DIAMOND & GEMSTONE JEWELRY | BELOW WHOLESALE

FOR QUESTIONS OR INQUIRES:
Phone: +1 (727) 351-2622
Email: support@serenitygallerie.com

1. Introduction & Agreement

Serenity Gallerie ("Serenity", "we", "us") conducts online auctions and facilitates the sale of property consigned by third parties, including jewelry manufacturers, authorized dealers, and private consignors ("Consignors").

These Terms and Conditions of Sale ("Terms") govern your use of our services, participation in auctions on LiveAuctioneers and other platforms, and the purchase of any item ("Lot"). By registering, bidding, or purchasing, you ("Buyer" or "Bidder") acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.

Data Security: By using our services, you consent to the processing of personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy. While we employ commercially reasonable security measures, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

2. Authenticity Guarantee

Your confidence is our highest priority. Serenity provides a 100% Authenticity Guarantee on every Lot we offer. We believe this guarantee is a vital benefit to our customers because it removes the uncertainty of the secondary market and ensures the integrity of your purchase.

Every item undergoes a rigorous multi-point inspection by our internal specialists. To provide the ultimate level of protection, we partner with world-renowned independent authorities, such as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) for gemstones and diamonds, or Timepiece Grading Specialists (TGS) for luxury watches. This independent verification serves to safeguard your interests - provided where available or as specified in the Lot description - ensuring that the piece you acquire is exactly as described and holds its long-term integrity.

Jewelry Documentation: While every jewelry Lot is backed by our 100% Authenticity Guarantee, an official Certificate of Authenticity (COA) is optional and will be included in the shipment of the item if requested prior to the completion of payment. It is the Buyer's responsibility to request this documentation if desired. If a Lot is ever proven to be non-authentic by a Serenity-approved expert, we will provide a refund of the hammer price. Claims must be substantiated by an approved expert and submitted in writing within 14 days of receipt. All refunds are subject to the non-refundable nature of the Buyer's Premium as defined in Section 4.2.

2.1 Serenity-TGS Certified Purchase Protection

Your purchase is elevated by our Serenity-TGS Certified Purchase Protection, a premier third-party protocol that is optional and available upon request to provide an unparalleled level of transparency and quality assurance for high-value timepieces. This exclusive suite is available to Serenity customers for an additional fee of $300. This fee is waived for any Lot with a hammer price of $10,000 or greater, representing an elite benefit for our high-value collectors. Bidders are encouraged to refer to these Auction Terms & Conditions for full details and contact support@serenitygallerie.com to request this service prior to the auction or immediately upon receipt of the invoice. This Serenity-TGS certification is offered solely to our clients and is not available to the general public or through other auction platforms.

If a Buyer elects to add this Certified Purchase Protection to a timepiece Lot, the following premium safeguards apply:

a. Dedicated Transaction Concierge: We act as your dedicated advocate, managing the entire verification and presentation process on your behalf to ensure a seamless, high-integrity acquisition.

b. No Agency Disclaimer: This protection is a service facilitated by Serenity but performed by Timepiece Grading Specialists (TGS). The Buyer acknowledges that TGS is an independent contractor and not an agent of Serenity. Serenity's liability for any act or omission by TGS is strictly limited to the refund of the $300 service fee. Once the inspection process has commenced, the service fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.

c. Restorative Excellence: Should minor mechanical or aesthetic refinements be identified during inspection, Serenity reserves the absolute and final right, at its sole and complete discretion, to facilitate professional restorative services through TGS at no additional cost to the Buyer beyond the service fee. This ensures your timepiece is delivered in a condition that meets the highest standards of excellence. If Serenity determines refinements are not commercially feasible, the Refund Protection will apply.

d. Refund Protection: If a timepiece does not meet our rigorous certification standards during the authentication process, Serenity will promptly issue a refund of the hammer price and the concierge service fee, typically within 7-10 business days. The Buyer acknowledges that this refund constitutes the sole and exclusive remedy, and Serenity shall not be liable for any other costs, interest, or loss of potential value gain. All refunds are subject to the non-refundable nature of the Buyer's Premium as defined in Section 4.2.

e. Logistics Protection: Serenity manages all necessary specialized shipping and storage protocols, ensuring your assets are handled with white-glove care by industry specialists throughout the entire chain of custody.

