BRAVAIS FINE JEWELRY - STORE POLICIES

Last Updated: January 2026

TERMS & CONDITIONS

By purchasing from Bravais Fine Jewelry, you agree to the following terms and conditions. Please read carefully before placing your order.

1. GENERAL TERMS

1.1 Business Structure Bravais Fine Jewelry is a sole proprietorship owned and operated by Abigail Koppes in Boston, Massachusetts. All jewelry is handmade by Abigail Koppes personally.

1.2 One-Person Shop As a one-person artisan business, production timelines may be affected by personal circumstances including health considerations. I operate on a sustainable, health-first business model and appreciate your patience and understanding.

1.3 Age Requirement You must be 18 years or older to make a purchase from Bravais Fine Jewelry.

1.4 Right to Refuse Service Bravais Fine Jewelry reserves the right to refuse or cancel any order at any time for any reason, including but not limited to: availability of inventory, errors in pricing or product information, suspected fraudulent transactions, or violation of these terms and conditions.

2. PRICING & PAYMENT

2.1 Pricing

• All prices are listed in US Dollars (USD)
• Prices are subject to change without notice (the metal market!)
• The price charged will be the price displayed at the time of order placement
• Orders placed at incorrect prices may be cancelled

2.2 Payment Methods

• Ready-to-ship items: Payment via Shopify (credit card, debit card, Shop Pay, etc.)
• Custom orders: Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, or bank transfer
• Payment in full is required before shipping (unless payment plan is arranged)

2.3 Sales Tax Sales tax will be collected on orders shipped to addresses in Massachusetts as required by law.

2.4 Currency All transactions are processed in US Dollars (USD).

3. ORDERS & PROCESSING

3.1 Order Confirmation You will receive an email confirmation when your order is placed. This confirmation does not guarantee acceptance of your order. Bravais Fine Jewelry reserves the right to cancel orders after confirmation if necessary.

3.2 Production Timeline

Ready-to-Ship Items:

• Items marked "ready to ship" will ship within 1-3 business days
• These are completed pieces available for immediate purchase

Made-to-Order Items:

• Items marked "made to order" require production time
• Timeline: Up to 12 weeks from order placement
• You will be notified of estimated completion date upon order

Custom Commissions:

• Timeline: 8-12 weeks from design approval
• Timeline begins after deposit is received and design is finalized
• Rush orders may be available for additional fee (see Section 4.5)
• Fill out this custom form to start the process

3.3 Order Changes & Cancellations

Ready-to-Ship Orders:

• May be cancelled within 24 hours of order placement for full refund
• After 24 hours, cancellations subject to 15% restocking fee

Made-to-Order Items:

• May be cancelled within 48 hours of order placement for full refund minus payment processing fees
• After 48 hours, all sales are final

Custom Orders:

• Deposits are non-refundable once design work and carving have begun
• Cancellation before work begins: deposit refunded minus $200 consultation fee

3.4 Communication I will keep you updated on your order progress via email. For custom orders, expect updates every 1-2 weeks. Please check your spam folder and add BravaisFineJewelry@gmail.com to your contacts.

4. CUSTOM ORDERS

4.1 Custom Order Process

1. Email inquiry with subject "Custom Inquiry - [Your Name]"
   1. Feel free to send me inspiration photos, my own pieces, or pinterest boards etc.
2. Initial consultation (email or video call)
3. Design proposal and pricing quote
4. 50% deposit required to begin work
5. Wax carving created for your approval
6. Changes allowed at wax stage (1-2 rounds of revisions included)
7. Casting and stone setting
8. Final photos sent for approval
9. Final 50% payment due before shipping

4.2 Deposit Requirements

• 50% non-refundable deposit required to begin custom work
• Deposit is non-refundable once design work and carving have begun
• Final 50% due upon completion before shipping

4.3 Design Ownership All designs created by Bravais Fine Jewelry remain the intellectual property of Abigail Koppes. Custom designs may be reproduced for future collections unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

4.4 Client-Provided Materials See Section 9 "Heirloom Stone Policy" for complete terms regarding client-provided gemstones.

