At Folkmarketgems, we ship natural gemstones, rough gemstones, mineral specimens, crystals, jewelry, and related products to customers worldwide.

Every order is carefully verified, prepared, inspected, securely packed, and documented before dispatch. Because international shipments cross borders and are handled by third-party carriers and customs authorities, delivery times and import requirements can vary by destination.

By placing an order with Folkmarketgems, you acknowledge and agree to the shipping and delivery terms described below.

1. Worldwide Shipping

We ship worldwide, subject to:

• Destination-country laws and regulations
• Import restrictions
• Export requirements
• Courier availability
• Customs requirements
• Product-specific restrictions
• International transportation conditions

Some countries, territories, remote locations, or specific products may have shipping restrictions.

If a product cannot legally or reasonably be shipped to a particular destination, we may contact the customer to discuss available options.

2. Shipping Locations

Depending on product availability, destination, logistics requirements, and fulfillment arrangements, orders may be shipped from or routed through our international shipping locations, including:

An order may be transported through one or more international transit hubs before reaching its final destination.

The shipping origin or transit route may therefore vary from one order to another.

3. Order Processing & Handling

Before an order is dispatched, we may carry out verification, quality control, packing, documentation, and other necessary preparation.

Order Verification

For customer and payment security, orders may require verification. Verification normally takes 24–48 hours after an order is placed.

Once verification is completed, the order is confirmed and preparation begins.

Certificate Processing

Where a Certificate of Authenticity is included or requested, preparation typically requires 2–3 working days.

If a gemstone or specimen needs to be submitted to a laboratory for fresh certification after order confirmation, additional processing time may be required.

Wholesale, Special & Pre-Orders

Wholesale orders, special orders, custom orders, and pre-orders may require additional preparation time depending on product availability, sourcing, certification, quantity, and logistics.

These orders may generally require 7–15 working days or longer before dispatch.

Where applicable, the estimated preparation period will be communicated to the customer.

4. Shipping Methods

We select an appropriate shipping method based on the destination, order characteristics, product requirements, availability, and logistics considerations.

5. Shipping Charges

Shipping charges are calculated according to the applicable shipping service and shipment requirements.

Factors may include:

• Destination country and location
• Package dimensions
• Shipment characteristics
• Courier or freight charges
• Delivery service selected
• Special handling requirements
• Remote-area charges
• Applicable logistics costs

For wholesale, large, fragile, unusually shaped, or special shipments, shipping charges may need to be calculated separately.

Customers may contact us for a shipping quotation before placing an order.

6. Estimated Delivery Time

Delivery time can vary depending on:

• Destination country
• Courier service
• Customs processing
• Import inspection
• Airline schedules
• Transit routing
• Local delivery conditions
• Public holidays
• Remote-area delivery
• Government procedures
• Transportation disruptions
• Other circumstances outside our reasonable control

7. International Customs & Import Charges

International shipments may be subject to customs processing in the destination country.

Depending on the destination and applicable laws, the buyer may be required to pay:

• Import duties
• Customs duties
• VAT/GST
• Tariffs
• Brokerage fees
• Customs clearance fees
• Government taxes
• Carrier handling fees
• Storage fees
• Other import-related charges

8. What Determines Customs Charges?

Customs and import charges may vary depending on factors including:

• Declared customs value
• Product classification
• Country of origin
• Destination country
• Applicable customs laws
• Applicable tax rates
• Import duties or tariffs
• Package dimensions
• Shipment characteristics
• Courier or brokerage procedures

The amount displayed or estimated by a courier may not always represent the final amount assessed by customs authorities.

9. Buyer's Responsibility for Import Requirements

As the buyer/importer, you are responsible for understanding the import requirements that apply in your country.

Before placing an international order, we recommend checking with your country's customs authority if you have questions regarding:

• Import duties
• Taxes
• VAT/GST
• Import permits
• Product restrictions
• Customs documentation
• Brokerage requirements
• Country-specific regulations concerning gemstones, minerals, natural materials, or other products

Customs regulations vary by country and may change without notice.

Folkmarketgems cannot guarantee that an item will be exempt from customs charges or that a particular customs charge will apply.

10. Customs Inspection & Clearance Delays

International shipments may be selected for customs inspection, documentation review, valuation review, or other regulatory procedures.

This may delay delivery.

Possible causes include:

• Customs inspection
• Import documentation review
• Product classification
• Customs valuation review
• Requests for additional information
• Import permits
• Government inspection
• Customs backlogs
• Carrier clearance procedures

These processes are controlled by the relevant customs authorities and/or shipping carrier and are outside Folkmarketgems' control.

