• A few important notes
• Trade versus retail
• Pala partners
• Our products
• Gemstone enhancements
• Digital images
• Memos
• To place an order
• Credit terms and accounts

• Payment methods
• Shipping methods
• Minimum order values
• Prices
• Receipts
• Privacy
• Returns
• Legal issues
• Pala’s memberships

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.
 

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 Returns below for our returns policy.
 

To place an order
Our user-friendly site navigation makes it easy to shop and order online.

• Within the online database, when you find an item you like, click the Add To Cart button.
• After the contents of your cart are displayed, click the Shop button to continue shopping, or if you’re ready to place your order, click the Shopping Cart button in either the top or bottom navigation menu. This allows you to see what you've selected and make any changes you want to before placing your order. Items can be deleted from your cart by clicking the Delete button.
• To place your order, simply click the Checkout button, fill out your ship-to and credit card information, and click the Submit Order button.
   

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.
  Still not comfortable giving us your credit card details over the internet? Just fill out our online order form and check the box that tells us you prefer to give us your credit card details by phone. After you have submitted your order, we will call you to confirm your order and get your credit card information.
  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.
 

Minimum order values
For orders amounting to less than US$ 250.– there is a general fee for postage, packing, and insurance of US$ 5.– For orders amounting to over US$ 250.– we do not charge for postage and packing.
 

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. Click here for more information.
 

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.