Commission Terms & Conditions
Thinking of commissioning a special
piece of jewellery?
Important Information for you…
Alongside our 'off the shelf' Jewellery, Bridget can undertake specially commissioned pieces to your design or re-model existing jewellery.
The first step is to provide as much detail as possible about your design so that we can give you an estimate of the cost. This should include:
- Your contact details including full address and email
- Materials and/or stones to be used
- Sketches
- Ring size or other dimensions
- An idea of your budget
- Deadline if applicable
This will help Bridget to work out as realistic an estimate as possible. Please expect it to take up to 10 days to receive your estimate during busy periods.
Bridget has many years experience as a jeweller and many happy customers. This means she often has a full order book! Each bespoke item presents new design challenges and every piece is made by hand to an exacting standard. These special items take time to create.
Most commissions are completed within eight weeks. At busy times or for complicated designs please expect to join a waiting list of up to six months. If you require your jewellery for a special date please make sure that you discuss this with a member of staff at the outset.
Please be aware that we give an estimated cost. Each commissioned piece is a one-off; the cost of metal and other raw materials and processes can fluctuate. We therefore are unable calculate a final cost until the piece of jewellery is complete. We will do all we can to keep the final cost as close to your original estimate as possible, but please be prepared for the possibility of a rise in the final cost! If the cost is likely to be significantly different from your estimate we will contact you.
When you decide to go ahead with the commission we take a 50% deposit. Once you have placed an order and paid the deposit this means that you have agreed to our terms and conditions (see below).
We can then supply a sketch or a silver mock-up of your design if required.
If any changes to the design are required they must be sent in writing to Bridget as early as possible.
We look forward to creating a very special and unique piece of jewellery for you.
Please see below for our full Terms and Conditions.
Terms and Conditions - Bridget Wheatley Commissions
1. Agreement
These conditions govern all contracts of the sale of commissioned jewellery between Bridget Wheatley Contemporary Jewellery (hereinafter referred to as 'the Company') and any customer (hereinafter referred to as 'the Customer'). These terms can only be varied with the written consent of the Company.
2. Orders
A confirmed order is made when the Customer has paid the deposit required and has given their signature in acceptance of the order specifications (as detailed on the order form) and in acceptance of these terms. All orders for the supply of goods placed by the Customer with the Company are irrevocable unless otherwise expressly stated in writing. A confirmed order may only be cancelled or varied with the Company's written consent. Such consent shall not in any way prejudice the Company's right to recover from the Customer full compensation (including profit) for any loss or expense arising from such cancellation or variation of the original order. The Company is under no obligation to agree to vary an order.
3. Cancellations
An order may be cancelled within five working days of the date that it is placed. Provided that the Company has not incurred any costs in association with the order, the Customer may receive a full refund of their deposit. Cancellation must be made in writing. The order is not cancelled until the Company has consented to the cancellation in writing to the Customer. The Customer agrees to waive the right to cancel if they request work to commence on their order within the five working days from the date they placed the order. The Company reserves the right to refuse acceptance of goods returned to the Company without permission.
4. Prices
The price provided by the Company at the time an order is made is an estimate. The customer accepts that the final balance may vary from their original estimate. Any variation, if it applies, reflects variation in the costs of raw materials and manufacturing processes.
5. Payment and Deposits
The Company requires a 50% deposit before work can commence on an order. The company reserves the right to require a larger deposit. Payment of the balance is due immediately upon the date of dispatch or collection by the Customer. The Company reserves the right to refuse to dispatch goods to a customer whose payment is overdue. A charge of £20 will be made for each instance of a returned or represented cheque.
6. Completion date
The completion date provided by the Company at the time an order is made is an estimate. The Company will use its best endeavors to deliver the goods on the estimated date for delivery or collection, but does not guarantee to do so. The Company shall, under no circumstances whatsoever, be liable to the Customer for any loss, damage or expenses, whether caused directly or indirectly, by or from any delay in the completion of an order.
7. Delivery
Delivery to the Customers own premises or to those of a nominated agent will be charged extra to the Customer. Where delivery is to be made by an independent carrier, delivery to or pickup by the carrier will be deemed delivery to the Customer. Claims for shortages or non-delivery must be supported by the carrier's consignment or delivery note on which the goods have been signed and checked at the time of delivery. All claims for shortages or non-delivery must be made by telephone within 3 working days and in writing within 5 working days. Any loss or damage to the goods after delivery, whatever the cause, is the sole responsibility of the Customer.
