While you’re wearing it

• Put your jewellery on last, after perfume, lotion and hairspray, and take it off first at night.
• Leave it at home for the gym, the pool, the sea and big cleaning jobs. Chlorine, salt water and hard knocks are what wear gold and settings down fastest.
• Engagement rings and tennis pieces especially: take them off for workouts and anything involving weights, tools or gripping.

A quick clean at home

• A few minutes in lukewarm water with a drop of washing-up liquid, then a gentle brush behind the stones, where everyday grime collects. Rinse and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
• Skip ultrasonic cleaners and jewellery dips unless we’ve told you they’re safe for your piece. Some gemstones and settings don’t react well to them.

When it’s off

• Give each piece its own space in its Sunday Finest pouch or box, so diamonds can’t scratch gold or softer stones.
• Lay chains and tennis pieces flat so they don’t tangle.

Keeping an eye on it

• Every few weeks, look over the prongs and clasps. If a stone moves or a clasp feels loose, stop wearing the piece and get in touch.
• Every year or so, bring it to a jeweller for a deep clean and a check of the settings. Rings and tennis pieces benefit most.