Because crystals and minerals are unique natural specimens, all sales are final and we generally do not accept returns or exchanges. California Civil Code § 1723 exempts goods sold "as is" or "all sales final" from mandatory return policies. However, we stand behind the quality of our specimens and offer the following limited remedies:

​

A. Wrong Item or Major Defect

If we shipped the wrong item or there is a major defect not disclosed at the time of sale and not attributable to natural variation or transit damage, you may contact us for a remedy. A "major defect" means a significant break, fracture, or damage that was not visible in the listing photos or described during the live sale and that materially affects the structural integrity or display quality of the specimen.

​

B. Issue Reporting Window

You must notify us within 7 calendar days of delivery by emailing paragonaether@gmail.com. Please include:

• Your order number and the item description

• A clear description of the issue

• Clear photographs of the item showing the damage or defect

• The original packaging

​

Unboxing Video — Strongly Recommended. We strongly encourage all customers to film a continuous unboxing video beginning with the sealed, unopened parcel showing the shipping label. This video protects you by documenting the condition of the item upon arrival and helps us process your claim quickly. While we highly recommend this practice, we will consider all credible evidence, including photographs and written descriptions. For high-value claims (orders over $500), we may request an unboxing video to help verify the claim.

​

C. What Is Not Covered

The following are not eligible for return, exchange, or refund:

• Natural variations in color, clarity, inclusions, veils, growth patterns, texture, weight, or shape

• Minor chips, nicks, or surface imperfections that are normal for natural mineral specimens and were visible in listing photos or described during the live sale

• Damage occurring after delivery, including during unboxing, handling, display, or cleaning

• Buyer's remorse or preference changes

• Items purchased during live sales where the specimen was shown clearly during the broadcast

​

D. Transit Damage

If your package arrives damaged, please follow these steps:

1. Take photographs of the damaged package and item immediately

2. File a claim directly with the carrier

3. Contact us within 7 calendar days — if you purchased shipping insurance, we will assist you with the carrier claim process

4. Keep all original packaging — it may be needed for the carrier's inspection

We are not liable for transit damage once the package leaves our possession, but we will do everything reasonably possible to help you resolve the situation.

​

E. Remedies

For approved issues, remedies are at our sole discretion and may include: (a) replacement if an identical or comparable specimen is available, (b) repair if feasible, or (c) refund of the purchase price. We may request that the item be returned first, at our expense for approved claims. Returned items must be in their original condition and packaging. If we determine upon inspection that the issue is attributable to natural variation, post-delivery damage, or was disclosed at the time of sale, the item will be returned to you at your expense and no refund will be issued.

​

F. Chargebacks and Payment Disputes

We are committed to resolving any issues directly with you. If you have a concern about your order, please contact us at paragonaether@gmail.com before initiating a chargeback or payment dispute with your bank or credit card company. We will make every effort to resolve your concern within 5 business days.

​

If a chargeback is initiated without first contacting us, or after we have offered a reasonable resolution, we reserve the right to: (a) dispute the chargeback with evidence including order records, communications, and delivery confirmation; (b) suspend your account and refuse future orders; and (c) refer the matter to a collections agency for recovery of the chargeback amount and associated fees. Chargebacks determined to be fraudulent may be reported to law enforcement and credit reporting agencies.

We offer local pickup and in-person meetup as a courtesy to our community in the Irvine/Newport area. By choosing either option, you agree to the following:

Scheduling. Pickup or meetup must be arranged in advance. Times and locations will be confirmed through email, Instagram DM, or other agreed methods. It is your responsibility to check your messages and respond promptly.

​

Identification. Valid government-issued ID and your order confirmation may be required at pickup or meetup. If you are sending an authorized representative, they must be pre-approved by you in writing and must present their own valid ID.

​

Location and Safety. Pickups and meetups occur at designated public meeting points (such as well-lit retail parking lots, police station lobbies, or similar safe public spaces). We reserve the right to reschedule or refuse a meetup at our discretion for any safety concern. We will not meet at private residences, motels, or secluded locations.

​

Assumption of Risk. You acknowledge and agree that in-person meetups involve inherent risks, including but not limited to risks associated with travel, meeting strangers in public places, and the possibility of theft, loss, or damage to personal property. By choosing in-person pickup or meetup, you voluntarily assume all risks associated with traveling to and attending the meetup, and you agree that Paragon Aether is not liable for any injury, loss, or damage you may incur in connection with the meetup, except to the extent caused by our gross negligence or willful misconduct.

​

Hold Harmless. To the fullest extent permitted by law, you agree to release, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Paragon Aether and its owners, employees, and agents from and against any claims, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorney's fees) arising from or relating to your participation in an in-person pickup or meetup, including any incident occurring during travel to or from the meeting location, except to the extent caused by our gross negligence or willful misconduct.

​

Timeliness. Orders must be collected within 7 calendar days of notification that they are ready for pickup. Uncollected orders may be canceled, with any deposit forfeited, or shipped to you at your expense.

​

Inspection at Pickup. You will have the opportunity to briefly inspect your item at the time of pickup. Once you accept the item and leave the pickup location, title and risk transfer to you, and the sale is final. We are not liable for theft, damage, or loss after this point.

​

Receipt Acknowledgment. At the time of handoff, we may ask you to confirm receipt of the item (by signing a receipt, acknowledging via email or DM, or posing for a brief photo with the item). This documentation protects both parties and serves as proof of delivery.

​

Conduct. Respectful behavior is expected. Unsafe, aggressive, or inappropriate conduct will result in cancellation of the transaction and may incur a restocking and handling fee of $8 plus 30% of the invoice value. We may revoke pickup privileges at our discretion.

Except as expressly provided in these Terms, the Site, Content, products, and services are provided "AS IS" and "WITH ALL FAULTS." To the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, non-infringement, course of dealing, usage, accuracy, and error-free operation. We do not warrant that the Site or servers are free of viruses or harmful components, or that the Site will be uninterrupted or error-free.
 

Wellness and Medical Disclaimer. Descriptions relating to energy, healing, spiritual, or metaphysical properties are traditional or cultural in nature. They are not medical advice and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always seek professional medical advice for health conditions. Our products are collectible specimens and decorative items, not medical devices or therapeutic products.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, in no event shall Paragon Aether or its affiliates, officers, employees, or agents be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages (including lost profits, lost business, or loss of data), even if advised of the possibility of such damages. This includes, without limitation, any liability arising from or relating to in-person pickups or meetups, including incidents occurring during travel to or from the meeting location, except to the extent caused by our gross negligence or willful misconduct.

​

Our total aggregate liability for any claim arising from or relating to the Site, products, or services shall not exceed the purchase price you paid for the specific product or service giving rise to the claim.

​

The foregoing limitations do not apply to liability for our gross negligence, fraud, or willful misconduct where such limitation is prohibited by law, or to any liability that cannot be excluded under applicable consumer protection law.