Shipping, Refunds and Returns

Updated 26 September 2025

Important Update for Our USA Customers

What's Happened?

In August 2025 the US government eliminated the "$800 de minimis rule" that previously allowed small packages to enter the country without additional fees. It's a new federal policy that affects ALL international sellers shipping to America. Unfortunately, we have no say in this.

Our Solution

We're pleased to announce that we now have a solution in place for US customers.

For any item shipping to the USA under $800, duties and import taxes will be calculated and displayed at checkout. This means you'll know the total cost upfront with no surprises when your package arrives.

We are working on providing a competitive shipping service for items over $800.

Please note: US state taxes are not included in this calculation - only federal import duty and/or tax are covered.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

General Shipping Information

All items are packaged carefully in either boxes or protective padding for safety. They are sent using a tracked service and dispatched within 2-3 business days. A tracked service allows you to see where your item is at any given time. Once dispatched, items should normally be received within a further 1-3 business days within the UK and within up to 10 business days for international deliveries. Some countries take much longer including Latin American countries and sometimes rural India.

Please note, if there is industrial action or there are customs delays, delivery may take longer. We will email you a tracking number once your package has been dispatched.

PLEASE NOTE THAT SHIPPING SERVICES DO NOT INCLUDE INSURANCE UNLESS SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED AND PAID FOR.

Postage and packaging costs:

Within the UK, the rates are as follows:

UK Shipping Rate 1
0.0 kg – 0.06 kg
£5.50
UK Shipping Rate 2
0.061 kg – 0.1 kg
£6.50
UK Shipping Rate 3
0.11 kg – 0.5 kg
£6.95
UK Shipping Rate 4
0.51 kg – 0.9 kg
£8.95
UK Shipping Rate 5
0.91 kg – 2.0 kg
£9.95

Within the EU, the rates are as follows:

EU Shipping Rate 1
0.0 kg – 0.06 kg
£9.95
EU Shipping Rate 2
0.061 kg – 0.1 kg
£12.95
EU Shipping Rate 3
0.11 kg – 0.5 kg
£14.95
EU Shipping Rate 4
0.51 kg – 0.9 kg
£16.45
EU Shipping Rate 5
0.91 kg – 2.0 kg
£17.95

The rates for the Canada, Australia & New Zealand are as follows:

CA, AU & NZ Shipping Rate 1
0.0 kg – 0.06 kg
£12.95
CA, AU & NZ Shipping Rate 2
0.061 kg – 0.1 kg
£14.95
CA, AU & NZ Shipping Rate 3
0.11 kg – 0.5 kg
£17.95
CA, AU & NZ Shipping Rate 4
0.51 kg – 0.9 kg
£25.00
CA, AU & NZ Shipping Rate 5
0.91 kg – 2.0 kg
£35.00

The rates for the rest of the world are as follows:

Rest of world Shipping Rate 1
0.0 kg – 0.06 kg
£15.95
Rest of world Shipping Rate 2
0.061 kg – 0.1 kg
£17.95
Rest of world Shipping Rate 3
0.11 kg – 0.5 kg
£20.95
Rest of world Shipping Rate 4
0.51 kg – 0.9 kg
£28.00
Rest of world Shipping Rate 5
0.91 kg – 2.0 kg
£38.00

Important:

Shipping costs do not include VAT, any local customs, duties or import taxes that may be applicable in your country. Invoice amounts may include additional debit/credit card fees for foreign transactions that are charged by your bank. All invoices will be charged in GBP (British pound sterling).

We would advise that you check for any such additional costs before purchase.

Once items have been dispatched, we cannot be held responsible for delays in shipping once items have reached the destination country nor any loss of goods once they have arrived in the destination country.

We are not responsible for, nor liable for, delays due to customs.

Returns:

The items sold by Vintage Ethnic Jewellery are mostly vintage or antique and not new unless otherwise stated. Items may therefore exhibit patina, a film that forms on metal due to exposure to the atmosphere over a long period of time. This effect is often prized on vintage/antique jewellery as it indicates the age of the item. They may also show signs of wear and tear due to having a previous life; in some cases this may include loss of some enamel or tiny beads. This is quite natural for any vintage or antique item. We endeavour to provide good clear photographs of each item and an accurate description to the best of our knowledge. However, please note that colours may not be exact due to the way computer monitors and mobile phone screens vary in the way they display colours.

Descriptions of items are correct to the best of our knowledge.

If you are not happy with your purchase, you can return the item (excluding earrings for hygiene reasons) and request a full refund (excluding shipping costs) up to 14 days from the day after you receive your goods. Please note, for customers outside the UK, all sales are final and refunds/returns are not offered.

To be eligible for a return, you must inform us by email . Once we have acknowledged your request for a refund, it becomes your responsibility to return the item to us within 14 days. The item must be unused and in the same condition as you received it. It must also be in the original packaging. You are responsible for all shipping and handling costs.

Refunds:

Once your returned item is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item and will start the refund procedure as applicable.

Your refund will then be processed and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment within 14 days. If an item is returned and it is not in its original condition, you will be liable for any repair and/or cleaning costs, which will then be deducted from the final refundable amount.

Late or missing refunds:

If you have not received a refund within the specified time, please check with your credit or debit card provider as the refund may still be being processed. If there is any further issue, please contact us at

Discounted items:

Only regular priced items may be refunded. Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds on discounted items.

Shipping an item back to us:

To return your product, please email us for a returns address. This may vary to addresses on documents and this website.

You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable.

If you are shipping an item back to us for refund, you must use a trackable shipping service. We will then acknowledge receipt of the goods and issue your refund. There is no guarantee that we will receive your returned item if a tracking service is not used.