2.2 The Global Standard in Authenticated Luxury Watch Auctions

This strategic alliance between Serenity and TGS established the most secure luxury watch auction network globally. No one in the industry offers this level of service or protects their customers with this degree of rigor. While this comprehensive verification service is valued between $500 and $1,500 depending on the timepiece, it is provided exclusively to Serenity customers at the discounted rate of $300, or complimentary for Lots with a hammer price of $10,000 or greater.

a. Elite Watchmaker Expertise: Unlike standard marketplaces, every watch is evaluated by a specialized team of over 40 expert watchmakers. This team is led by TGS Founder Fred Savage, a member of the prestigious Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG) and the Horological Society of New York. A globally recognized watch advocate, Fred's expertise and collection have been profiled in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, GQ, and Hodinkee Magazine. His high-caliber leadership ensures every timepiece undergoes an objective, unbiased assessment of its movement, performance, and authenticity.

b. Nature of Assessment: The TGS 15-point assessment and proprietary 1-to-10 grading are professional opinions provided by TGS based on current industry standards. These assessments do not constitute a legal warranty of title or a guarantee against future mechanical failures or undisclosed historical modifications not detectable by standard industry-approved non-invasive testing.

c. Comprehensive Financial Security: Every timepiece is covered by comprehensive jeweler's block insurance for its full replacement value while physically located at the TGS facility. Your payment is held securely by Serenity, ensuring total protection until the watch passes its master inspection.

d. Definitive Grading & Pedigree: We have established a new global standard for transparency. Every watch is assigned a grade on our proprietary 1-to-10 scale to ensure its physical condition matches the auction details.

e. Included Deliverables & Presentation:

1. Your watch sealed in a custom Timepiece Grading Specialists protective box.

2. A personalized, watermarked TGS card with all of your watch's information, along with its final grade.

3. A digital document with detailed, annotated photographs of your watch outlining our findings.

f. Expedited TGS Certification: While other platforms can take weeks, TGS operates on a strict 5-day expedited service turnaround from the date of physical receipt. We handle all logistics, from prepaid insured shipping to professional packaging, to ensure a premium experience from the hammer fall to your front door. Please note that this 5-day period is in addition to the standard shipping processing times listed in Section 5.3.

2.3 Comprehensive Valuation & Appraisal Services

In addition to our premier, industry-leading authentication and grading services, Timepiece Grading Specialists (TGS) can provide comprehensive formal Appraisal Services for an additional fee. Bidders are encouraged to contact support@serenitygallerie.com with any questions or to request these services. To ensure timely processing and avoid shipping delays, requests should ideally be made prior to the auction or immediately upon receipt of the invoice. Please note that supplemental appraisal fees are separate from the hammer price and are strictly non-refundable once the service has been initiated, regardless of the appraisal's outcome or the cancellation of the underlying sale.

3. General Bidding & Auction Terms

3.1 Binding Contract & Personal Guarantee

Every bid placed constitutes a legally binding offer to purchase. If you are the highest bidder and the bid is accepted, a contract of sale is formed.

a. Entity Bidding: If an entity (LLC, Corporation, etc.) places a bid, the individual executing the bid on behalf of the entity personally and individually guarantees payment and performance under these Terms.

3.2 Bidder Responsibility

Bidders are responsible for verifying the age, size, condition, and value of any Lot before bidding. Information provided by Serenity is a courtesy and does not guarantee accuracy or completeness.

3.3 Auctioneer Discretion & Right to Refuse

Serenity maintains full discretion to determine the winning bidder, resolve disputes, and set increments. Serenity reserves the absolute and final right, at its sole and complete discretion, to refuse admission or participation in any auction, to reject any bid, and to refuse to acknowledge any bidder. We reserve the right to cancel a sale or withdraw a Lot due to clerical errors, quality control failures, or technical malfunctions.

3.4 Estimates

Each Lot is given a low and high estimate representing a fair and probable auction value. Estimates are opinion only and should not be relied upon as a statement of value. Estimates do not include the Buyer's Premium or surcharges.

