Last updated: October 2026

At CHC Fine Jewelry, every custom piece is designed and made to order. Please read these terms before starting a project. By paying the design fee or replying "I agree" to our quote, you accept these terms. The terms in effect on the date of your payment apply to your order. All prices are in US dollars and do not include applicable sales tax.

How it works

1. You pay the 3D design fee.
2. We create the 3D model (CAD) and send you review images to approve.
3. We make adjustments (up to 3 revisions) until you approve.
4. We calculate the exact metal weight and send you a production quote.
5. If you'd like to move forward, we produce the piece in our workshop.

What's included in the design fee

• Complete 3D modeling of your piece
• Review images of the 3D model (screenshots or basic renders) for your review and approval
• Final 3D production files (STL, 3DM, or ZTL, depending on the software used), delivered after your approval
• Exact metal weight calculation, so we can give you an accurate production quote

Design fees are quoted per project based on complexity. Most designs take about 1 to 3 business days after payment is confirmed; complex designs may take considerably longer. Our studio is closed on weekends and public holidays.

Design & refund policy

• Approval: approval means your written confirmation (message or email) that the design is final. By approving, you confirm all details, including dimensions, proportions, spelling, engraving text, and fonts.
• Written communication: only agreements made in writing (message or email) are valid. Verbal or phone conversations are not binding unless confirmed in writing.
• Refunds: you can cancel and receive a 50% refund before the first review images are sent. After that, the design fee is non-refundable. Refund requests must be made in writing. Processing fees are not refunded.
• Revisions: 3 revisions are included and cover adjustments within the same concept (for example, adjusting details, sizes, or textures). Additional revisions have an extra fee, quoted according to the change requested. A completely new concept is quoted as a new project.
• Design adjustments: we stay as close to your reference as possible. Concept images (especially AI-generated ones) often don't account for the physical limits of jewelry casting, so we make the necessary structural adjustments (thickness, depth, supports) so the piece can be cast and polished properly. The final model may differ slightly from the reference image.
• Review images: review images show the working 3D model as it will be cast. Prongs appear open and straight, and some areas include extra metal for finishing, so the model will look different from the finished piece. Photorealistic renders of the finished piece (for example, for sales or presentations) are a separate service, quoted on request. Size on screen, color, shine, and texture may look different from the finished piece. Every piece is handmade, so small variations are normal and are not defects.
• Reference images: by sending us reference images, you confirm that you have the right to use them and to have a jewelry piece made from them. You are responsible for any claim related to the reference material you provide (for example, copyright, trademark, or a design owned by someone else), and you agree to cover any costs or losses CHC Fine Jewelry incurs because of it. If a reference appears to copy protected work, we may decline the project before work begins (full refund) or stop it once work has started, in which case any refund is at our discretion.
• Exclusive vs. non-exclusive design: the standard design fee is for a non-exclusive custom design. CHC Fine Jewelry retains the right to reproduce, modify, or sell this design or variations of it in our store. You receive the final files and may produce your own piece wherever you like, but the files may not be resold or reproduced for sale. If you'd like complete exclusivity (the design will never be reproduced or sold to anyone else), an Exclusive Design fee is added to the design fee. This fee is quoted per design, since it depends on the complexity of the model. Please request it before we begin, since exclusivity cannot be added after the design starts. The exclusivity fee is non-refundable. The resale restriction applies to both exclusive and non-exclusive designs.
• Use of files elsewhere: our files are prepared for jewelry production. If you print, cast, or produce the piece with another workshop, we are not responsible for the results, quality, or any problems in that process.
• File storage: we are not required to store your files after delivery. Please keep your own copy. Re-sending or recreating files may have a fee.
• Inactivity: if we don't hear back within 7 days of sending review images, we pause the project until you're ready. If there is no reply for 30 days from our last message, the project is closed.
• Portfolio: we may show the finished design in our portfolio, without your name. This applies even to exclusive designs, since displaying photos is not reproducing or selling the design. Let us know if you'd prefer we didn't.

Production & workshop work

• The design fee covers the 3D design only. Production is quoted separately.
• The production price depends on the metal weight (calculated from the approved 3D model) and the workshop labor involved. We send the quote before we start, and it is valid for 7 days since metal prices fluctuate.
• Production payment: a 50% deposit to begin production, with the balance due before shipping. You're also welcome to pay in full upfront.
• Price lock: once the 50% deposit is paid, the production price is locked, regardless of metal price changes or small weight variations after finishing.
• Production time: about 1 to 2 weeks (business days). Complex models take longer.
• Rush orders: rush orders may be available for an additional fee and must be confirmed in writing. We are not responsible for delays caused by late approvals or payments.
• No changes after approval: once you approve the 3D model, no design changes can be made during production.
• 3D-printed wax sample (optional): before production, you can request a 3D-printed wax sample for an additional fee, so you can evaluate the size, proportions, and details in person. The price is provided when you request it. The wax sample fee is separate and is not credited toward production.
• No returns: because every piece is custom-made, production orders are final sale. Once production begins (when the 50% deposit is paid), orders cannot be canceled, returned, or refunded. If your piece has a manufacturing defect, we will repair or remake it under the warranty below.
• Ownership: the finished piece remains the property of CHC Fine Jewelry until the full balance is paid.
• Abandoned orders: once your piece is finished, we notify you in writing that the balance is due. If the balance is not paid within 60 days of that notice, the order is considered canceled, the deposit is retained to cover materials and labor already performed, and we may recycle or sell the piece.
• Tolerances: final weight and measurements may vary slightly due to finishing and polishing.
• Allergies: sterling silver contains copper, and other alloys may contain other metals. Please tell us about any metal allergies before production. We are not responsible for reactions to metals you approved.

