Customer Help

From shipping and returns, to discounts and how to gift all your key questions should be answered below. If you want to speak to Claire direct please message below,

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Frequently asked questions

We want to play our part in reshaping the jewellery industry with sustainable recycled precious metals at a fair price, so you can feel great each time you wear.

So we make luxurious demi-fine jewellery so you can feel polished and put together in seconds.

Get to know all about shipping, exchanges, warranty, our materials and how it's made before you buy.

If you have any other questions that have not been answered drop me a message below.

Claire

Shipping

How Quickly Can I Get My Order?

As an independent brand we ship daily Monday-Friday from our Cardiff studio. All orders are sent in 100% recyclable packaging that will fit through a standard letterbox.

All orders £75 & Over are sent out free UK 1st Class postage within a maximum of 1-2 business days of ordering. I work hard to get orders ready and shipped same day and if you need it urgently message me and I will try to help.

Orders under £75 are sent First Class £3.50

Royal Mail 1st Class generally takes 24 hrs for delivery after shipment (please note strikes, staff shortages and Bank Holidays can cause delays to this)

If you want to track your order or pay for faster shipping those options are available at checkout.

How much does the shipping cost?

Orders £75+ - Free First Class Shipping

Orders Under £75 - £3.50

Tracked Shipping - £5

Next Day Guaranteed - £10

Do you offer next day delivery?

Yes we do, orders need to be placed by 12pm to be sent out same day.

Choose the Next Day Special Delivery Guaranteed 1pm - £10 at checkout.

The next day delivery service is Mon-Fri

I Live in Cardiff Can I Pick Up?

You're welcome to come to the studio to pick up your jewellery.

Just choose the pick up option at checkout and I will be in touch with details.

Studio address is 17-21 Castle Street, Cardiff, CF10 1BT

Can I Shop In Person at Your Studio?

I have a small but perfectly formed studio in Cardiff city centre just opposite Cardiff.

It's a working office/studio and I am giving it a repaint and refresh this month so will be opening it back to public for shopping in a few weeks.

The studio is based on the top floor of the building and there is only stair access. If you have accessibility needs please contact me and I will see how I can accomodate you.

Do You Ship Internationally?

We are currently working on reopening internationally shipping, dealing with Tariffs and other elements.

If you would like to shop in the meantime please email claire@clairehilldesigns.co.uk and I will see how we can help.

I've made a mistake with my order what do I do?

Mistakes happen from ordering the wrong jewellery to adding the wrong delivery address.

As soon as you order the confirmation email will ask you to check all the details and get in touch immediately if you spot something.

Email claire@clairehilldesigns.co.uk so I can try and fix anything before shipping.

Wrong addresses - if you have given me the wrong address we need to wait for the Post Office to process a return to sender. I have no control over timescales or Royal Mail in this instance.

Returns & Exchanges

Can you exchange items?

Sometimes the size or colour isn't right for you. That's not a problem, you can swap it for something else you love. Please note we can't exchange earrings for hygiene reasons.

Email claire@clairehilldesigns.co.uk with your order number, name and what you want to change.

We will then ask you to post the jewellery back - make sure you put your name, order number and return address inside the package.

It's important the jewellery arrives back to us in a resalable condition so please pack it carefully in the original box.

Once we have the jewellery we will process the exchange within 5-7 working days.

How Can I Return My Jewellery?

If your jewellery is not right for you have 60-days to organise the return - this does not include earrings which are non-refundable.

Please email claire@clairehilldesigns.co.uk with your order number, your name and what you would like to return.

We will then send you your returns label (UK orders only). This needs to be used within the date of the label. Do not use label if date has ran out as we cannot be held responsible if returns goes missing when posted after the date.

Please get proof of postage when you return and make sure your name and order number is inside the parcel. Returns that don't have this information won't be processed.

International orders will need to pay for return postage.

All jewellery needs to be sent back carefully packaged - use your original box - to avoid damage in the post. Items that arrive damaged or in an unsalable condition can not be refunded.

Can I return earrings?

As is standard practice due to hygiene reasons we are unable to offer refund for any of our earrings.

Please don't email us to ask us to refund these items, we cannot resell earrings that have been sent out.

I work hard to photograph accurate images, shoot all the jewellery on models and add clear descriptions and dimensions into the product descriptions so you are fully informed before you buy.

If you are unsure about which pair to buy all of the product pages have the sizes, weights, clear descriptions and images on models. 

You can always book a video call here if you want more in-depth help about which pieces work for you.

Email claire@clairehilldesigns.co.uk to make sure you are confident before you buy. 

Incorrect item/missing an item from my order 

Claire Hill Designs is a small team, mainly Claire with occasional extra help, so on the very rare occasions mistakes with orders can be made due to human error.