4. Financial Terms: Payments & Fees

4.1 Payment Deadlines & Autopay

Invoices are issued on the day of the auction. Failure to receive an invoice does not excuse payment obligations.

a. Manual Payment: Due within three (3) business days from the auction close.

b. Autopay: If Serenity has not been contacted to arrange payment within seventy-two (72) hours of the invoice being sent, Serenity reserves the right to automatically charge the credit card used for registration for the full invoice amount.

4.2 Buyer's Premium (BP) & Internet Surcharge

a. Buyer's Premium: A premium is added to the hammer price as follows:

20% on the first $10,000

18% from $10,001 to $50,000

15% on any amount above $50,000

b. Non-Refundable Status: The Buyer's Premium is strictly non-refundable under any circumstances, including but not limited to authenticity claims, authorized returns, or order cancellations. For the avoidance of doubt, if a timepiece is rejected during the TGS inspection process, the Buyer's Premium remains non-refundable as it covers the administrative costs of the auction and the facilitation of the third-party verification service.

c. Internet Surcharge: Bids won through third-party platforms (LiveAuctioneers, etc.) incur an additional 5% internet surcharge.

4.3 Accepted Payment Methods & International Thresholds

a. Methods: Bank wire transfer, Zelle, Wise, and ACH (Limited to $10,000 per month; must clear prior to shipment).

b. Credit Cards: Accepted via LiveAuctioneers subject to a 3.99% surcharge.

c. International Threshold: International invoices exceeding $1,000 require payment by bank wire transfer only.

d. Duty Deposits: For international orders, Serenity may collect an estimated, refundable deposit for import duties, taxes, and insurance. This deposit shall be refunded upon presentation of documentation confirming payment to local customs.

4.4 Volatility, Non-Payment, Partial Payments & Chargebacks

a. Precious Metal Volatility Fee: For gold/silver Lots, if payment is not received within three (3) business days, a $100 per lot, per day fee will apply beginning on the fourth business day to cover market volatility.

b. Cancellation Fees: Unpaid invoices after 3 days incur a penalty of 20% of the hammer price, the 5% internet surcharge, and a $150 administrative fee per lot.

c. Partial Payments: Partial payments made without prior written approval from Serenity do not suspend or satisfy payment obligations. If full payment is not completed within ten (10) days of the auction's close, a late fee of $20 per day per item will apply.

d. Chargebacks: Chargebacks are prohibited as a means to avoid payment. Each chargeback filed incurs a non-refundable $150 fee.

4.5 Sales Tax & Florida Tax Refunds

Serenity cannot refund sales tax once processed. Florida buyers seeking a refund must notify Serenity at support@serenitygallerie.com to receive an "Assignment of Rights to Refund of Tax" (Form DR-26A) for the Florida Department of Revenue.

Shipping & Insurance

5.1 Shipping: Domestic vs. International

a. Domestic Shipping: Free standard shipping is provided within the contiguous U.S. for most jewelry and watch items. For all destinations outside the contiguous U.S., including international shipments, separate logistics fees apply as detailed in Section 5.5.

b. High-Value Security: Packages valued over $500 may be held for customer pickup at the nearest carrier facility. A signature is strictly required.

5.2 Insurance & Damage Disclaimer

Serenity does not automatically insure shipments. Shipments processed through LiveAuctioneers may include platform-provided insurance subject to their terms and conditions. For high-value purchases, Buyers are strongly encouraged to coordinate independent insurance coverage. Serenity is not responsible for damage resulting from carrier-specific handling equipment, X-ray scanning, or environmental changes (pressure/temperature) during air transit.

a. Jewelry: Serenity is not liable for the loss of stones or damage to fragile settings that may occur due to the vibrations or handling inherent in the shipping process.

b. Watches: Serenity is not responsible for any disruption to mechanical timing, internal movement, or battery life that occurs during transit. While items are packed securely, the mechanical nature of timepieces makes them susceptible to movement during shipping.

c. Art, Frames, and Glass: Serenity is not responsible for damage to artwork surfaces, frames, or glass regardless of the cause during transit.