Rings, bracelets & chains: sizing

You are responsible for confirming the correct size before production begins. Resizing or remaking a piece because of an incorrect size provided by the customer is quoted separately.

Gemstones & diamonds supplied by CHC

• Stones are quoted separately, and the price is valid for a limited time, since stone prices and availability change.
• Natural gemstones and diamonds have natural variations in color, clarity, and inclusions. Photos and videos may not show them exactly as they look in person.
• Stones ordered specifically for your project are non-refundable once purchased.
• If a stone comes with a grading report (such as GIA or IGI), the report is the official description of that stone.
• We always disclose in writing whether a diamond or gemstone is natural or lab-grown, and any known treatments.
• Stones supplied by CHC that are damaged during setting are replaced at our cost.

Stones & materials provided by the customer

• You are responsible for the authenticity, quality, and condition of any stones, metal, or jewelry you provide. We do not appraise or identify stones unless quoted separately.
• Please document your stones with photos or reports before handing them to us.
• Some stones can fracture under normal setting pressure, especially fragile or treated stones. We are not responsible for stones that are damaged, chipped, or lost during setting or work. We may decline stones we consider too fragile or already damaged.
• Loose or lost stones after delivery are not covered by the warranty.
• When you provide old gold or other metal, we cannot guarantee its purity or the amount of usable metal after refining and casting.
• Taking apart or reworking existing jewelry (such as family pieces) carries risk, and we are not responsible for damage to parts that cannot be reused.
• While your items are in our care, our liability is limited to the value stated in writing on your receipt or quote.

Stone changes & delicate stones

• Stone changes: quotes are based on the specific stone discussed. If you change the stone after receiving a quote (for example, from a diamond to an emerald), a new quote will be issued, since the setting, labor, and risk may change. If the 3D design must be modified to fit the new stone, it counts as a revision or, if the changes are significant, as a new design. Stone changes are not possible once production begins.
• Delicate stones: some stones, such as emeralds, opals, tanzanite, and other treated or fragile stones, are more likely to chip or fracture during setting, sizing, or repair. When you choose one of these stones, you accept this higher risk. We may recommend a protective setting style for these stones.

Other metals

Quotes for gold, platinum, or other metals are based on the metal price on the day of the quote. Because these prices change quickly, quotes for these metals may be valid for a shorter period.

Shipping, pickup & delivery

• We cover shipping and insurance within the US. International shipping is quoted separately, and any customs duties or taxes are paid by the customer.
• You are responsible for providing a correct shipping address. Re-shipping because of an incorrect address is charged to the customer.
• All orders ship with signature confirmation. Once the carrier confirms delivery to the address you provided, we are not responsible for loss or theft.
• Please report any shipping damage or problem within 3 days of delivery, with photos.
• Pickups at our studio are by appointment and require a valid ID. Only the customer, or a person authorized in writing, may pick up the piece.
• Once delivered, we recommend insuring your piece with your own policy.

1-year warranty

Pieces made by CHC Fine Jewelry are covered against manufacturing defects for 1 year from delivery. Proof of purchase is required.

• First 30 days: we repair, remake, or refund the piece, at our discretion, and we pay shipping both ways.
• After 30 days and up to one year: we repair or remake the piece. Refunds are not available after the first 30 days. The customer covers shipping to our studio, and we cover return shipping within the US.
• Not covered: damage from misuse, accidents, or normal wear (such as tarnishing, scratches, or finish wear), pieces altered or repaired by another jeweler, and pieces made elsewhere, including pieces produced by another workshop from our files.
• 3D CAD files: design-only orders are a digital service and are not covered by this warranty.

Our rights

• We may decline or end any project at our discretion, including in cases of abusive or disrespectful communication. If no work has been done, we issue a full refund; if work has been done, any refund is at our discretion.
• Payment disputes: this is a custom service that starts right away. If you have a concern, please contact us first so we can make it right. If a payment dispute or chargeback is opened, we will provide the payment provider with all records, including messages, approvals, and delivered files.
• Limitation of liability: CHC Fine Jewelry's total liability for any claim related to an order is limited to the amount you paid for that order.

Orders through other platforms

Orders placed through eBay, Etsy, Amazon, Poshmark, or other marketplaces are also subject to that platform's policies.

General

• Governing law: these terms are governed by the laws of the State of New York, and any dispute will be handled in the courts of New York County, New York.
• Changes: we may update these terms. The version in effect on the date of your payment applies to your order.
• Severability: if any part of these terms is found invalid, the rest remains in effect.

Payment

We accept Zelle, PayPal, or a secure checkout link through our Shopify store.

Questions? Contact us at info@chcfinejewelry.com.