Auction Terms

Transparent guidelines for a seamless bidding experience with Sparkle Gems

Our Auction Guidelines

At Sparkle Gems, our auctions are thoughtfully designed to offer a transparent and secure experience. By participating, you agree to the terms outlined below. We encourage you to review them carefully before placing a bid.

1. Registration & Eligibility

Participation is open to individuals aged 18 and above with a registered account on our platform. We reserve the right to verify all accounts and to decline participation in the interest of fairness and security.

2. Authenticity & Certification

All gemstones and jewelry listed in our auctions are certified by trusted gemological authorities. Each item is accompanied by detailed product information, including:

  • Origin and provenance documentation
  • Treatment disclosures (if any)
  • Complete certification documentation
  • High-resolution images from multiple angles

3. Bidding Process

Bidding is conducted in real time with complete transparency:

  • Each lot will display a starting price, minimum bid increment, and end time
  • Once placed, bids are binding and cannot be withdrawn or modified
  • Proxy bidding (automatic bidding up to a set amount) may be available for select auctions

Please bid responsibly. Each bid represents a commitment to purchase the item at your offered price if you win the auction.

4. Winning Bids & Notifications

The highest bidder at the close of auction will receive:

  • Automated confirmation email with purchase instructions
  • Detailed invoice with payment options
  • Personal follow-up from our auction specialist

If your bid is successful, you are obligated to complete the payment within the specified time frame. In the rare event of technical difficulties or bid discrepancies, Sparkle Gems reserves the right to review and validate the outcome.

5. Payment Terms

  • Full payment must be made within 3 business days of auction close
  • Accepted payment methods include credit/debit cards, bank transfer, and selected digital wallets
  • Invoices will include applicable taxes, duties, and shipping fees based on your delivery location

Important: Failure to complete payment may result in forfeiture of the item and future bidding restrictions.

6. Delivery & Insurance

We take the utmost care in delivering your precious acquisitions:

  • All auction items are carefully packaged and shipped via secure, insured delivery partners
  • Tracking information will be provided upon dispatch
  • A final quality inspection is conducted prior to shipping to ensure your item meets our standards

International buyers: You are responsible for customs clearance and any import-related charges in your country.

7. Returns & Refunds

Due to the nature of auctions, all sales are considered final. Returns are not accepted unless:

  • The item is proven to be materially misrepresented
  • The item arrives damaged during shipping (must be reported within 48 hours of receipt)

In such cases, please contact us immediately for resolution options which may include repair, replacement, or refund.

8. Bid Retraction & Auction Integrity

We maintain strict auction integrity policies:

  • Bid cancellations or retractions are not permitted
  • Any attempt to manipulate auction outcomes—such as false bidding or coordinated activity—may result in account suspension and legal action
  • Our system monitors for suspicious bidding patterns to ensure fair play for all participants

9. Privacy & Data

Your personal information is handled with the highest level of confidentiality:

  • We do not share your data with third parties beyond what is required for payment processing and order fulfillment
  • All transactions are encrypted using bank-grade security protocols
  • You may opt out of marketing communications at any time

Ready to Participate in Our Exclusive Auctions?

Should you have any questions, we invite you to contact our auction specialists for personalized assistance.