5.3 Shipping Deadlines, Carrier Liability & Loss

a. Processing Timeline: Typical shipment processing time is 10-15 business days after payment clears. If the optional Purchase Protection Guarantee (Section 2.1) or Appraisal Services (Section 2.3) are selected, Buyers should anticipate a total cumulative timeline of 15-20 business days for delivery.

b. Deemed Acceptance: Lots are deemed accepted in their entirety unless written notice of a claim is received within the 14-day period specified in Section 2.

c. Carrier Acts & Omissions: Serenity is not responsible for the acts or omissions of third-party carriers or packers. The packing and handling of purchased Lots is at the entire risk of the Purchaser.

d. Notification Requirement: If goods are not received within thirty (30) days from the shipment date, the Buyer must promptly notify Serenity.

e. Risk of Loss: Risk of loss and title for all items pass to the Buyer upon delivery to the carrier.

5.4 Local Pickup

Items may not be picked up in person except for select high-value items by appointment at our Saint Petersburg, Florida fulfillment center.

5.5 International Logistics & Separate Billing

a. Separate Logistics Invoicing: International shipping is not included in the hammer price and is billed via a separate logistics invoice. Once the primary invoice for the Lot is paid and cleared, our shipping department will provide a bespoke logistics quote. The Lot will not be released for transport until the separate logistics invoice is paid in full.

b. Importer of Record: The Buyer is the "Importer of Record" and is solely responsible for all international duties, value-added taxes (VAT), and customs brokerage fees. Failure to pay import fees does not constitute grounds for a return or refund. If a package is returned to Serenity due to non-payment of duties, the Buyer remains liable for all original and return shipping costs plus a 20% administrative handling fee.

c. Payment Method Alignment: All international shipping invoices exceeding $1,000 must be paid via bank wire transfer to ensure secure processing and insurance compliance.

d. Logistics Limitations (CITES): Certain Lots containing restricted materials (e.g., CITES-protected skins) may be ineligible for international shipping. It is the Buyer's responsibility to verify export/import eligibility before bidding. Ineligibility for shipping to the Buyer's specific country does not justify the cancellation of the sale.

6. Valuations: Appraisals and Estimates

Valuations provided by Serenity, whether via the catalog, supplemental materials, or third-party documents, are for reference only and carry specific limitations of liability:

6.1 No Guarantee of Value: Appraisals are prepared by independent third-party firms and are intended for reference only. Serenity does not guarantee that a Lot will realize the appraised value at auction or in any future resale. Appraisal values often reflect "Estimated Retail Replacement Value", which is typically significantly higher than the "Fair Market Value" or "Liquidation Value" found in an auction environment.

6.2 Market and Geographic Variance: Valuations are highly subjective and vary based on geography, retail vs. wholesale markets, and the specific expertise of the appraiser. Serenity is not responsible for discrepancies between appraisals provided in this catalog and any subsequent appraisals obtained by the Buyer.

6.3 No Basis for Return: Under no circumstances shall a differing appraisal or a lower valuation from a third-party jeweler, appraiser, or laboratory constitute grounds for a return, refund, or price adjustment. By bidding, the Buyer acknowledges that they are relying on their own judgment and due diligence regarding the value of a Lot.

6.4 Grading Subjectivity & Laboratories: Grading of gemstones and watches is a subjective science. Different laboratories (e.g., GIA, IGI, EGL) and grading specialists such as Timepiece Grading Specialists (TGS) may reach different conclusions regarding the color, clarity, or grade of a specific item. Serenity is not bound by a different grading opinion provided by another laboratory after the sale.

6.5 Documentation Errors: Serenity is not liable for clerical errors or omissions within third-party appraisal documents or laboratory reports. These documents are provided "as is" from the issuing authority.

7. Item Descriptions & Disclosures

7.1 Jewelry, Watches, and Art (FTC 16 CFR Part 23)

All Lots are sold "AS IS" and may have been previously worn, repaired, or modified.

a. Serial Number Privacy: Serenity may use placeholder serial numbers in listings to protect client privacy and prevent counterfeiting.

b. Aftermarket (AM): Items may contain aftermarket components (e.g., custom bezels), which may affect manufacturer service eligibility.

c. Opinion of Origin: Any mention of "origin" (e.g., "Colombian Emerald" or "Swiss Made") is a statement of opinion only, based on Consignor representations or third-party lab findings, and does not constitute a warranty.

