Opalmine Policies

What is your Returns Policy?
It's simple. If you don't like what we send you just get in touch with us through our secure sign up system and let us know the reason why. We will then let you know the best method of returning. If the return is because of some problem caused by us, you may keep any extra bonus items that we always include, to cover your return postage. If it's just that you don't want the item anymore, please just cover us for our postage cost. [Usually $20]

What is your Security Policy?
Internet Transactions are executed through an SSL Server (Digitally signed Secure Socket Layer with 256bit encryption). Your credit card details are kept highly secure and are not transmitted via email. The page which collects your credit card and contact details is high-grade encrypted before being sent over the internet. This encryption makes it nearly impossible for unauthorized people to view information traveling between computers.

What happens if the Order doesn't arrive?
All orders sent by us over $200, have an automatic $100 insurance fee, covered by us at no extra cost. If your item is worth a lot more than that, you may spend extra on insurance to cover it it in full, or you may want to take the risk. Usually if a signature is required, there is very little risk of loss. If your item is under $100 you can opt to have it covered for that amount at a cost of $20. Otherwise cheaper items are sent by ordinary airmail. After ten years of sendings there have been very minimal losses.

Do you have an Authenticity Guarantee?
All our opals are guaranteed genuine opal stones, complete with a Certificate of Authenticity upon sale. This signed document contains a basic description of your item. For more expensive items, you may request a detailed analysis of your stone, such as origin, classification, weight, colors, and dimensions, and is an excellent record for valuation and insurance purposes. For a full description of the various types of opals, see our Opal Encyclopedia.

Who am I dealing with?
You are not dealing with a large impersonal company; you are dealing with a person; Peter Brusaschi. Ours is a small family business. I personally try to oversee all transactions. My daughters, Anita and Cindy do much of the jewelry setting, designing, and stock control. Wes Mahony, a trusted friend manages the site and sorts out computer problems. My wife Renate busies herself with voluntary community activities. I have several opal cutters and jewelers working for me. People I have dealt with and trusted over many years. Difficulties with stones and special cutting jobs I personally supervise. Please take a look at the 'happy customers' sections of this site to read what people have said about our service. We have many more referral letters but we have posted a selection of them. Some where there has been some problem with freight or payment so that you can read from the customer's viewpoint, how we handled the matter.

What is your Freight policy?
Unless otherwise requested, all goods are sent by registered airmail. We also offer an insurance service in the case of loss (for an extra fee). It will mean that goods will either be replaced at 120% of the value or refunded at our expense. No waiting for the post office to sort it out. You just email us and either a replacement item plus a special gift for your trouble will be in the mail, or your money refunded instantly. We take the responsibility of negotiating with the Post Office. You need to just relax and enjoy the excitement of buying something nice.

What is your Privacy Policy?
We do not pass on any of your contact details to any third party WHATSOEVER. Your personal details are kept STRICTLY confidential. We do not hold on to your credit card details after we ship your purchase.

What is your Delivery Policy?
You should have your purchase within a week. Sometimes 10 - 14 days, depending on post office efficiency. Special E.M.S. Courier service available if required within a week. If ordering and you want your purchase within a week please mention this in the comments with your order. Keep in mind that some countries are more efficient than others in the postal system. Sometimes customs hold parcels up and its not the fault of the postal system. If there is a delay, just let us know and we will let you know the postal document number to inquire at your post office and we will submit the inquiry from this end as well. If the postal system in your country is not good, we may have to use other freight companies such as DHL, FedEx, or UPS, but these are must more expensive. Please go to: http://www1.auspost.com.au/international/   if you would like to check the postal and customs system details for your particular country.

Do I have to pay Tax (GST)?
Prices of items shown on our site do not include GST (Australia's Goods & Services Tax). Overseas customers (E.G. USA, Europe, etc..) will not be charged this tax. Exported goods are not subject to Australia's GST. Customers who reside in Australia will be charged GST at the rate of 10% and the tax will be added to your order. Australian customers keep in mind that the prices are all in USD. Keep in mind that www.opalmine.com is an international site and most of our customers know USD better than AUD. If you are confused about prices because of being used to a different currency such as the Euro or the British pound, please go to: http://www.xe.com/ucc/   to convert your money to USD.

Can I get Free Freight?
Yes you can if your purchase is over $200 and the weight below 200 grams. All freight costs are calculated automatically when you order. Special E.M.S. fast courier service is offered for $60. Please state in the comments section of the order form if you wish the $60 to be added.

Do I have to pay Import Duties or Taxes?
It is rare for import taxes to be imposed by your home country. However, it is still possible that customers may be liable to pay import taxes imposed by their government upon arrival of their goods. This differs from country to country and we have no control over which taxes may be charged. In the case of a refund, the customer must bear all costs associated with import taxes as it is not possible for us to reimburse this or other amounts associated with importing goods. Customers should research their country's import tax policies prior to making a purchase. As previously stated, go to: http://www1.auspost.com.au/international/    to check this out.

What Payment Methods do you accept?
We currently accept the following payment methods;

1) Credit Card - We accept Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Diners, JCB and Bankcard. Credit card orders are processed via secure SSL server and your details are encrypted to prevent fraud.

2) PayPal - PayPal is an excellent and safe method of doing business, in which a third party (PayPal) acts as the handler of money between the two parties. For more information on how PayPal works, visit www.paypal.com

3) Credit Card - faxed orders - If you are not comfortable submitting your credit card details online, you may fax your opal order to us on 61755187647

4) Money Order - You may pay by International Money Order. If you are sending a money order from overseas, please first calculate from USD to Australian dollars. Go to: http://www.xe.com/ucc/   to do this.   If you have any questions about the payment process, please email us.

5) Checks - we accept bank checks. To use this system you go to your bank. Give them the amount required which would include a fee, and have the check made out as a bank draft in Australian dollars. You may then post it to our address, which is: Petren Products. Box 226. Banora Point. NSW, 2486. Australia

6] The most efficient way of sending money to us if you don't have a credit card, is to do it either by telegraphic transfer [TT] through your bank, or by internet banking. If you wish to send us the money using this method, please take note of our bank details:
PETREN PRODUCTS Pty Ltd
Westpac Banking Corp
Lightning Ridge. Australia
BSB 032561 A/C No. 154778

What is your Copyright Policy?
OPALMINE.COM reserves the copyright ownership of all images, videos, and articles which appear on this site (unless otherwise stated). Reproduction of this material is subject to permission from us and other copyright owners. We are happy to have articles posted on other websites as long as they retain our copyright on the article.

Why is the value on my Credit Card statement different to the price on your website?

All prices on our site are in US Dollars. However, orders are processed locally in Australian dollars.
Currency exchange rates move every day and sometimes there can be a small difference when the order is processed. We try to make up for this difference in your favor. If you feel that we have let you down in this regard, please contact us and we will immediately take steps to keep you as a happy customer. For currency exchange rate conversions visit http://www.xe.com/ucc/

The question I have is not in the FAQ what should I do?
All other inquiries can be addressed by going to 'customer info' and 'register' If you would like to talk to someone about opals, jewelry design or some other subject connected to our products, why not go to the chat forum and communicate with a world of opal enthusiasts.