SHIPPING & HANDLING POLICY

Shipping & Handling — Vortex Gem & Stone

We take great care in packaging and shipping your mineral specimens.
Please review the details below to understand how your order will be handled.

Packaging Procedures

  • Each specimen is wrapped and cushioned individually

  • Fragile items receive additional stabilization

  • We use professional packing materials suitable for minerals

Carriers

Orders ship via:

  • USPS

  • UPS

  • FedEx

Carrier selection is based on package weight, size, and destination.

Shipping Insurance

Optional paid insurance is available at checkout.

Insurance must be purchased at the time of order.

If shipping insurance is purchased and damage occurs, we will assist you in filing a claim directly with the carrier.

Insurance claims require:

  1. Photos of item, packing, and shipping box

  2. Notification within 48 hours of delivery

  3. Retention of all packing materials until the claim is resolved

Damage During Shipping

To avoid any misunderstanding:

Vortex Gem & Stone is not responsible for damage that occurs during shipping. Under no circumstances do we offer refunds or replacements for items damaged in transit.

Buyers are fully responsible unless they purchased shipping insurance.

Lost or Stolen Packages

If tracking shows “delivered,” the carrier considers the item delivered.

We cannot issue refunds or replacements for:

  • Delivered but missing packages

  • Stolen packages

  • Incorrect addresses provided by the customer

Please file a claim with the carrier and/or check with neighbors or your local post office.

Processing Time

Orders typically ship within 1–3 business days.

International Orders

At this time, Vortex Gem & Stone ships within the United States only.
(If you ever want to add international later, I can update this line.)