7.2 Endangered Species (CITES)

Lots containing ivory, coral, tortoiseshell, or other protected materials may require licenses. It is the Buyer's sole responsibility to obtain these. Payment remains due even if a license is denied.

7.3 AI-Enhanced Imagery & Photographic Representation

Serenity Gallerie occasionally utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital enhancement software to optimize, restore, or generate product photography for marketing and catalog purposes. While we strive to represent all Lots as accurately as possible, these digitally enhanced images are provided for illustrative purposes only.

By bidding, the Buyer acknowledges that the actual color, texture, proportions, or aesthetic details of the physical Lot may vary from its digital representation. Serenity Gallerie assumes no responsibility or liability for any visual discrepancies between enhanced imagery and the actual physical item. In the event of any conflict between the photographs and the written description, condition report, or third-party assessment (such as a TGS grading), the written documentation and the physical attributes of the Lot shall definitively govern.

8. Returns & Restocking

Except as specifically provided in Section 2.1 regarding the Serenity-TGS Certified Purchase Protection (which is optional and available upon request), all sales are final. Returns are at the sole discretion of Serenity and require written authorization within three (3) days of receipt. Approved returns are subject to a 20% restocking fee and the non-refundable Buyer's Premium. Bidders are advised to review these terms in their entirety for specific service details and eligibility.

9. Legal Provisions & Liability Shield

9.1 Relationship & Employee Bidding

Serenity Gallerie acts as an agent for Consignors. Employees are not prohibited from bidding and may have access to information not available to the public.

9.2 Indemnification & Limitation of Liability

Except in cases of gross negligence, the Buyer agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Serenity Gallerie and its founders, partners, directors, officers, employees, agents, and Consignors from any losses or expenses arising from the Buyer's participation or breach of these Terms.

a. Consignor Liability Cap: In no event shall the liability of a Consignor or Serenity to a Buyer exceed the hammer price actually paid for the Lot. Neither Serenity nor its Consignors shall be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damage.

9.3 No Third-Party Beneficiaries

These Terms are solely for the benefit of Serenity and the Buyer. No other person or entity shall be deemed a third-party beneficiary of these Terms.

9.4 Statute of Repose

Any legal action against Serenity or its Consignors arising from a transaction governed by these Terms must commence within one (1) year of the auction date, regardless of when the issue was discovered. This one-year period is a material inducement for Serenity to accept the Buyer's bid and shall apply notwithstanding any discovery rule or contrary state law.

9.5 DMCA Notice & Copyright

Serenity respects intellectual property rights. Copyright owners may submit DMCA notices to support@serenitygallerie.com. Serenity retains all rights to its own text and photographs.

9.6 Dispute Resolution

All disputes shall be governed by the laws of Florida. The Buyer submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Pinellas County, Florida.

9.7 Waiver & Severability

Waiver of any condition does not affect the remaining Terms. If any part of these Terms is found invalid, the balance remains in full force.

10. Out-of-Auction Purchases (OOAP)

Out-of-Auction Purchase (OOAP) refers to any sale concluded outside of a live format (e.g., Buy It Now or private sale). Unless otherwise agreed in writing, all provisions of these Terms, including the non-refundable Buyer's Premium and Return policies, apply to OOAP.

11. Promotional Disclaimer

Discount codes cannot be applied retroactively. Serenity reserves the right to terminate any promotion at any time without notice.

12. Electronic Communications & SMS

By using our Services, you consent to receive electronic communications, including invoices and updates.

a. SMS Consent: By providing your phone number, you consent to receive recurring automated text messages (SMS) for account verification, password resets, and auction updates. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out.

13. Contact Information

Support: support@serenitygallerie.com
Phone: +1 (727) 351-2622
Website: https://www.SerenityGallerie.com
Address: 333 3rd Ave N, Ste 400, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701