Please get in touch immediately via claire@clairehilldesigns.co.uk with your name and order number and the issue and we will get it fixed immediately. 

This is a Gift Can It Be Returned?

Gifts are covered under the same returns policy. The buyer will need to initiate returns/exchanges.

Gifting

Do you offer gift wrapping

We pride ourselves in first class gifting so always offer complimentary gift wrap and will handwrite your personal note to your loved ones.

Just add your message in the Gift Note box either on the product page or at checkout.

If you have forgotten email claire@clairehilldesigns.co.uk with all the details.

Can you hide the pricing?

We don't add any pricing information or receipts inside your parcel so you can get the jewellery sent direct to your loved ones.

You receipt and details will be sent to your inbox.

Do you sell gift vouchers?

Yes, we do and also jewellery subscriptions if you want a gift that keeps giving.

Choose the amount you want to send and we can either create a digital voucher or send a beautiful gift card in the post.

Shop gift vouchers and subscriptions here.

Payment & Discounts

Can I get a discount?

First time customers can get 10% off their first order by signing up to the mailing list here

Do you have a loyalty scheme?

Yes, and it's great.

With more than 33% of customers returning to buy again and again I love to treat you to rewards as you buy.

Each £1 earns 1 loyalty point and every 250 points you get a £5 gift voucher.

If you let us know your birthday we will send you a birthday gift every year.

What types of credit cards do you accept?

We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards. Alternatively, you can finalize your order with PayPal payment service.

Do you offer pay later?

You can choose from Klarna or Clearpay at the checkout.

Please make sure to read the T&Cs of these payment methods before using this method.

Materials & how it's made

What is gold vermeil?

Gold vermeil jewellery must have a solid silver base metal and gold plating that is 2.5 mircons thick.

This plating is 5 times thicker than normal gold plating for a premium, luxurious and long-lasting finish.

We use either 14k gold vermeil or 18k recycled gold vermeil. All of the silver used is recycled.

If you are comparing us with other jewellery brands make sure you read their product descriptions.

If they have a silver base with gold plating but don't say the micron thickness it is likely to be a thinner and less long-wearing layer of gold.

We believe you deserve high-quality jewellery designed for everyday wear so only use precious metals with no nickel, to create premium jewellery that is hypoallergenic and feels good to wear.

Why do you use recycled silver?

We only use certified 100% recycled 925 sterling silver in our jewellery. Made from 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals it is more durable than pure silver while keeping the same shine and look.

Recycling silver loses none of the quality, but we reduce carbon emissions by two-thirds compared to traditional mining methods and lessen damage to the earth.


Why do you use precious metals?

We believe you deserve high-quality jewellery designed for everyday wear so only use precious metals with no nickel, to create premium jewellery that is hypoallergenic and feels good to wear.

Demi-fine jewellery is the perfect for affordable good quality jewellery.

Is the jewellery waterproof?

Waterproof jewellery is the current trend with the big brands using stainless steel to create their jewellery.

We think differently. We pride ourselves in using recycled precious metals of Sterling Silver and Gold Vermeil plating in all of our jewellery.

It allows us to create intricate, detailed jewellery pieces full of texture and life.Our gold plating is 2.5 microns thick over recycled silver. This is 5 times thicker than normal gold plated jewellery.

Each piece is finished with an e-coat for tarnish proof wear.While chemicals found in swimming pools or perfumes/creams can impact the plating or dull it, customers have worn Claire Hill Designs jewellery every day for years with no issues.

We believe recycled precious metals and demi-fine jewellery is the perfect affordable way to have luxurious, long-lasting jewellery to wear daily.

And if you have any issues you have a two-year warrantyand we offer complimentary replating.

So feel free to live in your jewellery.

Who makes the jewellery?

The jewellery is designed by me, Claire, in my Cardiff studio and I currently work with two partner factories in Thailand who hand make each piece and one factory in the UK who I supply some of my chains and solid gold hoops.

We have been working together since 2021 and I have visited both Thailand factories.

Both Thailand factories are part of the Responsible Jewellery Council which defines the requirements for establishing responsible business practices throughout the jewellery supply chain, from mine to retail.

This means the better working practices and conditions for staff, including no slave labour.

One factory has been certified status by the RJC for years and the other factory is currently going through this status with inspections from outside third parties.

The factories have paid annual holiday and public holidays, 8h working days, 1 hr lunch breaks, ​overtime pay.

Each piece of jewellery is made by hand using traditional lost wax casting and stone-setting techniques.

It takes 6 weeks for our orders to be produced.

How to care for your jewellery

What does your 2-year warranty cover?

All of your jewellery is covered by a two-year warranty from the date of purchase.

We want you to feel confident about your purchase. Any items that suffer a manufacturing default will be replaced/fixed free of charge. If we no longer stock that style alternative jewellery/gift voucher will be issued.

