Policy

Terms:

Payment methods

Payment is usually by direct electronic transfer through instalments.
If electronic transfer is not possible, cash or cleared cheque will be accepted.

Items will not be released until final payment has been made.

Quotes

All commissions are quoted through email. I provide concise quotes which become our 'job sheet'. If we make changes to the design or the manufacturing cost is wrong, I will re-quote you.

Quotes for an original design can be made after an initial consultation. Please do not ask for a quote if you are shopping around. I will not offer ball park figures for custom work as it takes too long to develop the design to a point where I can properly assess the costs.

Quotes are estimations of the final cost, and are subject to change.

Expiration date on quotes

Quotes for projects with over 14 days delay may be renegotiated if no substantial deposit has been made. Deposits will be refunded if current market fluctuations make the original quote unfeasible.

Deposit and payment terms

Your deposit is a surety. You are showing me that you are committed and I can start work and make purchases on your behalf.

For jewellery manufacture - a deposit of 50% is preferred although the amount is based on my expected outlay to start the commission. We can arrange instalments at your convenience and any substantial payment will be accepted as surety.

For diamond sales - a deposit of 50% is required for melee. Melee costs are included in the overall cost.

For larger diamonds - in most cases the full cost must be paid in full, regardless of other payments. Diamonds shipped into Australia on your behalf must be paid for in advance, while diamonds sourced locally can be returned without obligation.

The deposit is refundable, although there may be some nominal charges added for work carried out.

Purchases

I buy your gem on your behalf after you have committed to the sale. I can source any regular size & shape diamond within a day, and for locally sourced diamonds you can view the gem before making any commitments. I can arrange a viewing of diamonds, gems (and some bought jewellery items) for your appraisal and you are free of any obligation to buy.

I have the option to buy from the most reputable overseas diamond cutting houses, however they must be paid for before they are shipped. I can provide the actual certificate for the diamond. This way, the diamond is bought sight unseen according to the qualities rated on the certificate.

I do not keep larger diamonds in stock because people's requirements are often very specific and keeping stock will limit your choices. Additionally, I can avoid charging a financing fee if I buy direct. I keep smaller diamonds in stock, and I only work with melee that I select.

Purchases of diamonds over 1ct requires extensive research, as my sources are not limited to Australia and international prices can fluctuate. So please be respectful about my wishes to save you money and not ask for quotes when you are shopping around.

Please see Diamonds and gems, for more information

On hold

Diamonds sourced by me will not be held without payment for more than 30 days. Items on approval (consignment) will be held for no more than 30 days. I will advise you if items that are brought in for your viewing are still on offer to other potential buyers and what the likelihood of finding the same item for the same price will be.

I occasionally buy goods in anticipation of a sale without any surety when I believe the same offer is unlikely to reoccur as is often the case with some rare coloured gem stones.

Your security

Your items are insured against theft while they are in my keeping. I do not limit the time that your items can stay in my keeping. NB: I will only hold your jewellery items and not the boxes.

After sales service

I offer free servicing and check-ups. Resizing is offered free the first time, and further alterations are discounted.

Free servicing is limited to new pieces. Repairs are usually handled at cost or at a reduced rate. We claim the discretion over damage to worn jewellery. Please see warranty for entitlements.

Reproductions

I don't copy mass-produced pieces. I prefer to alter, improve and personalise existing designs. I do not compete with mass-produced and ready made prices on original pieces. I can service and recreate heirloom pieces.

Accent stones and melee

The accent stones and melee are selected to suit the design. The perfect fit is not always known until the piece has been started. Quotes will be made using average per carat prices and estimated weight; therefore the final cost may vary slightly.

Email response times

I usually respond to emails within one working day

Shipping

Orders are handled personally.  We post registered mail within Australia.

International orders are usually posted through Fed-Ex and I will send you the tracking number and the link.

Extras

Jewellery is packaged in a wooden box

I arrange valuations for a fee (usually priced into the quote), and I can direct you to the valuers I use.

Photos are often taken and emailed as a gift.

<top>

Warranty :

Returns

I will allow 7 days for a return for 'ready made' pieces bought from the For Sale gallery, for a refund minus 20% restocking fees, or exchange for another item of equivalent value. Custom work, special orders, personalized or engraved items cannot be returned or refunded.

Full money back

There is no limited return on manufacturing defects. However, the item must be in original condition.

Diamonds are guaranteed to match their certificate and the qualities as described. Precious metal fineness and alloys are guaranteed to be at or above the stamped metal purity.

Limitations

If a used piece is damaged I will determine whether the damage was due to a manufacturing flaw. Subsequent repairs/alterations may or may not be charged depending on your entitlements.

Diamonds do not fall out and settings do not misshapen by themselves. They have to be dislodged or bumped. Repairs are usually minor and therefore may be offered free of charge. (See 'No charge' below).

Diamonds are handled with care, and they are hardy. However there are occasions where a diamond is damaged through setting. While this is rare, I can not assume full responsibility for diamonds that you have bought independently. I will always inform you before hand if there are any potential risks to your stone and what the alternatives are.

Melee weight calculations - Total carat weight (Tcw) for pieces with .5mm - 1.5mm diamonds are approximated where the sizes are varied, because they are not individually weighed whilst they are set.

Returned item/s must be returned in their original condition. Should the items not be in their original condition all return privileges will be withdrawn. Additionally all warranties are void, (on my discretion) if you engage another jeweller to carry out work on your piece.

No charge

The first hour of labour, for ALL changes, after you have received your item is free for a period of 30 days.

Resizing and repolishing are offered free for engagement rings and wedding bands until the wedding ceremony. Otherwise, one resize is offered along with cleaning and minor alterations for new pieces for a period of 6 months. The period of 6 months is extended to 12 months for high-end pieces that are in excellent condition.

Melee - pieces with pave and micro pave are warranted for 12 months as long as the piece is in original condition. Specifically, a new stone will be replaced free of charge when the grains that hold the stones are not damaged or worn. NB: pieces with other setting types, such as channel setting are only warranted against manufacturing defects and therefore replacement diamonds may incur setting and replacement costs.

Loose stones - diamonds need to be checked for security and occasionally may need to be tightened. This free service is always included with re-polishing. All new pieces are checked and re-finished for free over the first 6 months.

Nominal fees may be charged for postage and handling

Services at cost

Alterations, subsequent resizes, some additions along with some repairs are charged at 'cost', and/or reduced rates for new pieces over a period of 6 months. NB: Minor alterations are free of charge, if they can be done in 1 hour.

Shipping

I will not be liable for any loss which may occur during the return process if the goods are not insured.

Sales Conditions: (summary of policy)

•  Payment methods - Electronic transfer cash or cleared cheque are accepted.

Items will not be released until final payment has been made.

•  Deposit - a deposit of 50% is preferred. Some diamond purchases must be paid in advance.

•  After sales service - resizing is offered free the first time, and further alterations are discounted.

•  Shipping - registered mail within Australia .

International orders are usually posted through Fed-Ex and I will send you the tracking number and the link.

•  Extras - packaged in a wooden box. Valuation included in the price.

Relevant links

ACCC - Australian Competition & consumer Commission
NCJV - National Council of Jewellery Valuer's
GSGA - Gold and Silversmith guild of Australia

The contents of this page do not affect your statutory rights.

<top>

Return to Commissions