8. Specification
Absolute consistency of sizes, materials, proportions, colours and shades are not guaranteed by the Company and are given as guidance only. On those occasions where repeat orders find that there is some variation from the previous order, Bridget Wheatley Contemporary Jewellery cannot be held responsible for those changes.
9. Care of Jewellery
All items of jewellery must be cleaned in accordance with instructions given by a member of Bridget Wheatley Contemporary Jewellery staff, or the item should be taken to an established jeweller for cleaning. Please refer to Bridget Wheatley Contemporary Jewellery cleaning instructions leaflet. The Company is not liable for any damage caused due to the Customer not following these recommendations. Jewellery should be treated with reasonable care. Jewellery should not be worn in bed or in the shower or bath. Jewellery and rings should be removed before playing sports, swimming or washing up. The Company is not liable for any damage caused due to the Customer not following these recommendations. The Company is not liable for any costs associated with normal wear and tear during the lifespan of the commissioned jewellery.
10. Alterations and Repairs
We recommend that items made by the Company should be returned to the Company for repair and/or alteration. Any damage or costs caused by repairs or alterations made by a third party are the sole responsibility of the Customer. The Company will only carry out free- of- charge repairs on a commissioned piece of jewellery if it is faulty and returned to the Company within three months of the delivery date. Alterations, e.g. resizing of rings, are always chargeable.
11. Gold Plate
We use a high quality 22carat gold plate. Generally a layer two microns thick is used except for items which are likely to receive more wear - these are given three or more microns coverage. Gold plate has a limited life span. We can only guarantee the life of gold plate up to three months from the date of purchase. After this period has expired the Customer is responsible for the cost of re-plating the item.
12. Claims against the Company
All claims in respect of goods alleged to be defective must be made in writing within 14 days from the date of delivery.
13. Set-off and Lien
No payments may be withheld nor may any counterclaims by the Customer be set-off against any payment due under this or any other contract. The Company shall have a general and particular lien on all money and property, which the Customer owns or is entitled to posses, which is in the possession of the Company or it's agents, which it may sell as the Customers agent to reduce the Customers debt to the Company.
14. Force Majeure
The Company shall not be under any liability of any kind for non-performance in whole or in part of its obligations under the contract due to causes beyond the reasonable control of the Company or of the Companies suppliers or due to labour disputes.
15. Ownership of Goods
Property of any goods supplied to the Customer will not pass to the Customer until the Customer pays for the goods in full. Further, title to such goods shall not pass until payment to the Company of all amounts owing to it by the Customer on any account whatsoever. The Company has the right to recover from the Customer the cost of installation, removal, return transport and diminution in value of any such goods not paid for in full. If prior to making payment to the Company, the Customer contracts to sell the goods to a third party in substantially the same form in which they were delivered to the Customer, then the title to such goods and payment liability shall pass from the Company to such third party upon full payment to the Company.
16. Intellectual Property Rights
All industrial or intellectual material or property rights associated with the design or manufacturing processes of commissioned jewellery are the property of the Company and remain so after ownership of the commissioned jewellery passes to the Customer. The Customer agrees to indemnify the Company from and against all costs, claims, liabilities and damages which we may suffer or incur as a result of you using, reproducing or exploiting any industrial or intellectual material or property rights without the consent of the proprietor.
17. Rectification of these Terms
If any of these terms, or any part of these terms, is unenforceable or void by law, it shall not affect the remainder of such terms or any other such term or otherwise affect the contract and shall be replaced by such valid term as is near as may be in effect to the original term.
18. Email marketing
Bridget Wheatley Contemporary Jewellery will automatically add you to its mailing list as someone who has expressed an interest in the Company and its products. If you would like to unsubscribe from the list please contact us by email or phone.
19. Jurisdiction
The laws of England shall govern all contracts between the Company and the Customers and any disputes arising there from shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the English courts
Terms and Conditions - Shop and Online Sales
1. Please keep the receipt for your purchase in a safe place. Your receipt is your guarantee against any repairs required on items purchased in our store within three months from the date of purchase. After the three-month period any damage or breakage will be considered wear and tear and charges will apply for repair and/or replacement.