4.5 Rush Orders

• Rush fees: 25-50% of labor cost depending on timeline
• Availability depends on current workload
• Rush orders cannot be guaranteed
• Contact me to discuss availability before requesting rush service

4.6 Design Revisions

• 1-2 rounds of changes included at wax stage
• Additional revision requests after 2 rounds: $100-300 per change
• Changes after casting: may require full remake at client expense

4.7 Recreating Other Artists' Designs I will not recreate designs by other independent jewelry artists. I am happy to take inspiration from historical jewelry, general design styles, or create an original design based on your vision.

5. RETURNS & EXCHANGES

5.1 Ready-to-Ship Collection Pieces

As a small one-person shop, returns are not accepted for customized, resized, or personalized orders.

For ready-to-ship collection items, returns are accepted within 7 days of delivery if the item is unworn, undamaged, and in original packaging. Returns will be inspected and issued as store credit.

To start a return: Email BravaisFineJewelry@gmail.com within 7 days of delivery. Include your order number and reason for return. If approved, I will send you instructions and a prepaid return label.

Non-returnable items:

• Custom and personalized jewelry
• Items that have been resized
• Earrings (for hygiene reasons)
• Sale or clearance items marked as final sale
• Items damaged due to wear or misuse
• Items altered by another jeweler

5.2 Damaged Items If your item arrives damaged, contact me within 48 hours of delivery with photos. I will repair, replace, or refund at my discretion. Damage claims after 48 hours cannot be honored.

5.3 Custom & Personalized Orders

• All custom and personalized orders are FINAL SALE
• No returns, exchanges, or refunds on custom work
• All sales final once deposit is paid and work has begun

6. SHIPPING & DELIVERY

6.1 Domestic Shipping (United States)

I offer door-to-door shipping with tracking and insurance on all items.

• Orders under $500: $10 flat rate USPS Priority Mail
• Orders $500+: FREE shipping
• All orders: Signature required for delivery
• High-value items ($2,000+): Shipped with full insurance and signature required

Delivery time: USPS Priority Mail typically delivers within 2-3 business days after the item ships.

6.2 International Shipping Currently, I ship within the United States only. International shipping may be available for custom orders on a case-by-case basis. International clients are responsible for all customs duties, brokerage fees, and taxes.

6.3 Lost or Stolen Packages

• All packages are shipped with tracking
• High-value items ($2,000+) are fully insured
• If package shows delivered but you did not receive it, contact me within 48 hours
• File a claim with USPS if package is lost in transit
• I will work with you to resolve the issue but cannot guarantee replacement if carrier confirms delivery

6.4 Incorrect Shipping Address

• You are responsible for providing accurate shipping information
• If package is returned due to incorrect address, you are responsible for reshipping costs
• Contact me immediately if you need to change your shipping address

7. RESIZING

7.1 Ring Sizing Insurance

I offer one-time ring resizing insurance for a small fee at checkout, valid for the lifetime of the jewelry. This includes one resize, plus cleaning and inspection.

7.2 Without Insurance First resize is $75-150 depending on design complexity.

7.3 Resizing Limitations

• Some items with engraving or patterns cannot be resized
• Typically limited to +/- 2 sizes without compromising the setting
• Resizing information is listed on each product page
• Customer pays return shipping to me

7.4 Additional Resizing If you need resizing beyond the one-time insurance coverage, I'm happy to resize again at labor and material cost.

7.5 Important Note If another jeweler resizes your ring, all warranties are void and I cannot guarantee the integrity of their work. Once another jeweler has worked on your piece, I may decline to service it.

