Business Policies

A few important notes

We appreciate your business.  Whether you're a frequent PalaGems.com shopper or a first-time customer, our sales associates will do their best to offer helpful advice and answer any product-related questions you may have. Our sales staff is one of the most experienced in the business and will be happy to assist you in getting the information and gems you need.  If you have questions regarding your order, please contact one of our sales associates at 800-854-1598.

• We do most of our business by mail.
• Pala International has been in in the international gemstone business since 1969 and thus assures your satisfaction.
• Each gemstone is guaranteed to be exactly as described.

Our products

Many of our gems are one-of-a-kind pieces. Should the piece you desire be out of stock, we will contact you with possible replacements.

Gem enhancements

With the growing world population, demand for precious stones is greater than ever. In order to meet that demand, while at the same time keep prices within reason, most gemstones today are subject to enhancement processes to improve their quality. These range from simple, low-temperature heat enhancements (virtually all tanzanites are subjected to this), to more complex processes. Click here for a detailed list of gem enhancements. Pala International is a founding member of the American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) and complies with their policy of full disclosure of all gemstone enhancements. The enhancement type of each gem will be noted on our invoices. If you have any questions about gemstone enhancements, contact us.

Digital images

In our business, color is important. We do our best to ensure our digital images display an accurate rendition of each piece. However, due to factors beyond our control (such as individual monitor differences and calibration), actual colors may vary from what you see on your monitor.

Memos

Our standard method of doing business is via memo (consignment). If you see a piece which you would like to look at, contact us. Provided you can provide us with trade references (see Credit Terms & Account Establishment below), we will be happy to send you stones on memo. Keep in mind that many of our gems are one-of-a-kind pieces. Should the piece you desire be out of stock, we will contact you with possible replacements.

Pala’s standard memos are for a period of ten days. See below for our returns policy.

Credit terms and account establishment

If you already have an established account with us, we can grant you credit terms. Please contact us for details. To establish an account, you will need to be listed in the Jewelers’ Board of Trade (JBT) or supply us with trade references. If you cannot meet these conditions, we require advance payment.

Payment methods

Advance payment is required for all purchases, unless you already have an account with us. Choose from one of the following methods:

• Credit cards

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Diner’s Club and American Express. Our secure sockets layer (SSL) technology is among the best available today for secure commerce transactions. All of your personal information is encrypted, including credit card number, name, and address, so that it cannot be read as the information travels across the Internet. 

Click here for additional information on privacy and security.

• Checks

When your order is received, we will fax or mail you confirmation. You may then mail us your check. Once it has cleared, we will rush your order to you.

• Bank wire transfers

After receiving your order we will fax or mail you the confirmation together with our banking details. You then have to ask your bank to transfer the specified amount to our account. After receiving your payment we will immediately send out the selected items to you.

Shipping methods

Goods are normally shipped by registered mail, insured, unless you specify otherwise. Other shipping options include:

• United Parcel Service (UPS): Available on request
• US Postal Service Express Mail: Available on request

Any possible import fees or taxes imposed in countries outside the USA will be your responsibility. Please contact us if you need further information on the import regulations for your country of residence.

Prices

All prices quoted are in US Dollar for deliveries within the USA. While we do our best to ensure our database prices are accurate, we cannot take responsibility for errors or price changes.

Receipts

Together with your goods you will receive an invoice, which you should file carefully. You will need the document in case of a return, or for your insurance, in case of theft or damage.

Privacy

Pala International understands the importance of privacy and takes strict care to ensure that all customer data is protected. We will not sell or otherwise pass your personal information on to any other company, institution or person. 

Returns

Memo goods may be returned within 10 days, in mint condition. Exceptions from this rule concern accessories, orders made to specification, or articles not generally contained in our range of goods, i.e., items which have been especially crafted or acquired according to fill a customer’s order. All returns must be made only by insured registered post. Return postage and insurance will be paid by the customer. Note: The US Postal Service can provide insurance only up to $25,000. For parcels valued higher, the customer must take out additional third-party insurance.

Legal issues

All transactions are subjected to California and US law.  The USA is the place of jurisdiction for both parties.