Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

Welcome to DesigNA. These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”, “T&Cs”) govern your purchase of personalised DNA jewellery from Double Strand Ltd trading as DesigNA.

Please read these Terms carefully before placing an order. By ordering from us, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please do not place an order.

2. Definitions and Interpretation

In these Terms, the following words have these meanings:

“Company”, “we”, “us”, “our”: Double Strand Ltd (company number 15005294), trading as DesigNA, with registered office at The Durham Genome Centre, Park House, Station Road, Lanchester, Co. Durham, DH7 0EX.

“you”, “your”, “Customer”: The person placing an order for Products through our website.

“Products”: The personalised DNA jewellery items we create and sell.

“DNA Sample”: The biological sample (cheek swab) you provide to us for genetic analysis.

“Genetic Profile”: The digital data derived from STR (Short Tandem Repeat) analysis of your DNA Sample.

“Sampling Kit”: The DNA collection kit we send to you, containing cheek swabs and instructions.

“Contract”: The legally binding agreement between you and us, formed when we accept your order.

“Business Day”: Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays.

“Consumer Rights Act”: The Consumer Rights Act 2015.

“Working Day”: Any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or UK public holiday.

3. About Us

Company Details:

• Legal Name: Double Strand Ltd
• Trading Name: DesigNA
• Company Number: 15005294
• Registered Office: The Durham Genome Centre, Park House, Station Road, Lanchester, Co. Durham, DH7 0EX
• Email: sales@mydesigna.co.uk
• Telephone: 0191 543 6434
• Website: www.mydesigna.co.uk

We are registered under UK data protection legislation. Our Privacy Policy explains how we handle your personal data and genetic information.

4. These Terms

4.1 These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and us.

4.2 These Terms apply to all orders placed through our website. By placing an order, you agree to these Terms.

4.3 We may update these Terms from time to time. The version that applies to your order is the version in effect at the time you place your order.

4.4 These Terms are only available in English.

5. Our Products

5.1 What We Sell

We create and sell bespoke, personalised jewellery items that incorporate a visual representation of your unique genetic profile. Each Product is:

• Custom-made specifically for you
• Based on your individual DNA Sample
• One-of-a-kind and cannot be replicated for another customer

5.2 Product Descriptions

We make every effort to ensure product descriptions, images, and specifications on our website are accurate. However:

• Colours may vary slightly due to screen settings
• Each Product is unique based on individual genetic profiles
• Actual Products may vary slightly from images shown
• The genetic pattern in your jewellery will be unique to you

5.3 Custom Nature of Products

All our Products are made to order based on your specific DNA. Once your DNA Sample has been processed and your jewellery design has been created, the Product cannot be resold or repurposed for another customer.

6. Placing Your Order

6.1 How to Order

To place an order:

1. Select your chosen Product and customisation options
2. Add the Product to your basket
3. Proceed to checkout and provide required information
4. Review your order and these Terms
5. Complete payment
6. You will receive an order confirmation email

6.2 Order Acceptance

6.2.1 Your order constitutes an offer to purchase Products from us.

6.2.2 We will send you an order confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your order. This email is not an acceptance of your order.

6.2.3 A legally binding Contract is formed when we dispatch your Sampling Kit or (if earlier) when we send you an acceptance email confirming we have accepted your order.

6.2.4 We reserve the right to refuse any order before acceptance.

6.3 Age Restriction

6.3.1 You must be at least 16 years old to place an order and consent to DNA collection.

6.3.2 If you are aged 16 or 17, you can:

• Place an order for yourself
• Provide your own consent for DNA collection and analysis
• However, you may need a parent or guardian to assist with payment if you don’t have your own payment method

6.3.3 If you are ordering on behalf of a child under 16, you must have Parental Responsibility for that child and provide consent on their behalf (see Clause 9).

6.3.4 If you are under 16, you cannot order for yourself. A parent or guardian with Parental Responsibility must order on your behalf.