This does not include

  • Breaking chains (they won't "fall apart", it is always obvious to me when it has been pulled and snapped).
  • Accidental wear and tear - including scratches to gemstones.
  • Lost or stolen items.

Do you really offer free replating?

Yes, we are so confident in the longevity of our gold vermeil jewellery we will happily replate at no cost to you if it loses its colour.

How do I look after my jewellery?

Just like we all need self care to keep being our best selves, so does our jewellery. So here's the jewellery equivalent of "move more, drink water, get your 5 a day and sleep" to make sure your jewellery keeps shining bright.

Our materials are chosen for their longevity to make sure your jewellery looks great for as long as possible in your daily life. 

The jewellery is covered by a 2-year warranty for manufacturing faults but (and as Claire knows herself) most damage is done by not taking personal care. 

Doing the things below won't damage your jewellery instantly but just like you wouldn't throw a cashmere jumper in a hot wash there are recommendations....

  • We recommend taking off when swimming, especially in chlorinated pools and the big no-no hot tubs. Chemicals in these places can ruin the plating and damage natural gemstones.
  • Avoid showering in your jewellery - body lotions, shampoos and oils can get stuck between stones and settings and can add a thin film over jewellery that can make your jewellery look dull and dirty. 
  • Take your necklaces off at bedtime. The chains can pull and weaken while you sleep leaving them at risk of breaking. You can leave your huggies in day and night, though we recommend taking them out from time to time to clean them. 
  • Put your jewellery on last - when wearing sunscreen, perfume and other lotions let them dry first before you accessorise. Chemicals and liquids can seep into the jewellery and affect the quality.

Can I swim and exercise in my jewellery?

Our materials are chosen for their longevity to make sure your jewellery looks great for as long as possible in your daily life. 

And I get it, I'm a lazy leave my jewellery-on while I sleep, shower, swim and do hot Pilates in, this is why I made demi-fine jewellery as it is a lot robuster and you can generally get away with just living in your jewellery.

But while the jewellery is covered by a 2-year warranty for manufacturing faults most damage is done by not taking personal care. 

So for best practice

  • We recommend taking off when swimming, especially in chlorinated pools and the big no-no hot tubs. Chemicals in these places can ruin the plating and damage natural gemstones.
  • Avoid showering in your jewellery - body lotions, shampoos and oils can get stuck between stones and settings and can add a thin film over jewellery that can make your jewellery look dull and dirty. At least clean it regularly if you do.
  • Again same for sweat, give your jewellery regular cleans if you wear it to exercise.

Can I sleep in my jewellery?

Ah I have found my kind of people.

I'm a lazy leave my jewellery-on while I sleep, shower, swim and do hot Pilates in, this is why I made demi-fine jewellery as it is a lot robuster and you can generally get away with just living in your jewellery.

Earrings - You can leave your huggies and labrets in day and night, though we recommend taking them out from time to time to clean them as shampoo, skin etc can clog them up.

Necklaces - Please take your necklaces off at bedtime. The chains can pull and weaken while you sleep leaving them at risk of breaking.

Why do you hate those dresser jewellery displays? And how should I store it?

Store in dark, cool places - Those pretty jewellery dresser displays look good, but keeping your jewellery in direct sunlight 24/7 isn't the best for it. Gemstones can fade and jewellery can lose its lustre. There's no jewellery SPF, but storing everything in a cool, dry, place is the best option.

Sterling silver can will naturally oxidise (get that dark coating) over time when exposed to air and humidity. It's best to store them in sealed bags. If oxidation does happen a quick clean will reveal the shine again. 

Keep them individually safe - Avoid scratches to gemstones or pendants by keeping the jewellery individually stored (not left on-top of each as Claire has done in the past).

Avoid chain tangles or breakage by keeping them fastened and lay them flat. They'll love it when you give them some space - just like when you get to sleep starfish style in a freshly made bed.

My silver jewellery has gone black. Help?

Sterling silver can will naturally oxidise (get that dark coating) over time when exposed to air and humidity.

If oxidation does happen a quick clean will reveal the shine again.

How do I clean my jewellery?

Just like you change your bed weekly (we all do that right?) and clean your make up brushes, you really need to be cleaning your most worn jewellery regularly to keep it looking its best.  

Remove day to day dirt, oils from your skin and build up by using a soft, non-abrasive and lint-free cloth or chamois in gentle circular motions. 

Simple jewellery cleaning can be done with some diluted mild washing up liquid in warm water, a soft toothbrush and soft and a non-abrasive lint-free cloth to dry the jewellery. Avoid paper towels or any cloths that can scratch the jewellery. 

Lightly clean, don't soak the jewellery and pat dry. 

Avoid using chemical/abrasive cleaners.

Get in touch

Have questions about your order, or a general enquiry?