Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

The Jewellery Auction House Ltd ("we", "our", "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Data Controller: Jewellery Auction House Ltd
Contact: office@jewelleryauctionhouseltd.co.uk

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information

• Name and contact details (email, phone, address)
• Account credentials and authentication data
• Payment and banking information
• Identity verification documents (when required)
• Communication preferences

Item Information

• Descriptions and photographs of items submitted
• Valuation and transaction history
• Shipping and collection details

Technical Information

• IP address and browser information
• Website usage data and analytics
• Cookies and similar technologies
• Device and location information

3. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data under the following legal bases:

• Contract: To provide our valuation and purchasing services
• Legitimate Interest: To improve our services and prevent fraud
• Consent: For marketing communications and optional services
• Legal Obligation: To comply with anti-money laundering and tax requirements

4. How We Use Your Information

• Providing valuation and purchasing services
• Processing payments and maintaining accounts
• Communicating about your transactions
• Verifying identity and preventing fraud
• Improving our website and services
• Sending marketing communications (with consent)
• Complying with legal and regulatory requirements

5. Information Sharing

We may share your information with:

• Service Providers: Payment processors, shipping companies, IT support
• Professional Advisers: Lawyers, accountants, auditors
• Regulatory Bodies: When required by law (HMRC, police, courts)
• Insurance Companies: For claims related to items in our possession

We do not sell your personal data to third parties for marketing purposes.

6. International Transfers

Some of our service providers may be located outside the UK. When we transfer data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

• Adequacy decisions by the UK government
• Standard contractual clauses
• Binding corporate rules

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for:

• Account Data: Until account closure plus 7 years for tax purposes
• Transaction Records: 7 years from transaction date
• Marketing Data: Until you withdraw consent
• Website Analytics: 26 months maximum

8. Your Rights

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to:

• Access: Request copies of your personal data
• Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal requirements)
• Restriction: Limit how we process your data
• Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
• Object: Opt out of processing based on legitimate interests
• Withdraw Consent: For processing based on consent

To exercise these rights, contact us at office@jewelleryauctionhouseltd.co.uk

9. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies for:

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: To understand website usage (Google Analytics)
• Preference Cookies: To remember your settings
• Marketing Cookies: For targeted advertising (with consent)

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

10. Security Measures

We protect your data through:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure authentication and access controls
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Staff training on data protection
• Incident response procedures

11. Third-Party Services

Our website integrates with third-party services:

• Google Services: Authentication, Analytics, Maps
• Payment Processors: Secure payment handling
• Communication Tools: Email and SMS services

These services have their own privacy policies which we encourage you to review.

12. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe we have collected data from a child, please contact us immediately.

13. Data Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach that poses a risk to your rights and freedoms, we will notify you within 72 hours of becoming aware of the breach, as required by UK GDPR.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by email or through our website. The updated policy will be effective from the date posted.

15. Contact and Complaints

For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your rights:

The Jewellery Auction House Ltd
5 Kirby Street, Hatton Garden
London EC1N 8TS
Tel: 07828 402885
Email: office@jewelleryauctionhouseltd.co.uk
VAT: 480 4053 10
Company No: 16015866

If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk or by calling 0303 123 1113.

16. Consent

By using our website and services, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy. You may withdraw consent at any time by contacting us.