Terms of Service - Gemthropology

Effective Date: April 4, 2026
 

Welcome to Gemthropology. These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the website located at www.gemthropology.org (the "Site") and any services, training, educational resources, or products provided by Gemthropology ("we," "us," or "our").

By accessing the Site, enrolling in our programs, or purchasing our products, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our Site or services.

1. Educational Content & Curated "Artifacts"

We provide gemological training, anthropological resources, and unique jewelry pieces and gemstones referred to as "Artifacts" (including Artifacts presented within our collections such as "the velvet orbit", "lithic lineage", "folklore archive", and "mineral memoirs"). Access to our "Restricted Archive" is a privilege and may be revoked if these terms are violated. Our interdisciplinary approach—combining geology and anthropology—is our intellectual property. Please do not share or use it for commercial purposes without our permission.

2. Eligibility

By using this Site, you represent that you are at least 18 years of age or the age of majority in your jurisdiction. Use of the Site by anyone under the age of 13 is strictly prohibited.

3. Intellectual Property Rights

All content provided by Gemthropology—including but not limited to text, graphics, anthropological research, gemological identification guides, valuation methodologies, videos, logos, and the selection, curation, descriptions, and imagery of our "Artifacts"—is the exclusive property of Gemthropology and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. For clarity, "Artifacts" listed under our collections (including "the velvet orbit", "lithic lineage", "folklore archive", and "mineral memoirs") and all related descriptions and imagery are protected content and are the intellectual property of Gemthropology.
 

• Limited License: We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use the educational materials for your personal or professional development.

• Prohibitions: You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works of, publicly display, or commercially exploit any content from our "Restricted Archive" or educational modules, or any descriptions or imagery from "the velvet orbit", "lithic lineage", "folklore archive", or "mineral memoirs", without express written consent.

4. User Accounts and the Restricted Archive

Access to certain areas of the Site, such as the Restricted Archive and Loyalty Program, requires account registration.

• You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.

• You agree to provide accurate and current information during registration.

• We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms or engage in unauthorized distribution of proprietary educational content.

2. Sales of Jewelry & Handmade Artifacts

• Products: This includes stone bracelets, clay earrings, and all other handmade jewelry items ("Artifacts"), including Artifacts presented within our collections such as "the velvet orbit", "lithic lineage", "folklore archive", and "mineral memoirs".
   

• Orders: We reserve the right to refuse any order.
   

• Accuracy: We strive to identify and value stones and materials accurately. As these are natural and handmade "Artifacts," all descriptions are our best expert estimates and may feature minor variations in color or texture.
   

• Skin Sensitivities / Allergic Reactions: Gemthropology is not liable for any skin irritations, allergic reactions, or sensitivities that may result from wearing or using our Artifacts. While we select nickel-free metals for our Artifacts, we cannot guarantee that all users will be free from sensitivities or reactions. You assume all risks associated with wearing jewelry, including any reactions to metals, stones, finishes, coatings, adhesives, or other materials.
   

• Returns: We offer a 30-day return policy for most items. Items must be in their original condition. Please reach out via "The Inquiry Desk" to start a return.

Refund and Exchange Policy

As Gemthropology products are artisan-crafted, we do not offer refunds. However, if an Artifact arrives damaged or is not to your liking, you may return the item within three (3) days of receipt. Upon return, you will be eligible for an exchange or store credit.

3. Loyalty Program

Our loyalty program is designed for jewelry enthusiasts and professionals. We reserve the right to change reward structures or cancel the program at any time.

4. Limitation of Liability

Gemthropology provides expert gemological and anthropological knowledge. However, any valuations or identifications provided are for educational purposes and should not be considered legal appraisals unless explicitly stated in a separate, signed contract. We are not liable for any losses based on your use of the information on this site.

5. The Inquiry Desk (FAQ) & Support

For help, questions about our artifacts, or legal inquiries, please visit "The Inquiry Desk" on our website.

7. Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to:

• Use the Site for any unlawful purpose.

• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our servers or the "Restricted Archive."

• Use any automated system (bots, spiders) to scrape data from the Site.

• Interfere with the proper working of the Site or the educational experience of other users.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Gemthropology shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits or revenues, whether incurred directly or indirectly, resulting from:

• Your use of or inability to use the Site.

• Any unauthorized access to our educational materials.

• The accuracy of gemological information provided in a training context.

9. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Gemthropology and its officers, directors, and employees from any claims, liabilities, or expenses arising from your use of the Site, your violation of these Terms, or your infringement of any intellectual property rights.

10. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, United States, without regard to its conflict of law principles.

6. Changes to Terms

We might update these terms as we grow. Keep an eye on "The Inquiry Desk" for the latest version!

Questions? Contact us at hello@gemthropology.org or via our website's contact form.