Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and secure your personal information when you interact with us—whether shopping at www.rickstonebase.com, visiting our 580 5th Avenue showroom, or engaging with our services. Effective as of October 22, 2025, this policy reflects our dedication to transparency, trust, and compliance with applicable laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for international clients.

Information We Collect

We collect information to provide you with a seamless, personalized experience and to fulfill your gemstone purchases. The data we gather falls into the following categories:

  • Personal Identification Data:
    • Name, email address, phone number, and billing/shipping addresses when you place an order or sign up for our newsletter.
    • Optional details like birthdate (for personalized birthstone recommendations) or company name (for wholesale accounts).
  • Payment Information:
    • Credit card details, PayPal account info, or bank wire instructions, processed securely via encrypted third-party payment processors (e.g., Stripe, PayPal). We do not store full card numbers—only tokenized data for transaction records.
  • Transaction Data:
    • Order history, including gemstone types (e.g., Burmese rubies, aquamarines), quantities, prices, and shipping preferences. This helps us track returns, warranties, and repeat purchases.
  • Technical Data:
    • IP address, browser type, device information, and cookies when you visit our website. This aids in site optimization and security (e.g., detecting fraudulent activity).
  • Communication Data:
    • Emails, chat logs, or phone call records when you contact support at returns@rickstonebase.com . We may record calls for quality assurance with your consent.
  • Optional Data:
    • Preferences (e.g., favorite gem types) or feedback shared during showroom visits or workshops, used to tailor our offerings.

We collect this data directly from you, automatically via our website, or through third-party services (e.g., shipping carriers for delivery updates). For minors under 16, we do not knowingly collect data without parental consent—please contact us at privacy@rickstonebase.com if this applies.

How We Use Your Information

Your data enables us to deliver exceptional service and uphold our 45-year legacy of excellence:

  • Order Fulfillment: Process purchases, arrange shipping (via USPS, FedEx, UPS), and provide tracking updates.
  • Customer Support: Respond to inquiries, process returns, or assist with custom faceting requests.
  • Personalization: Recommend gemstones (e.g., citrine for November birthdays) or send tailored promotions with your consent.
  • Security: Detect and prevent fraud, ensuring safe transactions for high-value items like Kashmir sapphires.
  • Marketing: Send newsletters or offers (opt-in only) about new arrivals or educational workshops, which you can unsubscribe from at any time.
  • Legal Compliance: Meet tax, customs, or regulatory requirements for international shipments.

How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal data to third parties. Sharing is limited to trusted partners who help us serve you:

  • Service Providers: Payment processors (Stripe, PayPal), shipping carriers (USPS, FedEx), and analytics tools (Google Analytics) handle data under strict confidentiality agreements.
  • Gemological Labs: GIA, IGI, or GAL receive minimal data (e.g., order number) for certification purposes, with your consent.
  • Legal Obligations: We may disclose data if required by law (e.g., subpoenas) or to protect against fraud or safety threats.
  • Business Transfers: In the unlikely event of a merger or sale, your data may transfer to the successor entity, subject to this policy.

Data Security

Your trust is our treasure. We employ industry-standard measures to protect your information:

  • Encryption: All data transmission uses SSL/TLS, and sensitive data is encrypted at rest.
  • Access Control: Only authorized personnel (e.g., family members, trained staff) access your data, with multi-factor authentication.
  • Storage: Data is stored in secure, U.S.-based servers with regular backups, retained for 7 years for tax purposes or as required by law.
  • Breach Response: If a breach occurs, we’ll notify affected users within 72 hours (per GDPR/CCPA) and offer remediation.

Your Rights and Choices

You have control over your data, aligned with global privacy standards:

  • Access & Correction: Request a copy of your data or update inaccuracies by emailing privacy@rickstonebase.com.
  • Deletion: Request data deletion (subject to legal retention needs) via the same email.
  • Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing emails by clicking the link in any newsletter or contacting us.
  • Do Not Sell: We do not sell data; if you’re in California, you can confirm this via a “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” request.
  • International Rights: EU/UK residents can contact our Data Protection Officer at privacy@rickstonebase.com to exercise GDPR rights (e.g., data portability).

We respond to verified requests within 30 days, free of charge, with extensions possible for complex cases.

Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience:

  • Essential Cookies: Enable cart functionality and secure logins.
  • Analytics Cookies: Track usage (e.g., most-viewed gems like amethysts) to improve the site—opt-out via browser settings.
  • Marketing Cookies: Personalize ads (e.g., aquamarine promotions)—you can disable these in our cookie consent banner.

Third-Party Links

Our site may link to gemological resources or social media (e.g., Instagram), but we’re not responsible for their privacy practices. Review their policies separately.

Policy Updates

This policy may evolve with our business or legal requirements. Changes will be posted here with a revised date, and we’ll notify you via email for significant updates. Your continued use of our services post-update signifies acceptance.

Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or to exercise your rights, reach out:

  • Email: privacy@rickstonebase.com
  • Phone:
  • Address: Rick Stone Base, 580 5th Avenue, Suite 47, New York, NY 10036, USA

At Rick Stone Base, your privacy is as precious as our gemstones. With 45 years of family stewardship, we pledge to protect your data with the same care we give to every ruby, sapphire, and amethyst. Thank you for entrusting us with your journey—let’s craft it together with confidence.