6.4 Order Accuracy

You are responsible for ensuring all information you provide is accurate, including:

• Delivery address
• Contact details
• Product specifications
• Size and customisation preferences

We are not liable for delays or issues caused by inaccurate information.

7. Price and Payment

7.1 Pricing

7.1.1 All prices are in pounds sterling (GBP). We are not currently registered for VAT, so VAT is not charged on our products.

7.1.2 Prices include the cost of:

• Sampling Kit (including packaging and prepaid return postage)
• DNA analysis
• Custom jewellery creation
• Presentation jewellery box and gift packaging
• Standard UK delivery

7.1.3 Prices displayed on our website are correct at the time of publication but may change at any time. The price applicable to your order is the price shown at checkout when you place your order.

7.2 Payment

7.2.1 Payment is required in full at the time you place your order.

7.2.2 We accept the following payment methods:

• Credit and debit cards
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay

7.2.3 Payment is processed securely by our payment service provider, Stripe. We do not store your full card details.

7.2.4 If your payment is declined, we will contact you and your order may be cancelled.

7.3 Additional Costs

7.3.1 Standard UK delivery is included in the price.

7.3.2 Express delivery options (if available) will be charged at the rates shown at checkout.

7.3.3 We do not currently ship internationally.

8. DNA Sample Collection and Processing

8.1 Sampling Kit Delivery

8.1.1 Once we accept your order, we will dispatch your Sampling Kit within 5 Working Days.

8.1.2 The Sampling Kit contains:

• Cheek swab collection materials
• Instructions for sample collection
• Prepaid return envelope
• Consent forms (if required)

8.2 Sample Collection

8.2.1 You must follow the instructions provided in the Sampling Kit carefully.

8.2.2 Samples must be taken using only the materials provided in the Sampling Kit.

8.2.3 You must return your DNA Sample to us within 3 months of receiving the Sampling Kit. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of your order without refund.

8.3 Legal Requirements – Human Tissue Act 2006

8.3.1 Under the Human Tissue Act 2006, it is an offence to possess human tissue for DNA analysis without appropriate consent.

8.3.2 By providing a DNA Sample, you confirm that:

• You are legally entitled to provide the sample
• If the sample is from another person, you have obtained their informed consent (or parental consent if they are under 16)
• All consents are genuine and freely given

8.3.3 You agree to indemnify us against all costs, claims, and losses arising from samples provided without proper consent.

8.4 DNA Analysis

8.4.1 Your DNA Sample will be analysed by our accredited laboratory partner, Complement Genomics Ltd, located in the UK.

8.4.2 We perform STR (Short Tandem Repeat) analysis only. We do not analyse:

• Health information
• Medical conditions
• Ancestry or ethnicity
• Paternity or family relationships

8.4.3 The genetic analysis is used solely to create a unique visual pattern for your jewellery design.

8.5 Sample Quality and Sufficiency

8.5.1 In rare cases, a DNA Sample may be insufficient or unsuitable for analysis due to:

• Insufficient biological material
• Contamination
• Degradation
• Improper collection or storage

8.5.2 If your sample is insufficient, we will:

• Contact you immediately
• Offer to send a replacement Sampling Kit (at no additional charge)
• Provide one additional attempt to collect a suitable sample

8.5.3 If the replacement sample is also insufficient, we will offer you:

• A full refund; or
• Store credit for a future order

8.6 Sample Destruction

8.6.1 Physical DNA Samples will be destroyed immediately after analysis by the laboratory.

8.6.2 Digital Genetic Profiles will be permanently deleted immediately after your jewellery design is finalised.

8.6.3 We do not retain any genetic data after your Product is completed, unless you specifically request otherwise in writing.

9. Parental Consent (Children Under 16)

9.1 Ordering for Children Under 16

If you are ordering a Product for a child under 16 years of age:

9.1.1 You must have Parental Responsibility for the child (as defined by the Children Act 1989).

9.1.2 By placing an order on behalf of a child under 16, you confirm that you have Parental Responsibility.

9.1.3 You must provide consent for:

• Collection of the child’s DNA Sample
• Analysis of the child’s genetic information
• Processing of the child’s personal data

9.1.4 You are responsible for explaining to the child (in an age-appropriate manner) what the Product is and how their DNA will be used.

