Terms of service

Montealegre Atelier Terms of Service

Last updated: March 5, 2026

Welcome to Montealegre Atelier. By accessing or using our website and purchasing our jewelry, you agree to these Terms of Service. Please read them carefully.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By using this website, placing an order, or purchasing jewelry from Montealegre Atelier, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service, our Privacy Policy, Refund Policy, and Shipping Policy.

If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use our website or purchase our products.

2. Eligibility

By using this website and placing an order, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age or have the consent of a parent or guardian.

3. Handmade Nature of Products

All jewelry is handcrafted by Valerie Michelle Wilhite Ramírez using traditional techniques including sand casting, lost-wax casting, filigrana momposina, and aurum super argentum (gold upon silver).

Because each piece is made by hand, slight variations in texture, finish, metal grain, and stone characteristics are natural and intentional. These variations are not defects but evidence of the handmade process.

Product photographs are representative. Actual pieces may vary slightly in appearance due to the nature of precious materials and artisan craftsmanship.

4. Pricing and Payment

All prices are listed in U.S. Dollars (USD) and are subject to change without notice.

We accept payment via credit card, debit card, and other methods available at checkout through our secure payment processor.

Payment is due in full at the time of purchase unless otherwise arranged for custom commissions.

We reserve the right to refuse or cancel any order for any reason, including but not limited to product availability, errors in pricing or product information, or suspected fraudulent activity.

5. Custom and Made-to-Order Pieces

Custom and made-to-order jewelry requires approximately 3 weeks from order confirmation to completion.

Custom orders are final and non-refundable unless the finished piece materially differs from the agreed-upon design or contains a manufacturing defect.

We will provide updates throughout the creation process. Any changes to the design must be requested before fabrication begins.

6. One-Year Craftsmanship Warranty

Montealegre Atelier stands behind the quality of our work.

Warranty Coverage (1 Year from Date of Purchase):

We will repair or replace, at no charge, any piece that exhibits a manufacturing defect, including:

  • Prong or setting failure
  • Solder joint failure
  • Clasp malfunction
  • Stones falling out due to faulty setting
  • Metal cracking or breaking under normal wear

Not Covered:

  • Loss or theft
  • Damage from misuse, accidents, impact, or improper care
  • Normal wear and tear (scratches, patina, minor surface marks)
  • Damage caused by resizing or repair performed by another jeweler
  • Damage to plated or oxidized finishes
  • Changes in metal color or texture due to body chemistry or environmental exposure

To Make a Warranty Claim:

Contact us at atelier@montealegreatelier.com with photos of the issue and your order number. If the damage is covered under warranty, we will provide instructions for return shipping. Customer is responsible for return shipping costs. We will cover return shipping to you after repair.

7. Intellectual Property

All content on this website, including but not limited to text, photographs, graphics, logos, designs, and jewelry designs, is the property of Montealegre Atelier and is protected by U.S. and international copyright, trademark, and intellectual property laws.

You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from any content on this website without our express written permission.

Our jewelry designs are original works of art. Reproduction or imitation of our designs is prohibited.

8. Prohibited Uses

You agree not to:

  • Use this website for any unlawful purpose
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems or networks
  • Interfere with or disrupt the website or servers
  • Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) to access the website
  • Misrepresent your identity or affiliation
  • Reproduce, copy, or resell our products or designs

9. Product Descriptions and Accuracy

We make every effort to accurately describe our products, including materials, dimensions, and gemstone characteristics.

However, due to the handmade nature of our work and natural variations in precious materials, actual products may differ slightly from descriptions or photographs.

We are not responsible for minor variations in color, texture, size, or appearance that are inherent to handcrafted jewelry and natural gemstones.

10. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Montealegre Atelier shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of our website or products.

We are not responsible for:

  • Allergic reactions to metals or materials
  • Injury caused by improper use or wear of jewelry
  • Loss or damage occurring after delivery
  • Delays or failures caused by events beyond our control (natural disasters, carrier delays, etc.)

Our total liability for any claim related to our products or website shall not exceed the amount you paid for the product in question.

11. Returns and Refunds

Please refer to our Refund Policy for complete information regarding returns, exchanges, and refunds.

In summary:

  • Ready-to-ship pieces may be returned within 14 days in unworn, original condition
  • Custom and made-to-order pieces are final sale
  • Customer is responsible for return shipping unless the item is defective

12. Shipping

Please refer to our Shipping Policy for complete information regarding processing times, shipping methods, and delivery.

We currently ship within the United States only.

13. Privacy

Your privacy is important to us. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for information on how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

14. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Any legal action or proceeding arising out of or relating to these Terms of Service or your use of our website or products must be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Tennessee.

By using this website, you consent to the jurisdiction and venue of such courts.

15. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to update or modify these Terms of Service at any time without prior notice.

Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to this website. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page will reflect the most recent revision.

Your continued use of the website after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms.

We encourage you to review these Terms of Service periodically.

16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms of Service is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

17. Entire Agreement

These Terms of Service, together with our Privacy Policy, Refund Policy, and Shipping Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Montealegre Atelier regarding your use of our website and purchase of our products.