Privacy policy
Privacy Policy
Last Updated: November 6, 2025
Welcome to 18 KARATS INC. ("we", "us", or "our"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and share your personal data when you visit, use, or make a purchase through https://18karats.com (the "Site"), and when you interact with our products and services (the "Services").
By accessing or using our Services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.
1. Who We Are
18 KARATS INC. is a U.S.-based business operating through an online store powered by Shopify. We offer curated products and ship internationally, including to the EU and UK.
Data Controller: 18 KARATS INC.
Address: 550 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA
Email: info@18karats.com
2. What Personal Information We Collect
Information You Provide:
- Full name, billing and shipping address
- Email address and phone number
- Payment information (handled securely via third-party payment providers)
- Account login details (if you create an account)
- Order details, returns, and exchanges
- Customer support inquiries
- Reviews, gift cards, or loyalty program participation (optional)
Information Collected Automatically:
- Device and browser type
- IP address and general location
- Pages viewed, links clicked, and other usage information
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies (with your consent where required)
Information from Other Sources:
- Shopify (our ecommerce platform)
- Payment providers and fulfillment services
- Analytics and marketing partners (for marketing analysis and personalization)
3. How We Use Your Personal Data
We use your information for the following purposes:
- To fulfill your orders and provide the Services
- To personalize and improve your experience
- To manage your account and customer support requests
- To send transactional messages (order updates, receipts, etc.)
- To conduct marketing and advertising (only with your consent, where required)
- To detect and prevent fraud or security issues
- To comply with legal obligations
4. Legal Bases for Processing (GDPR)
For individuals in the European Economic Area (EEA) or the UK, we process your personal data on the following legal bases:
- Contractual necessity – to fulfill your orders and provide our Services
- Consent – for marketing emails and use of non-essential cookies
- Legitimate interests – to improve the Site, perform analytics, prevent fraud
- Legal obligation – to comply with laws (e.g., tax reporting)
5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Enable Site functionality
- Remember your preferences
- Analyze usage to improve performance
- Deliver personalized advertising (with your consent)
When you visit our Site from the EU/EEA, UK, or other jurisdictions requiring consent, a cookie banner is shown to obtain your permission for non-essential cookies.
We respect Global Privacy Control (GPC) signals where applicable. Learn more here.
You can manage cookies via your browser settings at any time.
6. Sharing Your Personal Information
We do not sell your personal information. We only share it as necessary to:
- Fulfill your order (e.g., with shipping carriers, payment processors)
- Operate the Site and services (e.g., with Shopify, IT vendors)
- Conduct marketing or analytics (only with partners who follow data protection laws)
- Comply with legal requirements
- Protect our business interests, including fraud prevention
- Complete a business transfer, such as a merger or acquisition
We do not knowingly share data of individuals under 16.
7. International Data Transfers
We are located in the United States. If you are located in the EEA, UK, or another jurisdiction with data transfer restrictions, your data may be transferred to the U.S.
We rely on Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) and other safeguards provided by Shopify and our service providers to ensure adequate protection for international transfers.
8. Data Retention
We retain your personal data only as long as needed to:
- Fulfill your purchases and requests
- Provide customer service
- Comply with legal obligations
- Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
If you have an account with us, we retain your data as long as the account is active or you are a customer.
9. Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:
- Access – to know what personal data we hold about you
- Correction – to correct inaccurate data
- Deletion – to request we delete your data (subject to limitations)
- Data portability – to receive a copy of your data
- Object or restrict processing – especially for marketing or profiling
- Withdraw consent – where processing is based on consent
To exercise these rights, email us at info@18karats.com. We may request verification of your identity before fulfilling your request.
We will respond within the timeframe required by law (usually within 30 days).
10. Children's Privacy
Our Services are not intended for children under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors. If you believe a child has provided personal data to us, contact us so we can delete it.
11. Shopify as Our Processor
Our store is hosted on Shopify, which acts as a data processor under GDPR. Shopify processes data to help us operate the Site and Services and may use anonymized or aggregated data to improve platform performance.
You can learn more about how Shopify processes your personal data here:
Shopify Consumer Privacy Policy: https://www.shopify.com/legal/privacy
Shopify Privacy Portal: https://privacy.shopify.com/
12. Third-Party Links
Our Site may link to third-party websites or services not controlled by us. We are not responsible for their privacy practices or content. Please review their privacy policies before submitting any personal data.
13. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes to our practices or legal requirements. We will update the "Last Updated" date and notify users where legally required.
14. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or want to exercise your data rights, you can contact us at:
18 KARATS INC.
Email: info@18karats.com
Address: 550 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013, USA
For residents of the EEA or UK: You may also lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority. A list of EU supervisory authorities is available here.
