Keeping it as it was

Put jewellery on last — after perfume, hairspray and moisturiser — and take it off first. Most dulling is a film of cosmetics, not wear.

Take rings off for washing up, swimming and the gym. Chlorine attacks the alloys in gold, and a knock against a weight will bend a setting faster than years of wearing it will.

Warm water, a drop of plain dish soap, and a soft brush. Rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth.

Not on pearls, emeralds or anything strung on silk. Pearls are porous and emeralds are usually oil-treated; both are ruined by soaking and by ultrasonic cleaners. Wipe those with a barely damp cloth instead.

Separately, and flat. Diamonds scratch gold, and gold scratches gold. A soft pouch each is enough — the box a piece arrived in is designed for exactly this.

Bring stone-set pieces in to have the settings checked. A prong wears down long before it lets go, and that is a repair rather than a loss.