Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: October 2026

1. Business Scope & Applicability

These Terms and Conditions apply to all sales, bespoke commissions, and website uses through iainsainsbury.com. I operate as a sole trader based in Cambridge, UK. All products and services offered on this site are intended exclusively for customers residing in and requiring delivery within the United Kingdom.

1.1 International & Overseas Orders

While my primary focus is serving clients within the United Kingdom, overseas commissions and purchases are considered strictly on a case-by-case basis. Acceptance of an international order depends on the destination country’s recognition of UK Assay Office hallmarks, local import regulations, and current tariff or customs structures.

Where an international order is accepted, the client is solely responsible for all applicable local import duties, taxes, customs clearance fees, and international shipping surcharges.

2. Handmade Variations & Materials

Every piece of fine jewellery I make is individually hand-crafted at my bench using natural gemstones, Single Mine Origin (SMO) gold, or 100% recycled materials.

  • Natural & Handcrafted Variations: Due to the organic nature of gemstones and hand-worked precious metals, subtle variations in grain, metal texture, colour, and exact gem dimensions are an inherent characteristic of bespoke craftsmanship. These variations ensure your piece is unique and do not constitute defects.

  • Website Photography: Product imagery on the website is indicative of design and craftsmanship. Exact stone hues and hand-finished surface textures may vary slightly under different lighting conditions.

3. Bespoke Commissions & Pricing

3.1 Fixed Pricing & Scope

Once the 50% deposit has been received, the agreed total price for the specified design remains fixed. This fixed price applies strictly to the scope of work described in the initial estimate/quote.

3.2 Client-Requested Changes & Extra Work

Any subsequent design changes, revisions beyond agreed limit(s), or additional work requested by the client requiring extra time or materials are not included in the original fixed price. Such additions will be quoted separately and charged to the client upon written approval before the extra work commences.

3.3 Precious Metals & Market Fluctuations

  • Spot Market Basis: All quotes and estimates are based on the prevailing spot market price of precious metals (including gold) on the date of issue. Quotes remain valid for 7 days.

  • Material Purchasing: We endeavour to purchase metals promptly upon receipt of the deposit to lock in rates.

  • Fluctuations & Delays: If production is delayed, particularly due to client delays in providing feedback, approvals, or materials, or if market volatility causes the spot price of precious metals to increase by more than 5% prior to raw material purchase, i reserve the right to adjust the final price to reflect the increased material cost.

3.4 Written Approval & Adjustments

Any adjustments to the total price resulting from design alterations, extra time/materials, or precious metal price fluctuations will be communicated to the client in writing with a revised breakdown before proceeding.

3.5 Payment Structure

  • Ready-to-Wear / Standard Purchases: Payment must be made in full at the time of order via my secure online checkout (Stripe, Apple Pay, PayPal) or BACS.

  • Bespoke Commissions: Bespoke orders require a non-refundable 50% deposit upon order confirmation to cover bespoke material sourcing and design work. The remaining 50% balance is due upon completion, prior to hallmarking dispatch or collection.

  • Taxes: I am not currently registered for UK VAT; therefore, VAT is not charged on orders.

4. Client-Supplied Gold & Gemstones (Heirloom Remodelling)

When you supply your own ancestral gold or heirloom gemstones for re-melting, re-forging, or resetting, the following terms apply:

  • Metal Testing & Purity: Client-supplied gold is tested prior to melting. Unmarked or mixed-alloy gold may yield unexpected colour or purity results when cast.

  • Casting & Porosity Risks: Re-melting antique gold carries inherent metallurgical risks, including surface micro-porosity or brittle alloy behaviour. While I exercise reasonable skill and care, I am not liable for natural material reactions inherent in secondary gold casting.

  • Gemstone Unsetting & Resetting: Removing gemstones from old, worn settings carries a small risk of stone breakage or fracturing if hidden internal feathers or stress fractures exist. I inspect all stones prior to work, but client-supplied gemstones are handled at the owner's risk.

