Website Terms & Conditions

Introduction

The website www.jewelleryadvisoryservices.com ("the Website") is operated by Jewellery Advisory Services Limited (referred to in these Terms & Conditions as "JAS," "our," "us," or "we"). By accessing or using our website, or by engaging our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions ("Terms"). If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please refrain from using our website or engaging our services.

Jewellery Advisory Services Limited (JAS) operates as an independent jewellery appraisal and advisory service provider, registered in England and Wales under company number 03538355. Our business is located at 67-68 New House, Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY.

1. Definitions and Interpretation

These Terms apply to all services provided by JAS, including but not limited to appraisal services, expert witness reports under Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) and Criminal Procedure Rules (CrimPR), and advisory services. The following definitions apply:

Client: The individual or entity engaging JAS.

Appraisal Report: Any formal document produced for valuation or advisory purposes.

Appraiser: The authorised professional conducting the valuation or appraisal.

Expert Witness Report: Reports produced specifically for legal proceedings under CPR and CrimPR guidelines.

AI Tools: Artificial intelligence software used to assist with limited administrative or editorial tasks, as further described in Section 14 of these Terms.

Engagement Letter: The written confirmation of instruction issued by JAS setting out the scope, terms, and fees for a specific piece of work.

2. Scope of Services

Services are limited to those specified in the engagement letter or agreement. Additional responsibilities, including legal appearances or further reporting, are only undertaken with prior written arrangement and are billed at JAS's prevailing hourly rate. JAS reserves the right to decline any instruction at its sole discretion, including where a conflict of interest exists or arises during the course of an instruction.

3. Use of Website and Content

General Use

The content on the Website is provided for informational purposes only. JAS makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of website content. All users are responsible for ensuring that any information or service meets their specific requirements.

Intellectual Property

The Website and all its content, including logos, images, text, and reports, are the intellectual property of JAS. Users are not permitted to reproduce, distribute, or modify website materials without prior written consent from JAS.

Website Availability

JAS aims to maintain website availability but is not liable for temporary unavailability due to technical issues, maintenance, or factors beyond our control.

4. Amendment and Reproduction of Reports

Only an authorised appraiser from JAS may amend or duplicate an Appraisal Report or Expert Witness Report. Any unauthorised modifications or reproductions are strictly prohibited. Additional services are charged at the current rate, payable upon invoicing.

5. Confidentiality and Data Protection

All client information and documentation are treated with strict confidentiality and in compliance with applicable data protection laws, including UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Copies of reports and supporting documents are retained for a minimum of six years. Disclosure to third parties is prohibited unless required by law or authorised by the client in writing.

For further details on how we handle personal data, please refer to our Privacy Policy, available on the Website.

6. Client Responsibilities

The client is responsible for providing all necessary information and access required for JAS to perform its services. JAS relies on the accuracy of information supplied by the client and accepts no liability for errors or omissions resulting from inaccurate or incomplete information provided by the client.

Where a client provides information for use in legal proceedings, the client confirms that all information provided is accurate and complete to the best of their knowledge.

7. Ownership and Title

An Appraisal Report does not verify ownership or serve as a title guarantee. JAS relies on representations made by the client regarding ownership and does not independently verify this information. JAS accepts no liability in connection with any dispute over title or ownership.

8. Professional Standards and Compliance

JAS appraisals comply with the standards of the National Association of Jewellers' Institute of Registered Valuers (IRV). Grading and terminology align with Gemological Institute of America (GIA) standards, and gemstone identification includes distinctions between natural and synthetic origins.

Expert Witness Reports are prepared in accordance with CPR Part 35, Practice Direction 35, and the Civil Justice Council's Guidance for the Instruction of Experts in Civil Claims. JAS's expert witnesses owe an overriding duty to the court, which takes precedence over any duty to the instructing client.

9. Liability Limitations

JAS's liability is limited to the fee paid for the relevant service. JAS is not liable for indirect or consequential losses, business interruptions, or additional damages unless required by applicable law.

This limitation also applies to any loss resulting from reliance on information presented on the Website. Nothing in these Terms limits JAS's liability for fraud, personal injury caused by negligence, or any other liability that cannot be excluded by law.

10. Report Usage and Restrictions

Appraisal Reports and Expert Witness Reports are intended for the client's use only, subject to any requirements of legal proceedings. No rights are granted for publication or distribution to third parties without prior written consent from JAS.

Any reproduction must include the report in full. Partial or altered reproduction is strictly prohibited.

11. Additional Services and Fees

Additional services requested by the client, including but not limited to court attendance, further reporting, or responding to questions from other parties, will be billed separately at JAS's current hourly rate. Payment must be settled upon invoicing.

JAS will provide a written estimate of fees before undertaking any additional work where reasonably practicable.

12. Expert Witness Instructions (Additional Terms)

Where JAS is instructed to provide expert witness services, the following additional terms apply:

• JAS's expert witnesses act in accordance with their overriding duty to the court under CPR 35.3. This duty takes precedence over any obligation to the instructing party.