We will provide reasonable assistance and available documentation where appropriate to help with the clearance process.

11. Customs Declarations

Folkmarketgems prepares shipment and customs information in accordance with applicable requirements.

All customs declarations must comply with applicable laws and regulations.

12. Courier & Brokerage Fees

The shipping carrier or customs broker may charge additional fees for services such as:

• Customs clearance
• Brokerage
• Documentation
• Duty/tax advancement
• Handling
• Storage
• Additional delivery attempts
• Customs-related services

Where applicable, these charges may be collected directly from the recipient.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, such charges are the responsibility of the buyer.

13. Payment of Import Charges

Depending on the destination and shipping method, import charges may be:

• Collected through the applicable shipping process;
• Requested by the courier before delivery; or
• Collected from the recipient upon or before delivery.

Customers are responsible for monitoring their shipment and responding promptly to requests from the courier or customs authorities.

Failure to respond or make required payments may delay delivery.

14. If Customs Charges Are Not Paid

If a shipment is delayed, refused, abandoned, or returned because the recipient fails or refuses to pay required customs duties, taxes, brokerage fees, or carrier charges, the customer may be responsible for the resulting costs.

These costs may include:

• Original shipping charges
• Return shipping charges
• Customs fees
• Brokerage fees
• Storage fees
• Handling charges
• Disposal or abandonment charges
• Other costs incurred by the courier or authorities

Where a refund is otherwise applicable, such costs may be deducted from the refundable amount.

15. Incorrect or Incomplete Delivery Address

Customers are responsible for providing a complete and accurate shipping address.

Please ensure that your order includes, where applicable:

• Full recipient name
• Street address
• Apartment/unit number
• City
• State/province
• Postal/ZIP code
• Country
• Valid telephone number
• Email address

If delivery cannot be completed because of an incorrect or incomplete address, additional delivery, correction, storage, or return charges may apply.

16. Remote & Rural Areas

If you live in a rural or remote area, please provide a clear and complete nearby address or landmark. This helps shipping agents locate your delivery more easily.

Shipments to remote, rural, island, or difficult-to-access locations may require:

• Additional delivery time
• Additional courier charges
• Special delivery arrangements

Where additional charges apply, we may contact the customer before dispatch.

17. Delivery Delays & Force Majeure

While we make every reasonable effort to ship orders promptly and work with reputable international carriers, delivery can sometimes be delayed by events beyond our reasonable control.

In these circumstances, the estimated delivery timeframe may be extended.

Folkmarketgems shall not be responsible for delivery delays caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

We will nevertheless make reasonable efforts to monitor affected shipments and assist customers with available information.

18. Shipment Tracking

Once an order has been dispatched, available tracking information will normally be provided by email or through the customer's order details.

Depending on the carrier, there may be a short delay between dispatch and the appearance of tracking information in the carrier's system.

Tracking information may also temporarily stop updating while a shipment is:

• In international transit
• Moving between logistics hubs
• Awaiting customs processing
• Under customs inspection
• Awaiting local delivery

Customers requiring assistance should contact us with their order number and tracking number.

19. Delivery Attempts

The courier may make one or more delivery attempts according to its local procedures.

If the recipient is unavailable, fails to respond to the courier, provides an incorrect address, or does not complete required customs procedures, the shipment may be held, returned, or otherwise handled according to the carrier's policies.

If shipment is lost due to failed delivery at any courier service, refund is not applicable to such shipments. The receiver must receive the parcel 

Any resulting additional charges may be the responsibility of the buyer.

20. Shipment Origin & Transit Routes

The country from which an order is dispatched and the route used during transportation may vary.

For example, a shipment may originate in Pakistan and be routed through Dubai or Bangkok before continuing to the destination country.

International transit routes are determined by carrier schedules, logistics availability, customs procedures, destination requirements, and operational considerations.

21. Import Restrictions

Certain gemstones, minerals, fossils, natural materials, or other products may be subject to import restrictions in particular countries.

It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that the product ordered can legally be imported into the destination country.

If applicable laws, regulations, or carrier restrictions prevent shipment, Folkmarketgems may need to cancel or modify the order.

22. No Guaranteed Customs Clearance or Delivery Date

Folkmarketgems cannot guarantee:

• A specific customs clearance date
• A specific customs processing time
• A specific customs duty or tax amount
• A specific delivery date where customs or third-party carriers are involved

Estimated delivery dates are provided for guidance only.

23. Important International Buyer Notice

24. Customer Support

If you need assistance with shipping, tracking, customs clearance, delivery, or import documentation, please contact us with your order number and, where applicable, your tracking number.