How to care for your jewellery so it keeps shining

Most jewellery does not lose its shine because it is poorly made — it loses it because of water, sweat and chemicals. The good news is that a few small habits fix almost all of it.

Put it on last, take it off first

Perfume, body lotion, sunscreen and hair spray are the biggest enemies of plated and beaded pieces. Finish getting ready first, then put your jewellery on. When you get home, take it off before anything else.

Keep it dry

Water and sweat speed up fading and can loosen threads on bead bracelets. Take your jewellery off before:

• Showering or swimming
• Working out or a long walk in the heat
• Sleeping, so chains don’t tangle or snap

Wipe, then store

After each wear, wipe the piece with a soft, dry cloth to remove oils from your skin. Store every piece separately — in a small pouch or a lined box — so chains do not tangle and charms do not scratch each other. In humid weather, drop a small silica gel packet into the box.

What to avoid

• Toothpaste, alcohol or “jewellery dip” cleaners — they strip plating
• Leaving jewellery in a bathroom or a hot car
• Pulling on clasps and chains to open them