8. Gemstone Information & Disclosure Policy

8.1 What We Provide:

• Detailed information about gemstone treatments based on supplier documentation
• Educational context about treatments using materials science principles
• Transparent sourcing information from reputable dealers
• Honest disclosure of what we know and what we don't know

8.2 What We Are NOT:

• A gemological testing laboratory
• GIA, AGL, or other certified gemstone grading service
• Able to provide independent gemstone reports or certifications

8.3 Our Approach: As a materials science professor, I bring scientific knowledge about crystallography, thermal treatments, and gemstone properties to help you understand what you're purchasing. However, I rely on documentation from established gem dealers and laboratories for specific gemstone identification and treatment disclosure.

For high-value pieces (typically $5,000+), gemstones can come with independent laboratory reports from GIA, AGL, or other recognized institutions. For pieces under $5,000, I provide treatment information based on supplier documentation and industry-standard disclosure practices but am happy to obtain a report for you from a Boston Gem lab for a small fee.

8.4 Your Right to Independent Verification: You always have the right to obtain independent gemological testing for any piece you purchase. I encourage customers making significant investments to seek third-party laboratory reports if desired and I am happy to arrange that for you.

8.5 Third-Party Appraisal

If you need formal gemological appraisal for insurance purposes, I can arrange certification through a local Boston gem lab for $400 (covers their testing and documentation fees). This is recommended for pieces valued over $5,000.

You are investing in a piece of art made lovingly by hand, backed by graduate-level materials science expertise.

9. WARRANTY

9.1 One-Year Manufacturer's Warranty

All items include a one-year warranty covering manufacturer's defects in craftsmanship. This includes:

• Defects in metalwork or stone setting
• Manufacturing errors
• Issues arising from normal wear under proper care

9.2 What is NOT Covered

• Normal wear and tear (scratches, tarnishing, minor prong wear)
• Damage from misuse, accidents, or rough activities
• Lost or damaged stones due to wear
• Damage caused by another jeweler's work
• Client-provided heirloom stones (see separate liability waiver)

9.3 Stone Damage or Loss

For pieces with expensive center stones, I recommend obtaining jewelry insurance (homeowner's policy or Jewelers Mutual) to cover loss or damage. Large stone damage may be fixable by recutting or polishing, but this is not always possible. A new stone may be needed if lost or damaged. Most stones I use are one-of-a-kind and cannot be exactly replaced.

9.4 After One Year

Any damage or wear can still be repaired, but will incur additional cost for parts or stone replacement based on labor and materials.

9.5 Inspection Clause

Once an item leaves my shop, it is no longer within my control. Wear and tear on returned items will be inspected and evaluated for warranty coverage. Normal wear is not covered under warranty.

10. LIFETIME SERVICES

10.1 Free Lifetime Cleaning and Inspection

I am happy to clean, inspect, and polish your item for free at any time for the lifetime of the piece. You only need to cover return shipping to me.

10.2 Service Requirements

This service is only available if:

• You purchased the piece from Bravais Fine Jewelry
• No other jeweler has worked on or altered the piece
• The piece is returned in reasonable condition

10.3 How to Use This Service

Email me to arrange return shipping. I will inspect for loose prongs, clean thoroughly, and polish before returning it to you.

11. HEIRLOOM STONE POLICY

11.1 Acceptance Criteria

I can reset family heirloom gemstones into new designs, but please be aware of the inherent risks involved.

I reserve the right to decline any heirloom stone commission if I determine the risk is too high. Before accepting your commission, I will:

1. Thoroughly inspect your stone under magnification
2. Document existing condition with detailed photos
3. Assess risk level based on stone type, condition, and setting design
4. Provide honest feedback about whether I recommend proceeding

11.2 Important Considerations

All gemstones carry some risk of damage during the setting process, especially older stones that may have existing stress fractures, chips, or wear that aren't immediately visible. Common risks include:

• Thermal shock during casting or torch work
• Pressure fractures during prong setting or bezel burnishing
• Existing internal fractures that become visible during cleaning
• Chips at girdle edges from previous settings

11.3 Stones at Higher Risk

The following stone types carry significantly higher risk:

