Jewellery Cleaning & Care: Keeping Your Pieces Brilliant
Your Crawford Hill pieces are crafted to last a lifetime — but even heirloom-quality jewellery deserves a little care to keep it looking its best. Whether you wear your pieces daily or save them for special occasions, proper cleaning and handling help preserve their shine and strength.
Why Jewellery Tarnishes
Even the finest sterling silver and gold can lose some lustre over time. Silver naturally reacts with oxygen and moisture in the air, forming a light patina known as oxidation. It’s completely normal — not a flaw — and it’s easily reversed with the right care.
Factors that accelerate oxidation include:
- Humidity and exposure to air when not worn
- Lotions, perfumes, and cosmetics
- Contact with water, sweat, or cleaning products
- Storing multiple pieces together (causing micro-scratches)
Everyday Jewellery Care Tips
- Last on, first off: Put your jewellery on after lotions, makeup, or perfume — and remove it before bed or a shower.
- Avoid moisture: Keep jewellery away from pools, hot tubs, and saunas. Water and chlorine can dull even solid metals.
- Handle with care: When taking pieces on and off, hold them gently by solid areas, not delicate chains or clasps.
How to Clean Your Jewellery at Home
Gentle cleaning can restore brilliance in minutes. Here’s a safe method for both sterling silver and gold jewellery:
- Prepare a small bowl of warm water and add a drop of mild, fragrance-free dish soap.
- Soak your jewellery for 2–3 minutes to loosen dirt and oils.
- Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe gently. For textured pieces, a soft toothbrush can help — but never scrub.
- Rinse carefully in clean water and dry completely before storing.
Professional Cleaning
For heavily tarnished or intricate pieces, a professional polish may be best. Crawford Hill offers a complimentary polishing service for all our sterling silver and gold jewellery. Contact us anytime to arrange cleaning or inspection.
Proper Jewellery Storage
- Store each piece individually in a soft pouch or cloth-lined box.
- Keep silver in an airtight container to reduce oxidation.
- Use anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packs in your jewellery box.
- Avoid bathroom storage — humidity is the enemy of shine.
Reviving Tarnished Silver
Notice dullness or dark spots? It’s oxidation, not damage. You can brighten silver with a polishing cloth made for sterling jewellery. Avoid silver dips or abrasive creams — they remove metal along with tarnish and can alter fine finishes.
Caring for Gold Jewellery
Gold doesn’t tarnish like silver, but it can still dull with everyday wear. Wipe regularly with a soft cloth to maintain its glow. When cleaning, use only warm water and mild soap — never bleach, ammonia, or alcohol-based cleaners.
Longevity Through Care
Jewellery is meant to be worn, loved, and passed down — not hidden away. By following a few simple habits, your Crawford Hill pieces will retain their strength, beauty, and sentiment for decades to come.
Need help restoring a favourite piece? We’re always happy to help with care, cleaning, or resizing. Contact us here.
FAQ
How often should I clean my jewellery?
Every few weeks for daily-wear items; once every few months for special pieces.
Why is my silver turning dark?
It’s oxidisation — a natural reaction between silver, air, and moisture. Regular cleaning restores brightness.
Can I wear my jewellery in the shower?
We recommend removing it before bathing, swimming, or exercising to prevent dullness and damage.
How should I store my jewellery when I’m not wearing it?
Keep each piece in a soft pouch or airtight container, away from humidity and other metals.