2. We only provide refunds on faulty items. Please supply a valid receipt and return within 28 days of purchase.
3. Unsuitable items may be exchanged for equivalent value jewellery or for a credit note. Please supply a valid receipt and return the item within 28 days of purchase.
4. Credit notes must be redeemed within three months of issue.
5. If your purchase requires a minor alteration (for example shortening a bracelet to fit) please return it to us within 28 days of purchase and we will alter it free of charge. Not all items are suitable for alteration. Please supply a valid receipt.
6. Jewellery should be cleaned according to our instructions (see below). Bridget Wheatley Contemporary jewellery is not liable for any damage caused due to customers not following these instructions when cleaning their jewellery.
7. Bridget Wheatley Contemporary Jewellery is not responsible for jewellery lost by the customer. Customers should wear 'backs' (or 'butterflies') on their earrings at all times. Customers should ensure that fastenings are secure on necklaces, chains, bracelets, bangles and brooches. If in doubt about the security of a fastening the customer should consult a member of our staff before wearing the item.
8. Jewellery requires a reasonable amount of care when wearing or storing. Necklaces, chains, bracelets and dangly earrings are likely to break if treated roughly. Jewellery should be stored in a rigid jewellery box or hung on a jewellery tree. Chains should be laid flat in a rigid box or hung on a jewellery tree to prevent them getting kinked or tangled. Do not wear jewellery in bed, when playing sport, swimming, in the shower/bath or when washing up. Bridget Wheatley Contemporary Jewellery is not liable for any damage caused by customers not following these recommendations.
9. Orders placed through our online shop are delivered via Royal Mail Special Delivery. You should expect to receive your items within 5 working days of ordering.
10. Customers ordering through our online shop will be added to our mailing list; we do not share this information with any other companies. Please contact us via phone or e-mail if you would like to be removed from the mailing list.
11. Bridget Wheatley Contemporary Jewellery does not retain any financial information, e.g. credit or debit card details, of customers ordering through our online shop.
Repairs and Alterations:
1. Charges apply to all repairs and alterations unless the item is faulty and was purchased at our store. If this is the case please supply a valid receipt and return the item within 28 days of purchase.
2. We are only able to give an estimate of repair costs. Please be prepared for a rise in the final cost. We will do our best to keep you informed of any changes.
3. Whilst we do our best to complete repairs and alterations within six weeks we do not guarantee to do so. During busy periods please expect to join a waiting list of up to four months. Please be patient with us. We are a very small team and we have to give priority to commission work and general running of the shop. We don't have anyone working 'behind the scenes'!
4. If an item of jewellery does not bear a British hallmark we cannot be held responsible for the metal behaving unpredictably when heat is applied to it for soldering repairs. Customers agree to repairs and alterations going ahead at their own risk.
5. We reserve the right to refuse to repair an item if we do not have the expertise or equipment necessary or if the item is too fragile or old for us to repair.
6. Threading, re-threading and knotting carried out by Bridget Wheatley Contemporary Jewellery or one of its agents is guaranteed for six months. After the six month period any breakage or damage will be considered wear and tear and a charge will apply for repair.
Cleaning instructions:
The following instructions apply to silver and most gold jewellery. If your jewellery contains pearls, turquoise, opals or coral do not submerge in silver dip. Instead dip a cotton wool bud into some silver cleaner or silver dip and clean the metal parts of the jewellery using this. Rinse well in warm water and dry carefully. If your jewellery is very old or precious take it to an established jeweler for cleaning.
Polished finish: Use silver dip (available from Boswells - follow the manufacturers instructions) rinse well in warm water. A soft toothbrush and a little washing up liquid will help you to clean any crevices in the jewellery. Dry carefully and rub with a jewellery cloth impregnated with silver polish (available from Boswells) If your polished piece of jewellery is very scratched take it to an established jeweler for re-polishing.
Matt/satin finish: Use silver dip, apply a scrubbing action with an old toothbrush. An abrasive such as toothpaste or cream cleaner may be used to restore a matt finish. Rinse well in warm water and dry carefully.