Authenticity, Provenance & Materials

The principle

We would rather say less and be exactly right. Everything below is something we will put in writing and stand behind. Everything in the last section is something we deliberately will not say, even where competitors do.

1. Precious metal

Gold

22k and 18k, solid throughout. Never plated, filled or vermeil unless the listing says so in those words.

Silver

925 sterling.

Hallmarking

Gold jewellery sold in India carries a BIS hallmark with its HUID, as required by law. The mark is on the piece and the number is on your invoice.

Recycled content

We buy recycled metal where our refiner can evidence it, and we do not claim it where they cannot.

2. Stones

• Every stone is described by what it is. Natural, lab-grown and simulant are three different things and we use the three different words.
• Any treatment we know about is disclosed — heat, irradiation, fracture filling, dyeing. Undisclosed treatment is the single thing that would make us drop a supplier.
• Polki and uncut diamonds are natural and are sold by weight and appearance, not by a clarity grade that does not apply to them.
• Independent certification accompanies stones above the threshold stated on the listing. Below it, our own description is what you are relying on.
• We buy through channels that warrant conflict-free origin consistent with the Kimberley Process, and we keep the paperwork.

3. Artworks

Every work is by a living, named artist and is sold with their agreement. Each arrives with a certificate signed by the artist recording the title, year, medium, dimensions and edition number where there is one.

• Originals are described as originals. Editions state the edition size and the number of your copy.
• We do not deal in antiquities, and nothing we sell falls under the Antiquities and Art Treasures Act 1972.
• Provenance for everything here is short and complete: artist to us to you.
• We make no claim, express or implied, about future value. Art is not an investment product and we do not sell it as one.

4. Cosmetics

• Full ingredient list by INCI name, by weight, in descending order, on the pack and on the product page.
• Batch number and date of filling on the base of every bottle.
• Best-before or period-after-opening on the pack.
• Named origin for headline botanicals where the grower permits it.
• No animal testing commissioned by us or on our behalf, anywhere, at any stage.

5. What we will not claim

These words do real work in regulation, and using them loosely is how a brand ends up with a problem. Where we cannot substantiate one, we do not use it.

Medical or therapeutic claims

Nothing here treats, cures or prevents anything. Cosmetics are cosmetics.

"Clinically proven"

Not used unless we can hand you the study, its size and who paid for it.

"Hypoallergenic"

Not used. It has no agreed definition and it promises something no formula can guarantee.

"Chemical-free" or "non-toxic"

Not used. Everything is a chemical, including water, and the phrase means nothing.

"Certified organic"

Used only where an actual certifier has certified it, and we will name them.

"Investment grade"

Not used about art or jewellery. We are not licensed to give investment advice and we are not giving any.

"Ethically sourced"

Used only where we can describe the specific chain, not as a mood.

6. If we get it wrong

If anything we sold you is not as described here, we want to know and we will make it right — full refund including carriage both ways, whatever the timing, on top of your statutory rights. Write to contact@bearsystems.in, or to info@bearsystems.in if you would rather escalate straight away.