9.2 Young People Aged 16-17

9.2.1 Young people aged 16 and 17 can provide their own consent for DNA collection and analysis in accordance with UK medical consent laws.

9.2.2 If you are aged 16 or 17:

• You can consent to your DNA being collected and analysed
• You do not need parental consent for the DNA collection
• You may need parental assistance with payment methods

9.2.3 We may request proof of age if we have reason to believe you are under 16.

9.3 Consent Forms

9.3.1 For children under 16, we may require a signed parental consent form.

9.3.2 This form must be completed by a person with Parental Responsibility and returned with the DNA Sample.

9.3.3 Failure to provide a properly completed consent form may delay or prevent processing of the order.

10. Production and Delivery

10.1 Production Timeline

10.1.1 Once we receive and analyse your DNA Sample, we will create your Product.

10.1.2 The estimated production time is:

• DNA analysis: 2-3 Working Days from receipt of sample
• Jewellery creation: 2-3 Working Days
• Total time: Approximately 5-7 Working Days from when we receive your sample

10.1.3 These timelines are estimates only. Actual production times may vary depending on:

• Sample quality
• Order volume
• Product complexity
• Circumstances beyond our control

10.1.4 We will keep you informed of progress via email.

10.2 Delivery

10.2.1 We will deliver your Product to the delivery address you provided at checkout.

10.2.2 Standard UK delivery is via Royal Mail 48 Hour Tracked service.

10.2.3 Delivery time:

• 2 Working Days after dispatch

10.2.4 We will email you tracking information when your Product is dispatched.

10.3 Delivery Problems

10.3.1 If you are not available to receive delivery, the courier will leave a card with instructions.

10.3.2 If delivery fails due to:

• Incorrect address provided by you
• Refusal to accept delivery
• Multiple failed delivery attempts

We reserve the right to charge you for additional delivery costs or cancel the order and retain any non-refundable costs incurred.

10.4 Risk and Title

10.4.1 Risk in the Products passes to you when the courier delivers the Products to your address.

10.4.2 Ownership (title) in the Products passes to you when we receive full payment and the Products are delivered.

11. Your Cancellation Rights (14-Day Cooling-Off Period)

11.1 Standard Cancellation Right

Under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, you have the right to cancel your order within 14 days without giving any reason.

11.2 Cancellation Period

The 14-day cancellation period begins:

• From the day you place your order; or
• From the day you receive the Sampling Kit (whichever is later)

11.3 IMPORTANT EXCEPTION – Custom Products

11.3.1 Under Regulation 28 of the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you lose your right to cancel once we begin creating your custom Product.

11.3.2 Your Product creation begins when:

• We receive your DNA Sample; AND
• We commence DNA analysis

11.3.3 Once production has started, the Product cannot be cancelled or refunded because it is:

• Made specifically to your specifications
• Based on your unique genetic profile
• Cannot be resold to another customer

11.4 How to Cancel (Before Production Starts)

11.4.1 To cancel before we begin production, you must notify us clearly in writing:

• Email: sales@mydesigna.co.uk
• Post: DesigNA, The Durham Genome Centre, Park House, Station Road, Lanchester, Co. Durham, DH7 0EX

11.4.2 You may use our cancellation form (available on our website) or send your own clear written statement.

11.5 Effects of Cancellation

If you cancel before production begins:

11.5.1 We will refund all payments received from you, including standard delivery costs.

11.5.2 Refunds will be processed within 14 days of receiving your cancellation notice.

11.5.3 Refunds will be made using the same payment method you used for the order.

11.5.4 You must not use or damage the Sampling Kit and should return it to us unused (though we do not require this for the refund).

11.6 Cancellation Deadlines Summary

12. Returns and Refunds

12.1 Custom Products – No Standard Returns

12.1.1 Because our Products are custom-made specifically for you based on your DNA, we cannot accept returns or offer refunds for change of mind after production has started.