• Expert opinions expressed in reports represent the expert's independent, professional judgment. They cannot be directed or altered by instructing solicitors or clients.

• JAS will not accept instructions that require its experts to act in a manner inconsistent with CPR Part 35 or their professional duties.

• Contingency fee arrangements for expert witness work are not accepted.

• Where JAS is instructed as a Single Joint Expert, it will treat all instructing parties equally and maintain independence and impartiality at all times.

13. Variation and Amendments

JAS reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes take effect from the date of publication on the Website unless stated otherwise. Clients are encouraged to check the Website regularly for updates. Continued use of our services following any amendment constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

14. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

This section sets out JAS's policy on the use of AI tools. It is consistent with the Academy of Experts' Guidance on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (January 2026) and CPR Part 35.

Our Commitment

Our expert opinions are always our own. AI is never used to form, replace, or substantially contribute to our professional judgement or the conclusions set out in our reports. We take full responsibility for all work we produce.

Permitted Uses of AI

We may use AI tools to assist with certain limited, low-risk tasks, which may include:

• Grammar, spelling, and punctuation checking (e.g. Microsoft Word Editor, Grammarly)

• Summarising large volumes of non-sensitive documents to assist our internal review process

• Data organisation and collation

• Supporting data analysis tasks using specialist tools

All AI-assisted outputs are reviewed and verified by the named expert before being relied upon. The use of AI for these purposes does not affect the independence or integrity of our expert opinion.

What We Do Not Do

JAS does not use AI to:

• Generate, draft, or substantially contribute to expert opinions or conclusions

• Write or produce substantive sections of expert reports

• Undertake material analysis on which an expert opinion is directly based, without independent human verification

• Process or upload confidential, privileged, or client-specific information into public or unrestricted AI platforms (such as the free versions of ChatGPT or Google Gemini)

Confidentiality and AI

Where AI tools are used, JAS ensures that no confidential, privileged, or personally identifiable information is uploaded to any public or unrestricted AI platform. Any AI tools used operate under appropriate confidentiality and data protection terms consistent with our obligations under Section 5 of these Terms.

Disclosure

JAS includes a clear statement in all expert reports setting out whether AI tools were used in the preparation of that report, and if so, for what limited purpose. This ensures full transparency with the court, instructing lawyers, and all parties.

Human Oversight

We maintain appropriate human oversight over all AI-assisted work. All AI outputs are reviewed and verified by the named expert before use. Where AI is used for anything beyond basic administrative or editorial tasks, a written record is kept of how it was used and what verification checks were carried out.

Client and Solicitor Requirements

Where an instructing solicitor or client requires JAS not to use AI, or places specific restrictions on its use, we will comply with those requirements provided they are communicated to us in writing at or before the point of instruction. For any higher-risk AI use cases, JAS will seek prior agreement from instructing solicitors before proceeding.

Keeping Up to Date

AI technology and the legal and regulatory frameworks governing its use are evolving rapidly. JAS is committed to keeping its knowledge and practices current, including by reference to guidance from the Academy of Experts and relevant judicial developments. This AI policy is reviewed at least annually.

15. Force Majeure

JAS is not liable for delays or failure to perform its obligations due to events outside its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, civil unrest, pandemic, or failure of third-party systems or services.

16. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising under or in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

17. Third-Party Rights

No individual or entity other than the client has any rights under these Terms pursuant to the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999, unless expressly stated otherwise.

18. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the engagement letter and any applicable privacy policy, constitute the entire agreement between JAS and the client in relation to the services. They supersede all previous agreements, representations, and understandings between the parties.

19. Non-Assignment

The client may not assign or transfer any rights or obligations under these Terms without the prior written consent of JAS. JAS may sub-contract elements of its work to appropriately qualified individuals, subject always to its obligations of confidentiality.

20. Communications

Formal notices must be sent by email to enquiries@jewelleryadvisoryservices.com or in writing to JAS's registered business address at 67-68 New House, Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY. Notices sent by email are deemed received on the next working day following transmission.

21. Indemnity

The client agrees to indemnify JAS against all losses, costs, and expenses reasonably incurred by JAS resulting from any breach of these Terms by the client, or from any claim arising from inaccurate or misleading information provided by the client.

22. Termination of Services

JAS may suspend or terminate services with written notice if the client breaches these Terms, fails to pay for services rendered, or if continuing the instruction would be inconsistent with JAS's professional obligations. In the case of expert witness instructions, JAS will comply with any applicable court rules regarding withdrawal.

23. Independent Contractor

JAS operates as an independent contractor. Nothing in these Terms creates any relationship of employment, partnership, or agency between JAS and the client.

24. Waiver

Failure by JAS to enforce any provision of these Terms on any occasion does not constitute a waiver of that provision or of JAS's right to enforce it in the future.

25. Consumer Rights

Nothing in these Terms affects the client's statutory rights under applicable consumer protection legislation, including the Consumer Rights Act 2015 where applicable.