TERMS & CONDITIONS

DESIGN FEE - I charge a $75 non-refundable design fee for all custom orders, which will be applied toward the final purchase. This initial phase includes a consultation meeting and 1-2 rounds of design ideas/mock-ups. At the end of this phase, I will collect a 60% payment (which includes the $75 design fee) based on the estimate provided for the final piece of jewelry. With this payment, I will begin the production of the custom piece.

DEPOSIT - All custom pieces designed or handmade by Vanessa Ortiz Alcaraz and will require an approval of an estimate given, and a 60% deposit. With this payment, the client agrees to let production of the custom piece begin. The remaining balance will be charged upon completion of the piece and may range within 20% of the original quoted price. This is to allow for any pricing fluctuation due to the volatility of the precious metals market, however, I always try to stay close to the quoted price.

All payments must be made before artwork and jewelry are shipped. Shipping fees vary from project to project and will be written into your exclusive contract. Any fees incurred from processing payments will be covered by the client, as there are many free payment options to choose from.

For an order cancellation after production begins, the client agrees that they are responsible for any non-recoverable costs for the piece, as well as the $75 design fee.

PAYMENTS - Payments can be made via cash, Card (payable to Vanessa Alcaraz), Venmo (@Vanessa-Alcaraz-1), paypal (combineandcreate@gmail.com), or credit or Debit card through Square Point of Sale.

Any fees incurred due to payment processing will be added to the final price.

(cash, check, and venmo do not incur fees)

RETURNS - Custom-designed pieces are non-returnable but are always eligible for repairs.

HEIRLOOM STONES + METALS - If a client would like to use a pre-owned stone or recycle metal, they must first be approved by me or licensed metalsmith, send photos of the stones, and provide detailed information about stone/metal type, carat weight, metal purity, any certifications (GIA, etc) and current mounting, etc. Stone/metal requests are approved on a case by case basis, and an additional fee will be charged (price determined with client depending on the case). It is best to send your stones/metals directly to Vanessa Alcaraz (address provided in private email) with all of your information as well as your email address. The client must pay for the shipment of the stones and it is encouraged to get shipping insurance. We will not cover any lost or damaged shipments. The client assumes all liability associated with this shipment. If you are local to San Diego, arrangements can be made to drop off your shipment in person.

The client agrees that there is reasonable risk involved in removing stones from mountings, resetting stones, and mixing old and new metals. We will advise the client on any foreseeable issues before moving forward with stone resetting and metal recycling. By providing consent for to reset a pre-existing gemstone, the customer holds harmless we against any stone damage due to stone flaws or existing stone cracks, chipping, flaws, or inclusions. By providing consent for us to recycle heirloom metals, the customer holds harmless us against any metal damage or depreciation in value due to metal flaws or existing purity issues.

REPAIRS - At the discretion of Vanessa Alcaraz, a custom piece will be repaired if any manufacturer defects are found in the first 12 months from the date of the purchase. Normal wear and tear and customer abuse are not covered under warranty, but repairing and refinishing is always an option.

RING RESIZING - It is the customer's responsibility to provide an accurate ring size prior to production.

Pieces such as eternity bands, intricate settings, or pieces featuring certain gemstones cannot be resized. Custom rings that are not excluded come with 1 complimentary resize. (Applies to customs only). After this complimentary resize, pieces will be resized on a case-by-case basis, and come with a flat resizing fee of $50 [platinum pieces require a $110 resizing fee]. Please allow 1-2 weeks for resizing.

All of these terms and conditions are applicable to change. It is your responsibility to read over the terms and conditions of your individual contract.