12.1.2 This includes situations where:

• You change your mind about the design
• You no longer want the Product
• You made an error in your customisation choices

12.2 Faulty or Defective Products

12.2.1 Your consumer rights are not affected. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, you have rights if Products are:

• Not of satisfactory quality
• Not as described
• Not fit for purpose
• Faulty or defective

12.2.2 If your Product arrives damaged, defective, or materially different from what was described, you must:

• Contact us within 7 days of receipt
• Provide photographic evidence of the fault
• Describe the problem clearly

12.2.3 We will assess the issue and, at our discretion, offer:

• A full refund; or
• A replacement Product (requiring a new DNA Sample); or
• A repair (if feasible)

12.3 Incorrect Items

12.3.1 If we send you the wrong Product by mistake, we will:

• Collect the incorrect Product at no cost to you
• Send you the correct Product
• Refund any additional costs incurred

12.4 Damaged in Transit

12.4.1 If your Product arrives damaged due to transit issues:

• Contact us immediately with photographic evidence
• We will arrange for a replacement or refund

12.5 How to Return Products

12.5.1 You must obtain a Returns Authorisation Number (RAN) from us before returning any Product.

12.5.2 Return Products to: DesigNA Returns The Durham Genome Centre Park House, Station Road Lanchester, Co. Durham DH7 0EX

12.5.3 Include:

• The RAN
• Your order number
• Proof of purchase
• Description of the fault

12.5.4 We recommend using tracked delivery and retaining proof of postage.

12.6 Refund Processing

12.6.1 Refunds for faulty Products will be processed within 14 days of:

• Receiving the returned Product; or
• Receiving satisfactory evidence of the fault (if we don’t require return)

12.6.2 Refunds will be made using the same payment method you used for the order.

13. Consent Withdrawal and Refunds

13.1 Right to Withdraw Genetic Data Consent

You have the right to withdraw your consent for us to process your genetic data at any time under UK GDPR.

13.2 Before Production Begins

13.2.1 If you withdraw consent before we begin DNA analysis, you will receive a full refund (as per Clause 11.5).

13.2.2 Your DNA Sample will be destroyed immediately without analysis.

13.3 After Production Has Started

13.3.1 If you withdraw consent after we have begun DNA analysis, we cannot offer a refund because:

• Production costs have been incurred
• The analysis has been completed
• Resources have been committed

13.3.2 However, we will:

• Cease all further processing of your genetic data
• Destroy your physical DNA Sample immediately (if not already destroyed)
• Delete your digital Genetic Profile immediately
• Not complete or deliver your jewellery Product

13.3.3 In this scenario, no refund will be provided as the Contract has been substantially performed.

13.4 After Delivery

If you withdraw consent after receiving your Product:

• You may keep the physical jewellery Product
• The jewellery contains a visual representation of your genetic profile, which is artistic work, not processable genetic data
• Your underlying genetic data (digital Genetic Profile) has already been permanently deleted as per our standard process in accordance with Clause 8.6
• No refund will be provided

14. Product Quality and Your Consumer Rights

14.1 Our Commitment

We are committed to providing Products of satisfactory quality that:

• Match their description
• Are fit for purpose
• Are free from defects

14.2 Consumer Rights Act 2015

14.2.1 Nothing in these Terms affects your statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

14.2.2 Under the Consumer Rights Act, you have legal rights if Products are:

• Not of satisfactory quality
• Not fit for purpose
• Not as described

14.2.3 Your rights under the Consumer Rights Act include:

• Within 30 days of delivery: Right to reject faulty Products and receive a full refund
• Within 6 months of delivery: Right to repair or replacement if Products are faulty (we can choose which)
• After 6 months of delivery: Right to repair, replacement, or partial refund if the fault existed at the time of delivery

IMPORTANT: These rights apply only to Products that are faulty, defective, not as described, or not of satisfactory quality. They do not apply if you simply change your mind about a custom Product (see Clause 12.1).

