Return, Buyback & Exchange Policy

1. 7-Day Return Window

We offer a 7-day return window from the date of delivery. To initiate a return, submit a return request to care@caratyears.in.

2. Conditions for Return

To be eligible for a return, the piece must be:

• Unworn and in its original condition.
• Accompanied by the original IGI certificate and all product packaging.
• Free from any signs of wear, alteration, resizing, or damage.

Pieces that have been worn, altered, resized, or damaged are not eligible for return.

3. IGI Certificate - Lost, Damaged or Missing

A fee of ₹2,000 (plus applicable GST) will be charged to cover reissuance of the certificate by IGI. This fee is payable prior to processing the return.

4. Refund Process

• Once the returned piece is received and inspected by our Quality Assurance team, your refund will be initiated within 5–7 business days.
• Full refund is processed to your original payment method. Depending on your bank, the credit may take an additional 5–7 business days to reflect in your account.
• Our courier partner will collect the package from your address, fully insured, at no charge to you.

5. Customised & Bespoke Pieces — No Return

Pieces made to bespoke or custom specifications — including engraving, special-order designs, or any piece crafted to the customer's brief — are not eligible for return under any circumstances. All customised pieces are, however, fully covered under our Lifetime Exchange Policy.

1. Current Position

Carat Years does not offer a buyback programme at this time.

2. Recommended Alternative

We are committed to the lifetime value of every piece we create — through our Lifetime Exchange Policy, complimentary care services, and the enduring quality of every piece we make. We encourage customers to consider the Lifetime Exchange Policy as a meaningful alternative: it allows you to upgrade or switch to a new piece while retaining 100% of the prevailing metal value and 80% of your diamond's invoice value towards your next purchase.

1. Lifetime Exchange — Always Available

Carat Years offers a lifetime exchange on all pieces, both stock and custom. Whether you wish to upgrade, resize, or choose an entirely new design, you may do so at any time — there is no expiry on this commitment. Visit our store or write to care@caratyears.in to begin the process.

2. How Exchange Value is Calculated

• 100% of the prevailing market rate of gold on the date of exchange, applied to the net gold weight of the piece as certified at the time of original purchase.
• 80% of the diamond value as recorded on your original invoice. This credit is ring-fenced — it may only be applied towards the diamond component of your next Carat Years purchase and cannot be adjusted against gold, making charges, or any other element.

3. Why Invoice Value for Diamonds?

Unlike industry practices that tie exchange value to fluctuating 'prevailing market rates', Carat Years calculates exchange value against the invoice you hold. The document in your hands — not a rate we determine at the counter — is the basis of your exchange. This is our commitment to transparency.

4. Conditions for Exchange

• Original IGI certificate and invoice must accompany the piece.
• Piece must be free from damage beyond normal wear and tear.
• Any discount applied at the time of original purchase will be adjusted proportionately from the exchange value.
• GST and making charges paid at the time of original purchase are not refundable or adjustable and will not be credited towards the exchange value.
• Our Quality Assurance team's assessment of the piece's condition will be final and binding.
• Exchange is available for purchases made through our website; third-party purchases are not eligible.

5. IGI Certificate — Lost, Damaged or Missing

A fee of ₹2,000 (plus applicable GST) will be charged to cover reissuance of the certificate by IGI. This fee is payable prior to processing the exchange.

6. How to Initiate an Exchange

• Write to care@caratyears.in with your order number and a brief note on what you would like to exchange for.
• Our team will respond within 24 hours to confirm the process and arrange insured pickup from your address.
• Pack the piece securely in its original packaging, along with the invoice and IGI certificate.
• Our courier partner collects the package from your address, fully insured, at no charge to you.
• Our Quality Assurance team inspects the piece and processes your exchange value as a credit note, which may be applied towards your next purchase.