How to Ship Precious Metals and Stones Internationally

How to send precious and semi-precious stones and metals overseas

Individual shippers and jewellery businesses both look for ways to ship precious metals and stones by courier. Learn the regulations and advice to shipping precious metals such as gold, platinum or silver and stones. Find out more about the main guidelines for shipping gold, silver, diamonds or other precious metals and stones overseas.

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How to pack
Rules and Regulations
Frequently asked questions

SHIPPING OPTIONS

Shipping internationally with Eurosender

Transportation solutions to consider depending on the size and time-sensitivity of the items you wish to ship:
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*Please have in mind that some courier companies include valuable and expensive stones and metals in the list of prohibited items. For any clarifications, please contact our team of specialists via chat.

HOW TO PACK

How to prepare precious metals and stones for shipping

When shipping uncut stones such as diamonds or rubies, or precious metals such as gold and silver, it is essential to keep these valuables safe during transport. Here are some tips to prepare a shipment of precious metals and stones properly.

  • Special padded boxes to pack diamonds, pearls, rubies, sapphires, emeralds or any gold or silver jewellery for shipping. This way your pieces will fit snug inside the package and won’t move so much during transport.
  • If you cannot use a jewellery box find a small, appropriately sized box and fill it with plenty of foam cushioning.
  • Use bubble wrap to protect gold, silver or platinum bullion bars for shipping.
  • Fill any extra space with cushioning, tissue paper or packing peanuts and shake the package gently to make sure items cannot move.
  • Seal with tape and label ‘Fragile’ to minimise the risk of mishandling during transport.

SHIPPING REGULATIONS

Regulations on shipping precious metals and stones in the EU and internationally

Shipping precious metals and stones is usually prohibited by most courier companies. Depending on how valuable the items are, some companies may allow shipping them under specific conditions and upon signing relevant agreements.

For more information, feel free to contact our team of experts via chat or email.

NEED MORE INFORMATION?

FAQs about shipping precious metals and stones

Will all courier companies ship valuable stones and metals internationally?
It is important to note that not all courier companies will ship valuable items such as stones and metals to another location. For example, DHL, TNT and UPS will not ship such precious stones and metals. Each courier has specific rules and requirements for different shipments and services, so we recommend checking this further with the designated courier for your route. When booking Express or Regular plus shipping services, please make sure not to include these items as the courier will refuse to collect the parcel. If you need further assistance, you can reach us by chat, phone or email before shipping to discuss your options further.
Is it legal to ship precious metals and stones?
We recommend you check the regulation of the countries of origin and destination regarding the transport of precious metals and stones. The import and export of precious jewels and stones can be restricted and some countries may require shippers to provide special paperwork.
What are the regulations for sending precious metals internationally and domestically?
Most courier companies include precious metals and stones on the forbidden items list. Packages containing forbidden or restricted items can be inspected and the courier could refuse to pick up the parcel. If you decide to send diamonds, emeralds, gold, platinum or any other precious metals and stones internationally or domestically, you must be aware these are forbidden items and most probably will not be covered by insurance if there is a problem.
Is insurance included when shipping precious metals and stones?
As precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, bullion, and precious stones such as diamonds, pearls, rubies, sapphires are considered valuable items with most courier companies, insurance does not apply when sending these with a standard service. Instead, we recommend contacting our experts before deciding to send precious and semi-precious metals and stones abroad, to discuss the best option for your shipment and insurance options.
Are there any specific shipping services for precious metals and stones?
Some courier companies offer specific services for shipping precious stones and metals. When sending gold, silver, platinum, bullion, diamonds, pearls, rubies, sapphires, emeralds or any other precious metal or stones internationally you should sign a relevant agreement with the courier company and have a special service dedicated to this type of item. For more information, contact us on chat and one of our experts will be more than glad to help you.
How do people send jewellery with precious metals and stones in the mail?
Some people choose to ship their precious metals and stones along with other personal belongings in the mail at their own risk. If you do choose to send your precious metals with the standard service along with other personal items, please be aware that insurance may not apply and it is, therefore, your responsibility to ensure your items are packed correctly.
Can I ship precious metals and stones as a business?
Artisans and crafters often use precious materials for their creations and are always looking for a safe way of sending precious metals and stones overseas. In the US, only authorised dealers can ship bullion internationally and the same goes for Europe. To ship uncut stones and transport precious metals, businesses will have to get the proper permits to book a suitable shipping solution. If you own a jewellery business or sell on platforms like Etsy or Shopify we recommend you get in contact with the platform to see your options for shipping precious stones and metals by courier. Alternatively, you can get in touch with our specialized agents by chat and get to know all the available options.
Can I send bullion internationally?
Yes, but only with authorised logistics companies. Besides, have in mind that gold, platinum and silver bullion deliveries are heavily controlled, and sending bullion internationally can cause high customs costs.
Can I ship crystals and gemstones by courier?
Generally, sending semi-precious stones and metals overseas, such as crystals or sterling silver is not explicitly forbidden but only if the gemstones are not considered valuable. Shipping crystals in the mail is pretty common, but as crystals are fragile, you will have to follow the guidelines for shipping fragile items. If you decide to send gems and crystals in the mail, make sure you are packing your gemstones safely and book a service with tracking to make sure you know where the pieces are.
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Please take into consideration our guidelines for sending precious metals and stones internationally. Eurosender does not encourage individuals to send valuable items, therefore, individuals do so at their own risk and liability for any damage or loss.
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