14.3 Reporting Faults

To report a fault, contact us as soon as possible at sales@mydesigna.co.uk.

14.4 What We Don’t Cover

We are not responsible for faults caused by:

• Normal wear and tear
• Misuse or negligence
• Accidental damage
• Failure to follow care instructions
• Alterations or repairs by third parties

15. Genetic Profile Representation

15.1 Your jewellery Product contains a visual representation of your unique genetic profile, created from the STR (Short Tandem Repeat) analysis of your DNA Sample.

15.2 The design is:

• Based entirely on your individual genetic markers
• A unique artistic interpretation of your genetic code
• One-of-a-kind and specific to you

15.3 The jewellery does not contain physical DNA material or digital genetic data. It is an artistic representation only.

15.4 By placing an order, you acknowledge and accept that the Product is a visual artistic representation of your genetic profile.

16. Intellectual Property

16.1 Our Intellectual Property

16.1.1 All intellectual property rights in:

• Our website
• Product designs
• Marketing materials
• DesigNA brand name and logo (UK Registered Trademark, Class 42)
• The process for creating jewellery from genetic profiles
• Our proprietary genetic profile visualisation methods

belong to us or our licensors.

16.1.2 You may not use, reproduce, or distribute any of our intellectual property without our prior written consent.

16.1.3 DesigNA® is a registered trademark of Double Strand Ltd. Unauthorised use of our trademark is prohibited.

16.2 Your Genetic Pattern

16.2.1 The genetic pattern derived from your DNA Sample is unique to you.

16.2.2 Once incorporated into your jewellery Product, you own the physical Product.

16.2.3 We retain the right to:

• Use anonymised genetic patterns for research and development
• Feature images of Products (without identifying information) in our marketing materials with your explicit permission only

16.3 Marketing Use

We will never use images of your Product or information about your order in marketing materials without obtaining your separate, explicit written consent.

17. Our Liability

17.1 What We Are Liable For

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits our liability for:

• Death or personal injury caused by our negligence
• Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation
• Breach of your legal rights relating to the Products under the Consumer Rights Act 2015
• Defective Products under the Consumer Protection Act 1987
• Any other liability that cannot be excluded or limited under English law

17.2 What We Are Not Liable For

Subject to Clause 17.1, we are not liable for:

17.2.1 Losses Not Caused by Us We are not liable for any loss or damage that is not a foreseeable result of our breach of these Terms or negligence.

17.2.2 Business Losses We only supply Products for domestic and private use. We are not liable for any business losses, including loss of:

• Profits
• Business
• Revenue
• Contracts
• Anticipated savings
• Data
• Goodwill

17.2.3 Sample Issues We are not liable for:

• Insufficient or contaminated DNA Samples due to improper collection
• Your failure to return samples within the required timeframe
• Damage to samples caused by third-party postal services

17.2.4 Indirect or Consequential Loss We are not liable for any indirect or consequential losses that are not reasonably foreseeable to both parties when the Contract is formed.

17.3 Liability Cap

Subject to Clause 17.1, our maximum aggregate liability to you under these Terms (whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, or otherwise) shall not exceed the price you paid for the Products.

17.4 Your Responsibility

You are responsible for:

• Ensuring information you provide is accurate
• Following sample collection instructions
• Obtaining required consents (e.g., parental consent for children under 16)
• Protecting your account login details
• Compliance with laws applicable to you

18. Data Protection and Privacy

18.1 We process your personal data (including genetic data) in accordance with:

• UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
• Data Protection Act 2018
• Our Privacy Policy

18.2 Our Privacy Policy explains:

• What personal data and genetic data we collect
• How we use, store, and protect your data
• Who we share data with
• Your data protection rights
• How to contact our Data Protection Officer

18.3 Please read our Privacy Policy carefully. It is available at https://mydesigna.co.uk/privacy-policy/ and in the footer of our website.

18.4 By placing an order, you explicitly consent to our processing of your genetic data as described in our Privacy Policy.

