Customs tax calculation on a jewlery online order from the US?

I am trying to find out how to calculate the customs tax on an order from the US. My fiance would like to purchase me an engagement ring from a website based in the US and whilst I assume he will have to pay vat, I do not know what additional customs tax he would have to pay?

Does anyone know how to calculate this?

Thanks for your help!

Elsewhere on the internet,I found an answer of 2.5% duty and then 21.5% vat on the full amount including the duty and shipping.Please check with customs before committing to a large purchase.

It may work out cheaper to fly to the States and pick the ring up!

Thanks for your replies. I tried to contact customs earlier in the week but I didn't get a reply yet and I also tried to read up the details on revenue.ie but I had no luck there either. If it's only 2.5% that would be ok - I'm worried that it will turn out to be 12.5% +

DB74 - I like your thinking, I would love a trip to the states!