambra at the Paris flagship?
Some styles are limited and allocated. ① Van Cleef Vintage Alhambra Pendant Mother of Pearl: ① Paris EUR 4,300 + 12% refund = EUR 3,784 (NT$119,000) ② NT$160,000 in Taiwan, a gap of NT$41,000 (26%) ② Tax-inclusive estimate: item NT$119,000 + international shipping NT$500 + 0% tariff + 5% business tax ≈ NT$125,500, saving about NT$34,500 (22%) ③ In practice: ① the Van Cleef flagship on Place Vendôme, Paris ② some styles are limited (Carnelian / Onyx are rare) ③ Hong Kong / Milan Van Cleef as alternatives ④ Notes: ① SA allocation required (popular styles) ② serial number + certificate + red box ③ Mother of Pearl care (keep away from water) ④ Tips: ① enough budget + a Paris trip → the Van Cleef flagship ② tight budget → Vintage Alhambra Onyx (the classic) ③ ship together with the dust bag + red box.
Q4. Will customs inspect jewelry shipped to Taiwan? How should I prepare?
Genuine gold, silver, and jewelry always go through formal customs declaration. ① Clearance method: customs selects C1 no document review or inspection / C2 document review / C3 physical inspection based on risk; high-value jewelry with a low declared value is more likely to be selected for document review or inspection ② Preparation: ① original brand invoice (store name / serial number / date) ② payment record (PayPal / credit card record) ③ certificate (Authenticity Certificate / GIA) ④ declare the item description and value truthfully ③ Notes: ① Tariff Chapter 71: 0% tariff + 5% business tax (pure gold exempt) ② if the declared value is too low, customs will reassess it and collect additional tax ③ customs decides case by case whether goods are for personal use; there is no “released if under X pieces” threshold ④ Tips: ① under HowBridge’s operating rules, genuine gold, silver, and jewelry always go through formal customs declaration, never simplified express declaration ② HowBridge does not offer declared-value insurance; for overseas purchases, confirm the claim terms with the carrier.
Q5. Can you buy vintage jewelry on 1stDibs?
Yes, but choose carefully. ① 1stDibs (global vintage jewelry): ① the world’s largest vintage luxury platform ② rare vintage Cartier / Van Cleef / Bulgari pieces ③ ships after authentication ② Price examples: ① vintage 1990s Cartier Love Bracelet USD$5,500 (30% cheaper) vs USD$7,500 new ② 1980s vintage Van Cleef Alhambra USD$3,200 (25% cheaper) ③ In practice: ① buy authenticated items on 1stDibs.com ② Vestiaire Collective (France) pre-owned platform ③ always check detailed photos + Authenticity Certificate ④ Notes: ① beware of counterfeits (must be “Authenticated”) ② vintage jewelry may have no brand warranty (Cartier / Tiffany refuse to repair items not bought from the brand) ③ serial number verification (via Cartier customer service) ④ Tips: ① rare vintage pieces → authenticated on 1stDibs ② general luxury → new from the brand + VAT refund ③ collecting for value → complete serial number + certificate + original box.
Q6. Do diamonds / gemstones have a special customs tariff?
0% tariff + 5% business tax. ① Rules: ① diamonds / gemstones (rough / cut) → 0% import tariff ② 5% business tax ③ finished mounted jewelry (heading 7113) → also 0% tariff + 5% business tax ② In practice: ① Tiffany / Cartier diamond engagement ring (finished piece) → 0% + 5% ② loose diamonds → 0% + 5% ③ Blue Nile / James Allen loose diamonds → diamond tariff rate ③ Notes: ① GIA / IGI certificate required ② serial number + weight + 4C (Cut / Color / Clarity / Carat) ③ customs valuation based on market prices ④ tariff code 7102.39 (cut non-industrial diamonds) ⑤ Tips: ① loose diamond + custom setting in the US → importing a loose diamond is cheaper ② complete Tiffany / Cartier set → collectible brand value ③ include the full certificate with each piece and go through formal customs declaration.

Related Reading

Check Before Shipping Luxury Jewelry to Taiwan

HowBridge currently only ships from China (Shenzhen consolidation warehouse) to Taiwan; European and US routes are not open, and declared-value insurance is not offered. Genuine gold, silver, and jewelry always go through formal customs declaration, never simplified express declaration.

See Our Open China-to-Taiwan Service →
Authority references

This page cites primary government, judicial, and academic sources from HowBridge’s customs reference index (1,171 records). Each item links to its original source.

Reference index data version: 2026-08-16