18.5 For data protection enquiries, contact: sales@mydesigna.co.uk

19. Force Majeure

19.1 We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations under these Terms where such failure or delay is caused by events beyond our reasonable control (“Force Majeure”).

19.2 Force Majeure events include (but are not limited to):

• Acts of God (e.g., floods, earthquakes, storms)
• War, terrorism, riot, civil commotion
• Government action or restrictions
• Fire, explosion, or accident
• Strikes, lock-outs, or labour disputes
• Failure of utilities or transportation systems
• Pandemic or epidemic
• Failure of telecommunications or internet services
• Failure of suppliers or sub-contractors

19.3 If Force Majeure prevents us from fulfilling your order for more than 30 days, either party may terminate the Contract by written notice. We will refund any payments made for undelivered Products.

20. General Terms

20.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and us and supersede all previous agreements, understandings, or arrangements (whether oral or written).

20.2 Variation

20.2.1 We may update these Terms from time to time.

20.2.2 Changes will be posted on our website with a new “Last Updated” date.

20.2.3 The version that applies to your order is the version in force when you place your order.

20.2.4 Continued use of our website after changes indicates acceptance of the updated Terms.

20.3 Waiver

20.3.1 Our failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that right or provision.

20.3.2 A waiver of any breach of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of any subsequent breach.

20.4 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable by a court, that provision shall be deemed severed and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

20.5 Assignment

20.5.1 You may not assign, transfer, or sub-contract any of your rights or obligations under these Terms without our prior written consent.

20.5.2 We may assign, transfer, or sub-contract our rights or obligations under these Terms to any third party at our discretion.

20.6 No Third-Party Rights

These Terms are between you and us. No third party has any right to enforce any provision of these Terms under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.

20.7 Notices

20.7.1 All notices from you to us must be in writing and sent to:

• Email: sales@mydesigna.co.uk
• Post: Double Strand Ltd, The Durham Genome Centre, Park House, Station Road, Lanchester, Co. Durham, DH7 0EX

20.7.2 We may give notices to you:

• By email to the address you provided
• By post to the address you provided
• By a notice on our website

20.7.3 Notices are deemed received:

• Email: When sent (if sent during business hours on a Business Day, otherwise 9am on the next Business Day)
• Post: 2 Business Days after posting

20.8 Relationship

Nothing in these Terms creates a partnership, joint venture, employment, or agency relationship between you and us.

21. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

21.1 These Terms and any disputes arising out of or in connection with them (including non-contractual disputes or claims) are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

21.2 You and we both agree that the courts of England and Wales will have exclusive jurisdiction to resolve any disputes arising out of or in connection with these Terms.

21.3 If you are a consumer resident in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you may bring proceedings in your local courts or in England and Wales.

22. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

22.1 How to Complain

If you have a complaint about our Products or services:

22.1.1 Contact us first:

• Email: sales@mydesigna.co.uk
• Telephone: 0191 543 6434
• Post: DesigNA, The Durham Genome Centre, Park House, Station Road, Lanchester, Co. Durham, DH7 0EX

22.1.2 We will acknowledge your complaint within 2 Business Days.

22.1.3 We will investigate and respond with a resolution within 14 days.

22.2 Alternative Dispute Resolution

22.2.1 If we cannot resolve your complaint, you may refer the matter to an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) provider.

22.2.2 We are not obliged to use an ADR scheme but will consider reasonable ADR proposals.

22.2.3 For information on ADR, visit the European Commission’s Online Dispute Resolution platform: https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/

23. How to Contact Us

For any questions, concerns, or to exercise your rights under these Terms, please contact us:

Double Strand Ltd (trading as DesigNA)

Address:
The Durham Genome Centre
Park House, Station Road
Lanchester, Co. Durham
DH7 0EX
United Kingdom

Email: sales@mydesigna.co.uk
Telephone: 0191 543 6434
Website: www.mydesigna.co.uk

For data protection matters:
Contact our Data Protection Officer using the above details.

Last Updated: 30/10/2025
Version: 1.0