  • Limitation of Sentiment Value: In the unlikely event of loss or damage to client-supplied materials, liability is strictly limited to the intrinsic market replacement value of the raw metal or stone, and explicitly excludes emotional or sentimental value.

5. Ring Sizing & Silver Test Prototypes

  • Silver Prototype Approvals: Where silver test prototypes are supplied for remote fitting, it is your responsibility to test the fit and confirm satisfaction with the size and profile before giving authorisation to proceed with final casting in gold or platinum.

  • Resizing Limits: Standard bespoke rings can typically be resized up to one full size up or down, depending on the design. Asymmetric designs, sandcast textures, or continuous stone settings may not be resizable.

  • Remaking Fees: If a ring cannot be resized due to design limitations or an incorrect size provided by the client, I offer to remake the ring in the correct size at a discounted bench cost.

6. Hallmarking

In full compliance with the UK Hallmarking Act 1973, all precious metal items created in my studio that exceed statutory weight thresholds (7.78 grams for silver, 1.00 gram for gold, and 0.50 grams for platinum) are independently assayed and hallmarked at the Edinburgh Assay Office prior to final delivery.

7. Delivery & Shipping (UK Only)

  • All completed items are dispatched within the United Kingdom using Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed, fully insured up to statutory limits, requiring a signature upon delivery.

  • Delivery timelines for bespoke commissions are estimated during consultation (typically 4–8 weeks from deposit payment) and may vary during peak periods. I will keep you updated via email or messaging throughout the build.

8. Cancellations, Returns & Refunds

I comply fully with the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

8.1 Standard / Ready-to-Wear Items

  • 14-Day Cooling-Off Period: You have the right to cancel an order for standard, non-bespoke items bought directly through the website within 14 calendar days of receiving the item.

  • Return Conditions: You must notify me in writing within 14 days and return the unworn item in its original packaging within a further 14 days. You are responsible for return shipping costs via a trackable, insured service (Royal Mail Special Delivery recommended).

  • Refund Processing: Refunds are issued within 14 days of receiving the returned item, subject to deduction if the item shows signs of wear or damage.

8.2 Bespoke, Commissioned & Personalised Items (Exemption)

In accordance with Regulation 28(1)(b) of the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, bespoke commissions, personalized items, altered pieces, and custom sandcast rings are exempt from the 14-day statutory right to cancel.

  • Once a deposit is paid and bespoke work or material sourcing has commenced, bespoke orders cannot be cancelled or returned for a refund due to change of mind or incorrect size provided by the customer.

8.3 Hygiene Exclusion

For hygiene reasons, pierced earrings or body jewellery cannot be returned once the sealed packaging has been opened or worn, unless faulty.

8.4 Defective or Faulty Goods (Consumer Rights Act 2015)

If an item develops a manufacturing fault or does not match the agreed specification:

  • Short-Term Right to Reject (30 Days): You have a statutory right to reject defective goods for a full refundwithin 30 calendar days of delivery.

  • Repair or Replacement: After 30 days, if an item is found to be defective due to manufacturing fault, you are entitled to a repair or replacement free of charge. This does not cover standard wear and tear, accidental damage, or unauthorised third-party alterations.

9. Copyright & Intellectual Property

  • Design Copyright: All original jewellery designs, custom sketches, 3D layouts, and physical creations are my exclusive intellectual property and protected under UK copyright law. Unauthorised copying, reproduction, or commercial exploitation of my designs is strictly prohibited.

  • Website Content: All text, editorial copy, images, and photography on iainsainsbury.com are copyright of Iain Sainsbury Bespoke Jewellery. They may not be reproduced, downloaded, or redistributed without prior written consent.

10. Privacy & Data Protection

I respect your privacy and process personal data in strict accordance with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018. Personal information collected during order fulfillment or consultation is used solely to deliver your service and is never sold to third parties.

11. Limitation of Liability

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 that cannot legally be excluded. Subject to this, my total liability for any claim arising from a contract shall not exceed the purchase price of the item supplied.

12. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions and any disputes arising from them are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales (or Scotland and Northern Ireland where applicable), and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the UK courts.