Tariffs Push Small Jewelers Away from US Market

United States Jewelry News: Global Disruption in Jewelry Trade

Small jewelry companies around the world are halting shipments to the United States after the elimination of a decades-old exemption that once allowed duty-free import of packages under $800. The rule, originally in place since 1930, was ended following an executive order. While Chinese shipments lost this benefit earlier, the recent blanket removal has created new barriers for all foreign sellers.

Small time jewelers like Irish jeweler Gina Pankowski are unable to supply American customers due to the new tariff issues
Image Credit: Gina Pankowski

This United States Jewelry News report shows how the move is forcing small jewelers to rethink their strategies and leaving American buyers with fewer international options.

Struggles of Independent Designers

Irish jeweler Gina Pankowski revealed that she has temporarily closed her U.S. sales channels, including her Etsy store, citing the absence of systems to handle the new tariffs. She noted a personal financial loss of more than US$900 in a single week. Other independent brands have echoed similar frustrations, stating that neither governments nor selling platforms are adequately prepared to manage the changes, leaving businesses and customers caught in the middle.

Canadian Jewelers Hit Hard

Some Canadian jewelry brands have attempted to continue U.S. shipments but the added costs are proving unsustainable. Hot Rocks Jewels, based in British Columbia, calculated that a CAD $135 necklace now faces nearly $50 in duties and fees, excluding the shipping charge. The company said this would drive customers away, as the extra costs make small, handcrafted jewelry uncompetitive compared to larger suppliers.

Personal Messages to Customers

For many small jewelers, the decision to suspend shipments is not purely financial—it is also emotional. Toronto’s Nancy Wallis Designs emphasized the sadness of ending relationships built with American clients over years of business. She explained that she did not want customers facing surprise charges, delays at the border, or lost parcels due to the new system.

Hot Rocks Jewels is another company facing issues exporting jewelry items to the United States
Image Credit: Hot Rock Jewels

Avoiding Unhappy Buyers

A few foreign vendors continued to list items at pre-tariff prices without disclosure, which resulted in unexpected charges upon arrival. However, most jewelers have opted to pause U.S. sales rather than risk harming customer trust. Little Gold, another Canadian jeweler, explained that as a small independent operation, absorbing the new tariffs is impossible. The brand expressed gratitude for American customer support but stressed that continuing business under these conditions would only hurt buyers.

An Uncertain Future for Cross Border Jewelry Sales

The abrupt elimination of the exemption has left countless small jewelers with limited options. Many say they will wait to see if platforms like Etsy, governments, or third-party shipping services can develop streamlined solutions. Until then, U.S. customers may find themselves excluded from unique, artisan jewelry markets abroad. The policy shift has not only disrupted commerce but also damaged long-standing personal ties between makers and buyers. If no improvements are made soon, the U.S. jewelry market risks losing a wide variety of creative, handcrafted products, and American consumers may increasingly turn to domestic mass-produced alternatives rather than the niche, artistic pieces they once enjoyed from overseas.

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