[Kelly]

Thank you Marianne. I have indeed checked out her site as she comes highly recommended. Jeez Louise, I thought one strand of pearls and I'd be done. You all warned me...

[mrsz]

Sarah's site should come with a warning. It is seriously addictive.

[Kathleen Conway]

I'm in Canada too. As others have said, you can expect to pay customs duty and taxes, though if an item is mailed via USPS in one of those soft mail bags (the kind with bubble wrap lining) it often comes through as a "small package" without duty. For pearls, you certainly want a shallow box inside that bag to protect your pearls.

Canada Post will charge a $5 handling fee to collect taxes from you when they deliver your package in Canada. UPS or FedEx can charge what they determine. (The couriers always charge more than USPS.)

If you are buying from a US vendor and have a friend near the border, you could get them sent there and pick them up.

I've had fabulous pearls and wonderful service from Kojima Pearl!

[Kelly]

Hi Kathleen:


I appreciate this info. Learn from others experience and get some solid referrals.