Shipping, Refunds and Returns

Updated 26 August 2025

Important Update for Our USA Customers

We want to be completely transparent about recent changes that affect shipping to the United States.

What's Happened?

As of August 29, 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.

How This Affects Your Orders

The Bottom Line: Every package we send you now triggers additional costs, regardless of what you've ordered.

If We Ship Via a Postal Service (Most Affordable Option)

Your package will face a flat fee of between $80-$200 when it arrives in the US, depending on current tariff rates. This fee applies whether you've ordered a $50 item or a $500 item; the penalty is the same.

Example: You order a $50 item with $18 shipping. Upon arrival, US Customs will charge you an additional $80+ before releasing your package. In our opinion, this is not a viable option for a less expensive item.

If We Ship Via Courier (FedEx, UPS, DHL)

We can avoid the flat postal fees by using courier services, but this dramatically increases shipping costs. A small package that previously cost $18 to ship now costs $40+ in shipping alone, plus you'll still pay applicable tariffs (typically 10-15%) and brokerage fees.

Why This Happened

The US administration cited concerns about tax avoidance and security issues. Between 2015-2024, small package shipments to the US grew from 134 million to over 1.3 billion annually. The government decided to close what they called a "loophole."

What We're Doing About It

We're exploring several options to continue serving our US customers, but in the meantime, we have suspended shipments to the US. It is likely we will offer shipping via FedEx, UPS, DHL once we have considered costs.

Our Honest Recommendation

For small orders (under $50): The new fees make international shipping financially impractical on less expensive items. We therefore recommend buying a few pieces together at any given time to save unnecessary extra outlay.

For larger orders (over $100): International shipping may still make sense, but factor in approximately $40+ shipping costs as well as applicable tariffs.

We're Sorry About This

This situation is frustrating for us too. The bulk of our business is to US customers, and these changes make it much harder to serve you affordably.

We're committed to finding solutions and will update you as we develop new ways to serve our US customers effectively.

Questions? Please don't hesitate to contact us.

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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. This effect is often prized on vintage/antique jewellery. 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.