0

Luke Honey | Decorative Antiques, Chess, Backgammon & Games

Frequently Asked Questions



Can I trust you?

Yes, absolutely. Luke Honey has been cataloguing, valuing and selling antiques since 1994, and has a proven track record with several major auction houses in the UK and the United States. He is a well known figure to many collectors and dealers, has featured in the national press on numerous occasions, is a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Art & Antiques Division) and a trustee of The Frederick Parker Foundation, a registered charity. Luke works to maintain professional standards of service and conduct at all times. 

I live in the UK. How do I buy something on your site?

Press that Buy Button. All shipping charges are included in the price, so there is just one simple payment for UK buyers.

I don't live in the UK. Can I buy  from you?

Of course. Send Luke an enquiry, giving details of where you live and how you would like your item to be shipped we will get you an individual shipping quote tailored specifically to your needs. We have already given you an idea of how much international shipping will cost in the drop down box. You can then pay us using Paypal or by Online Bank Transfer. If you're buying ivory or a tropical hardwood (such as rosewood), it's very likely that you will also need a CITES import/export licence which we can apply for on your behalf.

How long will it take for my items to arrive?

If you live in the UK, expect your item to be delivered between approximately 7-10 working days. Delivery times will vary for orders outside the UK, it really depends on where you live. We aim to get items off to buyers as soon as possible, but they have to be professionally wrapped and carefully packed before dispatch. With the exception of books and catalogues, we use Focus Packing to handle the shipment of all orders. They are currently offering a 15% discount on their standard shipping prices for all items bought through the Luke Honey Ltd website.

How do you process payment, is it safe?

Online payments are processed through Paypal. Paypal is a simple and trusted company which is easy to use. You will be able to use major credit cards and debit cards. All payments are processed using SSL (Secure Socket Layer) which guarantees your online safety. We do not have access to your credit card or banking details.

What happens if I buy something online and I don't like it?

Although we strive to describe antiques as accurately and as carefully as we can, we appreciate that this can happen when you buy online. You can return an item to us (in the original condition it was sent in) within seven days for whatever reason, but please make sure that you send us an email first. We would suggest that you return items by recorded delivery as we regret that we cannot refund items which are damaged or lost in transit; and the parcel is not our responsibility until we have signed for it. Please see our returns policy (link) for further information.

If you feel that there is a genuine problem or fault, please contact Luke as soon as possible. He's a reasonable type and will do everything he can to sort out the problem as efficiently as possible.

Is it legal to sell ivory?

Yes. In the EU, an elephant ivory item 'acquired before March 3rd 1947' may be sold without a DEFRA certificate. Any ivory item made after that date will require a certificate. We're responsible sellers and try hard to keep up to date with ivory and wildlife regulations at all time.

Can I import ivory into the United States?

If the ivory is over 100 years old, our fine art shipper can apply for a CITES import licence on your behalf. Please note that in some cases it may take several weeks, or even months, to acquire a CITES certificate to the United States, and that any ivory item less than 100 years old (although perfectly legal to sell the the EU if it dates before March 3rd 1947) is likely to be denied entry into the United States. In the US, laws also vary from state to state, so it really depends on what state you live in. The state of California, for example, has recently introduced a ban on the sale and import of all ivory items. If you have any questions, please contact Luke at shipping@lukehoney.co.uk for further advice.

What is CITES?

CITES is the 'Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora', an international agreement between governments. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. If you intend to export ivory (or certain tropical hardwoods, such as rosewood) outside the EU, you will need a CITES certificate. Our shipper, Focus Packing, will be able to apply for a certificate on your behalf.

I've got something I'm interested in selling? Can you help me?

Luke would be delighted to hear from you and would be delighted to consider your item for consignment on the website. Obviously, he's a bit picky about what he takes in, as he aims to offer items of quality, interest and in the best possible condition. Items are sold on a commission basis, which includes photography and insurance. When your item sells, your money is placed into a separate client account as a further guarantee of payment.

I'm interested in buying one of your things, but would like to have a look at it myself. Is this possible?

Absolutely. Luke Honey is based in Central London (about a ten minutes walk from the nearest Zone 1 tube station). He's a friendly sort and would be delighted to see you, so please get in touch with him at info@lukehoney.co.uk.