• Emeralds (natural fractures, often oiled)
• Opals (sensitive to heat and pressure)
• Pearls (soft, heat-sensitive)
• Stones with existing chips, cracks, or visible inclusions
• Very old stones (may have internal stress from previous settings)
• Heavily treated stones (fracture filling, clarity enhancement)

11.4 Liability Waiver Requirement

A formal, signed liability waiver is REQUIRED before I begin work on any client-provided heirloom stone. By signing this waiver, you acknowledge and accept that:

• All gemstones carry inherent risk during the setting process
• I will use industry-standard techniques and reasonable care, but cannot guarantee the stone will not be damaged
• You assume ALL RISK of damage or loss to your stone
• I am not liable for any damage that occurs during the normal course of jewelry fabrication
• Your stone may have hidden flaws that only become apparent during the setting process
• You have been advised of the option to use a stone from my inventory instead

11.5 Damage to Heirloom Stones

• If your heirloom stone is damaged during setting, you are fully responsible
• No refunds, credits, or compensation will be provided
• Deposit is non-refundable even if stone is damaged
• I will document the damage and provide photos

11.6 My Recommendation

In many cases, I strongly encourage clients to commission a piece with a stone from my extensive rare gemstone inventory instead. This eliminates risk to irreplaceable family heirlooms while still creating a beautiful, meaningful piece to pass down to future generations.

Email me photos and any information you have about your heirloom stone, and we can discuss the best approach for your specific situation.

12. PRODUCT INFORMATION & ACCURACY

12.1 Gemstone Disclosure All gemstones sold by Bravais Fine Jewelry include complete treatment transparency:

• Heat treatment status (heated or unheated)
• Irradiation status
• Clarity enhancement (fracture filling, oiling, etc.)
• Provenance information when available

12.2 Photography

• Photos are taken to represent items as accurately as possible
• Colors may vary slightly due to monitor settings and lighting
• Gemstones are natural and each piece is one-of-a-kind
• Minor variations in color, inclusions, and appearance are expected

12.3 Measurements & Weights

• All measurements and weights are approximate
• Small variations (±0.1mm, ±0.05ct) are normal and expected
• Ring sizes are accurate to within 1/4 size

12.4 Metal Content

• All metal content is guaranteed as described
• 14k gold contains 58.3% pure gold
• Sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver
• Metals are sourced from recycled materials and CSC-certified vendors

12.5 Ethical Sourcing

• Diamonds: Kimberly Process certified, conflict-free
• Gemstones: Ethically sourced from reputable vendors
• Metals: Recycled and CSC-certified
• I do not guarantee that gemstones are "mine-to-market" unless explicitly stated

13. CARE & MAINTENANCE

13.1 General Care Your jewelry is made to be worn and enjoyed. Wear and tear over time is thus expected; however, to prolong the life of your handmade precious item, it is recommended that you:

• Remove jewelry before rough activities (gardening, swimming, sports)
• Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals (bleach, chlorine, perfume)
• Store in provided jewelry box or soft pouch
• Limit water contact to prolong jewelry life

13.2 Cleaning

• Safe for all jewelry: Warm (not boiling) water and mild dish soap with soft toothbrush
• Avoid: Ultrasonic cleaners (can damage soft stones like opals)
• Avoid: Harsh chemicals, steam cleaners, abrasive materials

13.3 Water Resistance Unlike what you might see in other advertisements, there is genuinely no such thing as 'waterproof jewelry'. Some metals are less likely to tarnish and corrode in water (think platinum, pure gold, and stainless steel) and are better suited for continuous wear. Gemstones have porosity, and water or lotion can enter the pores, causing cracking or discoloration. It is recommended that water contact be limited to prolong the life of your heirloom.

14. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

14.1 Copyright & Trademarks

• "Bravais Fine Jewelry" name and logo are owned by Abigail Koppes
• All photographs, designs, and written content are copyrighted
• You may not use any content without written permission

14.2 Design Rights

• All original designs remain the intellectual property of Abigail Koppes
• Custom designs may be reproduced for future collections
• Clients may not commission other jewelers to copy designs I created

14.3 Photography Rights

• I may photograph finished pieces for portfolio and marketing use
• If you prefer your piece not be shared publicly, notify me in writing
• I will respect your privacy if requested

15. PRIVACY & DATA

For complete information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal information, please see our Privacy Policy.

