Precious Metals, Gemstones and Materials Disclosure Policy
Effective Date: 11/06/2026
1. Purpose
This Policy establishes the minimum disclosure requirements for all Vendors selling jewellery and related products on [Website Name] (“Marketplace”).
The purpose of this Policy is to ensure transparency, accuracy, and customer confidence regarding the materials used in products offered through the Marketplace.
All Vendors agree to comply with this Policy when listing products for sale.
2. General Disclosure Requirements
Vendors must provide accurate and complete information regarding the materials used in their products.
Customers must be able to clearly understand:
- What materials have been used.
- The purity or grade of precious metals.
- Whether gemstones are natural, lab-grown, treated, or simulated.
- Whether any coatings, plating, or enhancements have been applied.
Misleading, incomplete, or deceptive descriptions are prohibited.
3. Precious Metals
All precious metal listings must clearly state the metal type and purity.
Examples include:
- Sterling Silver (925)
- Fine Silver (999)
- 9ct Gold
- 14ct Gold
- 18ct Gold
- Platinum 950
- Palladium
- Argentium Silver
Vendors must not describe an item simply as “gold” or “silver” without specifying the purity where applicable.
4. Gold-Plated and Coated Jewellery
Products that are plated, coated, vermeil, filled, or bonded must be clearly identified as such.
Examples:
- Gold Plated Sterling Silver
- Gold Vermeil
- Gold Filled
- Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver
Plated items may not be advertised as solid gold.
5. Base Metals
Where products contain base metals, Vendors must disclose the primary materials used.
Examples include:
- Brass
- Bronze
- Copper
- Stainless Steel
- Titanium
Mixed-material products should identify significant components where relevant.
6. Gemstones
Gemstones must be accurately described.
Listings must clearly indicate whether a gemstone is:
Natural
A gemstone formed naturally within the earth.
Lab-Grown
A gemstone created in a laboratory with substantially the same physical and chemical properties as its natural equivalent.
Examples:
- Lab-Grown Diamond
- Lab-Created Ruby
- Lab-Grown Sapphire
Simulated
A material designed to imitate another gemstone but with different physical or chemical properties.
Examples:
- Cubic Zirconia
- Crystal
- Simulated Opal
Simulated stones must not be marketed as natural gemstones.
7. Gemstone Treatments and Enhancements
Where known, Vendors must disclose significant gemstone treatments.
Examples include:
- Heat treatment
- Fracture filling
- Irradiation
- Dyeing
- Surface coating
- Stabilisation
Disclosure should be included in the product description whenever such treatments materially affect the stone’s appearance, durability, or value.
8. Pearls
Pearls must be identified accurately.
Examples:
- Natural Pearl
- Cultured Freshwater Pearl
- Cultured Saltwater Pearl
- Imitation Pearl
9. Diamonds
Diamond listings must clearly identify whether diamonds are:
- Natural Diamonds
- Lab-Grown Diamonds
Where diamond grading information is provided, Vendors should ensure that such information is accurate and supported by appropriate documentation where available.
10. Hallmarks and Stamps
Hallmarks, stamps, or metal markings must not be represented falsely.
Vendors must not apply or advertise misleading quality marks.
The Marketplace may request photographs or supporting evidence relating to metal markings and hallmarks.
11. Product Photography
Product images must accurately represent the item being sold.
Photographs must not be edited in a way that materially alters:
- Metal colour
- Gemstone colour
- Product size
- Surface finish
Reasonable adjustments for lighting and image quality are acceptable.
12. Marketplace Verification
The Marketplace reserves the right to request:
- Material specifications
- Manufacturing information
- Hallmark photographs
- Supplier documentation
- Gemstone certificates
- Additional evidence supporting product claims
Failure to provide requested information may result in listing removal.
13. Prohibited Practices
Vendors may not:
- Misrepresent precious metal purity.
- Misrepresent gemstone origin.
- Sell counterfeit or imitation products as genuine.
- Use misleading terminology.
- Omit material information that would reasonably influence a customer’s purchasing decision.
14. Marketplace Authority
The Marketplace owner retains sole discretion regarding the adequacy of material disclosures and may require amendments to listings at any time.
The Marketplace reserves the right to remove any product that does not meet the disclosure requirements outlined in this Policy.
15. Consequences of Non-Compliance
Violations of this Policy may result in:
- Product listing removal.
- Suspension of selling privileges.
- Account termination.
- Permanent exclusion from the Marketplace.
Repeated or deliberate misrepresentation may result in immediate account termination.
16. Consumer Protection
This Policy supplements, and does not replace, any obligations imposed by applicable consumer protection, trade description, hallmarking, or advertising laws.
Vendors remain solely responsible for ensuring that all product descriptions and disclosures comply with applicable legislation.
I (the vendor) confirm that all products listed by me are handmade or substantially handcrafted by myself or my workshop, that all material descriptions are accurate to the best of my knowledge, and that I understand the Marketplace reserves the right to remove any listing that does not meet its quality, authenticity, or disclosure requirements
