Now this applies only to import duties to the US. If you buy unset stones (and don't buy a setting there) the stones will enter the US duty-free. If you buy jewelry, the rule is that it is dutiable (but this does change from time to time; since the is a recent change, the customs agent may not charge you duty). If you were to buy an unset stone and a setting for it separately, they would charge you duty on all of it (as it's considered jewelry, and the stone being out of the setting is not considered a factor). If this seems confusing to you, it's because it is.

I'm not a fan of tension settings. My first engagement ring was a white sapphire tension set in titanium. Titanium is supposed to be exceptionally strong. I caught the edge of the setting, it opened up further and I lost the stone. If it had been a diamond I would have been distraught. Now I have a diamond in a traditional platinum setting and I feel a lot more secure.

I don't know if you noticed, bvfrenchknitter, but you've pulled up a very old thread to respond to... December, 2005 - January 2006. Stan long ago bought the jewelry he was asking about, though I don't remember if he purchased a tension setting or not.

Well, thats good to know bvfrenchknitting - I'm glad you're feeling more secure. I feel more secure now, too.

And I'm sure StanKase, who began this post on the last day of 2005 has been hovering, fingers poised over the keyboard for the last two years and ten months, waiting for your reply.

Bless you bvfrench.

lol Kathie - we crossed in cyberspace. Shouldn't you be packing?

Hi, Dogster, the task for this morning is to make sure I have everything I want to bring along. Our flight is still two weeks away so no doubt I'll start tossing things into a suitcase two weeks from tonight. I wouldn't want to pack too early, eh?

kathie---next week you go into that suitcase and start taking things out

if you wait until the last minute then packing only takes a minute

MrW, I'm with you. I do the thinking ahead of time, the packing in a few minutes.

Kathie...So, it's only two weeks away? I didn't realize it was so soon. I just e-mailed you a few minutes ago. Happy Travels!

Guen, yes, we're going earlier than usual this year (scheduling problems). But it will put is in Kathmandu at the best time, so that's nice.

Bob, Cheryl's the one who needs to take things out once she's packed! I'm always floored by all the stuff she brings!

Stan- Perhaps we'll cross paths because I'll be there too. Going to be steaming hot! Get to the floating market when it opens otherwise you'll sweat your "gone" off. I can't advise you about gems but spend more for a reputable dealer.

Ooops... Must look at the dates on the mgs.....

Mrwunrfl-LOL! I've done that more than once! Hopefully I will spend more than one minute on future packing episodes, nothing more annoying than pulling out damp clothes on the other end- that last minute dosen't include dryer time!