The Collector: FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions title image

A few important notes

We do business either by walk-in or by mail. Our parent company, Pala International, has been in in the international gemstone business since 1969 and thus assures your satisfaction. Each gemstone, mineral specimen or piece of jewelry is guaranteed to be exactly as described.

Our products

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

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.

Payment methods

Advance payment is required for all purchases. Choose from one of the following methods:

Cash
Not surprisingly, we do like and accept this stuff!
Checks
For internet or phone orders, 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.
Credit cards
We accept Visa, MasterCard, Diner’s Club and American Express. Our secure server software (SSL) 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.
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.

Layaway

Certain client may wish to put an item away on layaway. We offer a three-month interest-free layaway plan. This is a great method of reserving a one-of-a-kind piece.

Shipping methods

Jewelry and mineral specimens are normally shipped by US Postal Service registered mail, insured, unless you specify otherwise. Other shipping options include:

United Parcel Service (UPS): Available on request
FedEx: Available on request

Note that UPS and FedEx do not ship to PO Boxes. Shipping and insurance charges will be quoted on a case-by-case basis, and depend on method, weight and value.

Prices

All prices quoted are in US Dollars for deliveries within the USA. Any possible import fees or taxes imposed in countries outside the USA will be the customer’s responsibility. FedEx and UPS usually take care of all legal regulations for you. Upon delivery any costs incurred in this process will be settled with FedEx or UPS themselves. Please contact us if you need further information on the import regulations for your country of residence. We cannot take responsibility for errors or change of price.

Receipts

You will receive a receipt together with your goods, which you should file carefully. You will need the document in case of a return, for your insurance, or 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.

Security

We take your security concerns seriously. Our secure server software (SSL) 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. View our security and privacy policies.

Returns

Goods may be returned for exchange or store credit, in mint condition. All returns must be made within ten days of the date of sale. All returns must be made only by insured registered post. Return postage and insurance will be paidby the customer. We do not accept returns for special orders or items custom made to specification.

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.

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.

Legal issues

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

Memberships

	The International Colored Gemstone Association is an independent non-profit association which was founded in 1983 to represent the international gemstone industry.
	Founded in 1981, the American Gem Trade Association is a group of US and Canadian professionals dedicated to promoting the natural colored gemstone and cultured pearl trade while maintaining the highest ethical standards among its members and within the industry.
	Pala International is a Registered Supplier of the American Gem Society. The American Gem Society (AGS) has been protecting the consumer since 1934. An association of fine jewelers, its members are committed to the highest standards of business ethics, and practice truth-in-advertising and pricing.
	The Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT) rates creditworthiness in the gem and jewelry trades. Pala International has been a JBT member for over 20 years and has a 31 (‘1st’ or ‘high’) credit rating.

Buying and selling to The Collector

Sell to the Collector: Have something to sell? We buy fine gems and minerals.
Your Wants: Tell us your gem or mineral needs and we'll see if we have it, or can find it.
Our Wants: A list of our permanent wants. We need fine Burma ruby, sapphire, alexandrite, etc. Let us know if you have something to sell.