These terms apply to your use of theorientgates.com (“the Site”) and to any purchase or commission of pieces from The Orient Gates (“we,” “us”). By using the Site or engaging us, you agree to these terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site or engage our services.
1. Who we are
The Orient Gates is a family practice operated by the Harb family, with operations in New York, Beirut, Rome, Damascus. All inquiries: info@theorientgates.com.
2. Our pieces
Most of the pieces presented on the Site are antique — meaning they have age, history, and the marks of use that come with both. Photographs, descriptions, and condition reports represent our scholarly opinion, prepared in good faith. For higher-value pieces we recommend a physical inspection or an independent specialist review, which we are happy to arrange.
New pieces — bespoke mother-of-pearl furniture and other commissions — are clearly identified as such and are made to order in our workshop.
3. Pricing & availability
Prices are shown in US Dollars unless otherwise noted, and may be quoted on request in other currencies. Some pieces are listed as “price on request” or “by inquiry” — in those cases, please contact us for a tailored quotation.
Listing a piece on the Site does not constitute a binding offer. We reserve the right to confirm availability, condition, and price at the time of inquiry, and to decline a sale at our discretion.
4. Inquiries, deposits, and payment
For antique pieces and bespoke commissions, we typically agree the terms of sale in writing first (piece, price, shipping, timeline, deposit, and balance). A deposit of 30%–50% is usual to reserve a piece or to begin a commission, with the balance due before final shipment. We accept bank transfer and, where applicable, secured card and escrow payment.
5. Authentication guarantee
We stand behind every piece we sell. If, within 14 days of receipt, any piece is shown by a recognised independent expert to be materially not as described, we will offer a full unconditional refund and arrange return shipping at our cost. This is in addition to any rights you may have under applicable consumer-protection law.
6. Condition
Antique pieces are not new and may show age-appropriate wear, prior restoration, or marks of use. We disclose these in writing in the condition report and welcome additional photographs or video on request. Once you have accepted a piece on the basis of its condition report and have taken delivery, condition-based returns are not accepted (save where Section 5 applies).
7. Shipping & risk
We arrange professional, fully insured, white-glove shipping worldwide through specialist fine-art handlers. The cost of shipping is either included in the sale price or quoted separately at the time of sale. Risk transfers to you upon delivery to the address you nominate. Any damage in transit must be reported within 48 hours of delivery so we can engage the insurer.
8. Import duties & taxes
You are responsible for any import duties, value-added taxes, or similar charges levied by the destination country. We will assist with customs documentation, including cultural-property paperwork where relevant.
9. Returns
Aside from the 14-day authentication guarantee (Section 5) and any non-waivable consumer rights, sales of unique antique pieces are final. Bespoke commissions are non-refundable once production has begun, except where we have materially failed to meet agreed specifications.
10. Intellectual property
All text, photography, design, and code on the Site are owned by The Orient Gates or licensed to us, and are protected by copyright and other intellectual-property laws. You may not reproduce, redistribute, or use them commercially without our written permission.
11. Limitation of liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, our total liability arising out of any sale is limited to the price paid for the piece in question. We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential losses.
12. Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the sale is concluded, unless we agree otherwise in writing. Disputes will first be addressed amicably between the parties; if unresolved, they will be referred to a competent court or arbitration body of the agreed jurisdiction.
13. Changes
We may amend these terms from time to time. The version in effect at the date your inquiry or order is accepted governs that transaction.
14. Contact
Questions about these terms: info@theorientgates.com.