John Betts - Fine Minerals, New York, NY  212-678-1942
Dealers of Fine Minerals and Natural Crystal Clusters since 1989.

Shipping Information

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All items sold through this web site are shipped via U.S. Postal Service First Class mail if under 13 ounces and via Priority Mail if over 13 ounces. Each item is individually wrapped to ensure no damage during shipping. All original labels or historic matter, if available, are included with each item. All items are sent in durable cardboard boxes made for shipping such items.

Less than 0.1% of packages shipped in the last year were lost or damaged.

In spite of that encouraging statistic, every package is sent fully insured. The purchaser pays estimated shipping costs. After placing an order using the online order form, the purchaser will receive an email confirmation. At that time the shipping costs will be stated.

Shipping and insurance costs are based on weight and value. Examples of packaging costs you can expect:

• Two to three thumbnail specimens, total value less than $50 = Shipping and insurance $4.50-5.50

• Two to three miniature specimens, total value near $100 = Shipping and insurance $8-10

• Heavy cabinets specimen of minerals like galena, celestine, barite valued around $50 = Shipping and insurance $14-18

• Large package of four to six cabinets specimens, total value near $600 = Shipping and insurance $30

All items are shipped usually the next business day. Delivery within the continental U.S. is 2-3 business days. Delivery to Europe is approximately 3-15 days.

International packages under 1.8 kilograms (4 pounds) will be shipped First Class Airmail, fully insured with full value declared on the package. International customers may request the package be sent uninsured with the contents labeled "Geologic samples for scientific study. No commercial value". International customers must request this at the time of shipping and assume all risk for loss or damage with this arrangement.

Domestic customers are responsible for all shipping charges if the package is returned because it was unclaimed, refused, or not deliverable because address as provided was incorrect.

International customers are responsible for all import taxes and duties. The purchaser is responsible for all postage if the purchaser refuses to pay duties or taxes and the package is returned by Customs Inspectors.

Shipping Diamonds Internationally

U.S regulations prohibit shipping diamonds internationally without a Kimberley Process Certificate. As a result, we utilize the courier service from Malca-Amit when shipping diamonds internationally with delivery fee of $375. The fee may sound expensive, but they provide secure delivery and Kimberley Process Certificate, so you can rest assured that the delivery is safe and legal. And the courier fee is independent of carat weight or value. (Fee = $375 regardles of  shipping a 1 carat $1000 diamond or 20 diamonds valued at $25000)

Explanation of the Kimberely Process:

Any time a ROUGH diamond crosses international borders, going in or out of ANY country, it must accompanied by a Kimberley Process Certificate (KPC). When a rough diamond enters the U.S., the KPC is filed with the Department of Commerce. Every time it is sold thereafter it must be accompanied by a Warranty of Kimberley Process which provides a paper trail back to the KPC on file. When exporting diamonds from the U.S. couriers are used (Brinks or Malca Amit) which issue a KPC for export.

Alternate Delivery Option for Small Jewelry Stores:

The KPC rules do not apply to faceted diamonds or rough diamonds mounted in jewelry. As a result, rough diamonds may be placed in a silver-cage necklace and shipped as "costume jewelry" for a fee of $50. The recipient can then remove the diamond upon receipt. You must request this shipping method at the time you place your order and accept responsibility for any import fees or taxes. If the silver-cage necklace is returned, the $50 fee is refunded.

For more information, or to discuss other shipping options contact me at the address below.

Contact:

John Betts - Fine Minerals

New York, New York   USA

Phone: 212-678-1942 (9:00 to 17:00 EST)

Email : jhbnyc@aol.com

Or visit me at my next show.

 My article The Minerals of New York City is now available online. 

© John Betts - Fine Minerals, New York , NY - All Rights Reserved.
a division of allminerals.com, dealer of Fine Minerals since 1989.  

The minerals illustrated on this site were purchased from collectors or wholesale suppliers for resale purposes.
The owner of this site did not collect the minerals and collectors should not assume access is permitted to the property
based on inclusion in this site. Please contact the property owner to obtain legal permission before entering private property.