Quick Summary:

• We collect only necessary information for order fulfillment and customer service
• We use secure payment processors (Shopify, PayPal, Venmo) and do not store credit card information
• We may use cookies and similar technologies for website functionality and analytics
• We may share information with advertising partners for targeted advertising (you can opt out)
• You have rights to access, correct, delete, or opt out of certain uses of your information
• We will never sell your contact information to third-party mailing lists or data brokers

Your Privacy Rights:

• Right to know what information we collect
• Right to request deletion
• Right to opt out of targeted advertising
• State-specific rights (California, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah)

How to Exercise Your Rights: Email: BravaisFineJewelry@gmail.com
Subject: "Privacy Request"

Email Marketing:

• You may receive occasional marketing emails if you've opted in
• Unsubscribe link provided in all emails
• We respect your inbox and will not spam you (1-2 emails per month maximum)

See our complete Privacy Policy for detailed information.

16. DISCLAIMERS

16.1 Natural Materials

• All gemstones are natural and may contain inclusions, color variations, or minor imperfections
• These characteristics are part of the stone's natural beauty and are not considered defects
• Photos represent items as accurately as possible but minor variations are expected

16.2 Wear & Tear

• All jewelry experiences wear over time with regular use
• Scratches, tarnishing, and general wear are normal and expected
• Proper care (see Section 13) will prolong jewelry life

16.3 Professional Advice

• I am a Materials Science professor, not a certified gemological appraiser
• While I provide detailed gemstone documentation, formal appraisals are available through third-party gem labs
• For formal insurance appraisal, I can arrange third-party certification for additional fee

16.4 Medical Advice

• Vital medical ID jewelry is designed to display emergency information
• It is NOT a medical device and does not provide medical treatment
• Consult your healthcare provider for medical advice

17. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

17.1 Maximum Liability In no event shall Bravais Fine Jewelry's liability exceed the purchase price of the item in question.

17.2 Consequential Damages Bravais Fine Jewelry is not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from:

• Use or inability to use products
• Delays in delivery
• Lost or stolen packages (beyond insurance coverage)
• Damage to heirloom stones (per signed waiver)

17.3 Force Majeure Bravais Fine Jewelry is not responsible for delays or failure to perform due to circumstances beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Health emergencies
• Natural disasters
• Postal service delays
• Material shortages
• Pandemics or public health emergencies

18. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

18.1 Contact First If you have any issues with your order, please contact me first at BravaisFineJewelry@gmail.com. I am committed to resolving issues fairly and professionally.

18.2 Governing Law These terms and conditions are governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, United States.

18.3 Jurisdiction Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of Suffolk County, Massachusetts.

18.4 Mediation Before pursuing legal action, both parties agree to attempt good-faith mediation to resolve disputes.

19. MODIFICATIONS TO POLICIES

19.1 Right to Modify Bravais Fine Jewelry reserves the right to modify these policies at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with updated "Last Updated" date.

19.2 Notice of Changes Significant changes will be communicated via email to customers who have made previous purchases.

19.3 Acceptance of Changes Continued use of the website or placement of orders after policy changes constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.

20. CONTACT INFORMATION

Bravais Fine Jewelry
Abigail Koppes, Owner
Boston, Massachusetts

Email: BravaisFineJewelry@gmail.com
Instagram: @BravaisFineJewelry
TikTok: @BravaisFineJewelry
Website: [Your website URL]

Business Hours:
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST
Please note: As a one-person shop, response times may vary. I appreciate your patience.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By placing an order with Bravais Fine Jewelry, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Store Policies in their entirety.

Thank you for supporting independent, handmade jewelry!

Bravais Fine Jewelry | Handmade by Professor Abby Koppes | Boston, MA