Terms of service

TERMS AND CONDITIONS – ALIX JOAILLERIE (HONG KONG)
 
Last updated: [date]
 
Article 1 – Scope and Parties
 
These Terms govern the online sale of fine jewellery and related services (“Products”) by Alix Joaillerie (“Alix”, “we”, “us”) to consumers (“you”, “the Customer”).
 
These Terms apply to consumers acting for personal, family, or household purposes. They do not apply to business-to-business transactions, which require a separate written agreement.
 
By placing an order, you confirm that you have read and accepted these Terms. You must be at least 18 years old to place an order.
 
Article 2 – Products, Descriptions, and Authenticity
 
2.1 Descriptions. Each Product is described on its product page with its essential characteristics, including the precious metal, gemstone type, and, where applicable, carat weight and dimensions.
 
2.2 Natural variations. Fine jewellery is made with natural materials. Gemstones may present natural inclusions, colour variations, and slight differences from photographs. Such variations do not constitute a defect.
 
2.3 Authenticity and treatments. Alix guarantees that each gemstone is described accurately as to its nature (natural, laboratory-grown, or synthetic) and that any treatment materially affecting value, durability, or care requirements is disclosed. Alix complies with the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (Cap. 362), under which applying a false trade description to goods—including misrepresenting a gemstone’s nature, treatment, or origin—is a criminal offence. Alix does not use the unqualified term “diamond” for laboratory-grown or synthetic stones, consistent with the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong’s integrity pledge.
 
2.4 Invoices and records. For natural jadeite and diamond products, Alix issues an invoice or receipt containing the information required by the Trade Descriptions (Provision of Information on Natural Jadeite) Order and the Trade Descriptions (Provision of Information on Diamonds) Order, and retains a copy for not less than three years. Invoices state the supplier’s full name and address, the price, the date of supply, and the fineness, weight, and description of the item.
 
2.5 Certificates. Where a Product is accompanied by a gemological certificate, the certificate number and stated characteristics correspond to the Product shipped. You should verify the certificate against the Product upon receipt.
 
Article 3 – Orders
 
3.1 Order process. Placing an order constitutes an offer to purchase. The order is confirmed by a “double-click” process: you review the order summary, accept these Terms by checking the designated box, then proceed to payment.
 
3.2 Order confirmation. An automated acknowledgement does not constitute acceptance. The contract is formed when Alix expressly confirms acceptance or ships the Product.
 
3.3 Refusal and cancellation. Alix may refuse or cancel an order before shipment for legitimate reasons, including unavailability, manifest pricing or description error, suspected fraud, or payment failure. If a paid order is cancelled, you will be refunded in full.
 
3.4 Wrongly accepting payment. Alix will not accept payment for a Product unless it has reasonable grounds to believe it can supply that Product within a reasonable period. A failure to do so may constitute an offence under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.
 
Article 4 – Prices and Payment
 
4.1 Prices. Prices are displayed in Hong Kong dollars (HKD), exclusive of delivery costs unless stated otherwise. Delivery costs are shown at checkout before you confirm the order.
 
4.2 Payment. Payment is due in full at the time of order. Alix does not store full payment card details. Transactions are processed by a secure third-party payment provider.
 
4.3 Retention of title. The Products remain the property of Alix until full payment is received.
 
Article 5 – Delivery
 
5.1 Delivery. Delivery methods, estimated times, and costs are indicated before order confirmation. Delivery times are indicative.
 
5.2 Risk. Risk of loss or damage passes to you upon physical delivery.
 
5.3 Delivery issues. You are responsible for providing accurate delivery information. If a parcel is returned due to an incorrect address or failure to collect, Alix will contact you to arrange redelivery at your expense.
 
Article 6 – Returns and Refunds
 
6.1 No statutory right of return. Hong Kong law does not provide a statutory cooling-off period or a statutory right of return for online purchases. Alix does not offer voluntary returns except where a Product is defective, not of merchantable quality, or not as described, or where otherwise required by law.
 
6.2 Defective or misdescribed goods. Nothing in these Terms limits your rights where a Product is defective, not of merchantable quality, or not as described. In such cases, Alix will repair, replace, or refund the Product in accordance with Article 7. To make a claim, contact Alix at [contact email] with your order number, a description of the issue, and supporting photographs or evidence. Alix may inspect the Product before approving a remedy.
 
Article 7 – Legal Guarantees under the Sale of Goods Ordinance
 
7.1 Implied conditions. Where Alix supplies goods to you as a consumer, the Sale of Goods Ordinance (Cap. 26) implies conditions that the goods correspond with their description, are of merchantable quality, and are reasonably fit for their purpose. These implied conditions cannot be excluded or restricted in consumer sales.
 
7.2 Remedies. If a Product fails to comply with an implied condition, you are entitled to the remedies provided by the Sale of Goods Ordinance, including rejection of the goods and recovery of the price, or damages.
 
Article 8 – Care and Usage
 
8.1 Care instructions. You must follow the care instructions provided with the Product and on the Site, including removing jewellery at the beach, in pools, and during manual activities; keeping it away from perfume, cosmetics, and household chemicals; and storing each piece separately.
 
8.2 Delicate stones. Emeralds, opals, pearls, quartz, aquamarines, tourmalines, peridots, and tanzanites are more fragile than diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. They require extra care, may be sensitive to soaking, heat, or chemicals, and may fracture upon direct impact. Do not soak these stones; wipe them gently with a soft, damp cloth.
 
8.3 Consequence of misuse. Damage resulting from failure to follow the care instructions is not covered by any voluntary guarantee offered by Alix. Nothing in this Article affects your statutory rights under Article 7, including where a Product is defective, not of merchantable quality, or not as described.
 
Article 9 – Liability
 
9.1 Alix is liable for direct, foreseeable loss caused by its breach of these Terms. Alix is not liable for indirect or consequential loss, including loss of profit or opportunity, to the extent permitted by law.
 
9.2 Nothing in these Terms excludes or restricts liability for: (a) death or personal injury caused by negligence; (b) fraud; (c) any liability under the Sale of Goods Ordinance that cannot be excluded in consumer sales; or (d) any other liability that cannot be excluded under Hong Kong law.
 
9.3 Alix is not liable for delays caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including carrier delays, customs delays, or strikes.
 
Article 10 – Personal Data (PDPO)
 
Alix processes personal data in accordance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486) and its Privacy Policy. You have rights of access and correction under the PDPO. To exercise these rights, contact [privacy email]. Alix will not use your personal data for direct marketing without your consent.
 
Article 11 – Complaints and Dispute Resolution
 
11.1 Complaints. Please contact Alix first at [contact email]. We will endeavour to resolve the matter within 30 working days. This does not affect your right to refer a complaint to the Consumer Council or to bring legal proceedings.
 
11.2 Mediation. If a complaint cannot be resolved directly, you may refer it to the Consumer Council for conciliation. Alix will cooperate in good faith with any Consumer Council mediation.
 
11.3 Arbitration. Any dispute may be referred to arbitration only if you give written consent after the dispute has arisen, consistent with section 20(3) of the Arbitration Ordinance (Cap. 609) and section 15(1) of the Control of Exemption Clauses Ordinance (Cap. 71).
 
11.4 Jurisdiction. Nothing in this Article prevents you from bringing proceedings before a competent Hong Kong court.
 
Article 12 – Governing Law
 
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Hong Kong courts have jurisdiction over any dispute, subject to Article 11.
 
Article 13 – Changes to These Terms
 
Alix may update these Terms from time to time. The version applicable to your order is the version in force when you confirm the order.