General Terms & Conditions
Company Information:
Sofie Vanheukelom Comm. V.
Email: info@sofievanheukelom.be
Address: Lombaardstraat 30, 3500 Hasselt
VAT Number: BE0688878954
Account Number: BE96001831244105
1) General Terms
By using our website or purchasing our products, you agree to comply with our terms and conditions, including any additional terms and policies referenced or linked here. These terms apply to all website users without exception, covering the use of the Sofie Vanheukelom website and all offers from Sofie Vanheukelom, whether through the website, studio, or galleries.
When you enter into a contract with Sofie Vanheukelom, you confirm that you have read and accepted the terms as published on www.sofievanheukelom.be. Online clients indicate acceptance electronically, while offline clients do so by agreement and subsequent payment.
Unless we agree otherwise in writing, no changes to these terms are accepted. Any unchanged clauses will remain in full effect.
We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason at any time. Your content (excluding credit card information) may be transferred unencrypted across networks. Credit card information is always encrypted during transfer. You agree not to reproduce, duplicate, copy, sell, or exploit any part of the Service without our express written permission.
Please read these terms carefully before accessing or using our website. By using the website, you agree to be bound by these terms. If you do not agree, you may not access the website or use our services.
By using the website, you confirm you are at least 18 years old. You may not use our products for illegal or unauthorized purposes, nor violate any laws in your jurisdiction, including copyright laws. Violating any of these terms will result in immediate termination of services.
You can review the latest version of the terms at any time on the website. We reserve the right to update, change, or replace any part of these terms by posting updates and/or changes on our website. It is your responsibility to check this page periodically for changes. Continued use of the website after any changes are posted constitutes acceptance of those changes.
2) Service and Price Changes
Prices for our products may change without notice. We reserve the right to modify or discontinue the service or any part of its content at any time without notice. We are not liable to you or any third party for any modification, price change, suspension, or discontinuation of the service.
We strive to display product colors and images as accurately as possible, but cannot guarantee your monitor’s display will be accurate. All product descriptions and prices are subject to change at any time without notice, at our discretion. We reserve the right to discontinue any product at any time.
We do not guarantee the quality of any products, services, information, or other materials purchased or obtained by you will meet your expectations, or that any errors in the service will be corrected.
3) Production Time
The production time for tailored items is usually between 6-10 weeks but will be discussed personally with the client. In case of a delay, the customer will be notified. All stock items are available for immediate purchase unless they need personalization like engraving or gold plating.
4) Product Warranties and Responsibilities; Limitation of Liability
Sofie Vanheukelom applies a legal minimum warranty period of two years. This covers faults or defects present before delivery within two years of delivery, which will be repaired free of charge if possible. However, the warranty does not cover:
- Inappropriate or unjustified use of the product.
- Gold-plated jewelry, there is no guarantee that the jewelry will discolour. All gold-plated jewelry is plated with a solid layer of 5 micron gold.
- If a natural or gemstone is used in a piece, a 6-month warranty applies against the stone becoming loose. These will be replaced free of charge. If the natural or gemstone is lost, it will be charged again but placed free of charge. There is no guarantee on natural and gemstones. Gemstones require care and if used incorrectly, the stone can be damaged. More information can be requested about caring for the relevant stones in the jewel.
- Defects caused intentionally, by serious negligence, improper care, or lack of maintenance.
- Modifications and repairs without consent.
- Loss of gems unless a manufacturing error is proven by expert in-house analysis.
- If the original invoice and certificates cannot be supplied, have been altered, or have become unreadable.
In such cases, restoration costs will be charged to the client, and Sofie Vanheukelom will not be held liable. The client must guarantee Sofie Vanheukelom against all third-party claims arising from the implementation of the terms (the contract) between the client and Sofie Vanheukelom, provided the law allows these damages and costs to be charged to the client.
Note that any work on our pieces by other jewelers, including resizing or repairs, voids the warranty. Stone settings meaning thickness and security of the prongs, need to be checked annually by Sofie Vanheukelom to maintain the warranty. As stated above If the natural or gemstone is lost, it will be charged again but placed free of charge. There is no guarantee on natural and gemstones.
Customers are responsible for return shipping costs and liable for any damage, loss, or theft during transportation or repair.
Sofie Vanheukelom will never be liable for damages caused by a supplied service or product for an amount exceeding the invoice paid by the client for this service or product. We do not guarantee uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free use of our service. You agree that we may remove the service for indefinite periods or cancel it at any time without notice. Your use of the service is at your sole risk. The service and all products are provided ‘as is’ and ‘as available’, without any representations, warranties, or conditions of any kind.
5) User Comments, Feedback, and Other Submissions
We are not obligated to maintain confidentiality, pay compensation, or respond to comments. We may use any comments, suggestions, or other submissions you provide without obligation. We reserve the right to remove content deemed objectionable.
We may monitor, edit, or remove content we find unlawful, offensive, or violating any party’s rights. You agree that your comments will not violate any third-party rights or contain unlawful material.
6) Tailoring
The first appointment for tailor-made jewelry is free. Follow-up appointments beyond two sessions will be charged 60 euros if the product is not purchased. 3D renders will be charged if the customer decides not to purchase the designed item. 3D designs are free for up to two adaptations if the item is purchased. Extra adaptations cost 40 euros each.
7) Personal Information
Personal data will be treated according to legal privacy provisions as outlined in our privacy policy.
8) Third-Party Links
We may include third-party materials or links on our site. We are not responsible for evaluating or warranting the content or accuracy of third-party materials or websites. We are not liable for any harm or damages related to third-party transactions. Review third-party policies carefully before engaging in any transaction.
9) Errors, Inaccuracies, and Omissions
There may be information on our site with typographical errors, inaccuracies, or omissions. We reserve the right to correct these and change or update information or cancel orders without prior notice. We are not obligated to update any information on our site.
10) Payment Conditions
Items from the atelier are paid immediately by wireless transaction or via invoice if agreed upon. Invoices must be paid within 7 days.
11) Intellectual Property
Intellectual rights, including patents, brand rights, copyrights, and other intellectual property, remain the exclusive property of Sofie Vanheukelom or respective holders. Products are protected by national and international laws and are for personal use only. Copying or downloading information does not transfer intellectual property rights. Clients will indemnify us against third-party claims for damages caused by infringements.
12) Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold Sofie Vanheukelom Jewelry harmless from any claims arising from your breach of these Terms or violation of any law or third-party rights.
13) Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unlawful, void, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will still be valid and enforceable.
14) Termination
These Terms are effective until terminated by either you or us. We may terminate these Terms if you fail to comply with any provision. Upon termination, you will remain liable for all amounts due.
15) Entire Agreement
These Terms and any policies or operating rules posted by us constitute the entire agreement between you and us, superseding any prior agreements.
16) Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of Belgium.
17) Changes to Terms of Service
We may update, change, or replace any part of these Terms by posting updates on our website. It is your responsibility to check for changes. Continued use of the website after changes are posted means acceptance of those changes.
18) Contact Information
For questions about the Terms of Service, contact us at info@sofievanheukelom.be