You don't need a jeweller's toolkit to keep your pieces looking their best. A handful of simple habits — what to remove before, and what to wipe after — go a long way.

Last on, first off

Make jewellery the final thing you put on and the first thing you take off. That means applying perfume, lotion, and hairspray before your rings, necklaces, and earrings go on, since these products are one of the most common causes of tarnishing and dulled finishes.

Keep it dry

Water, chlorine, and salt water can all affect plating and finishes over time. It's best to remove jewellery before showering, swimming, washing dishes, or exercising — even a quick splash adds up over weeks and months of wear.

Wipe, don't scrub

After a day of wear, a soft, dry cloth is usually all you need to remove any oils or residue. Avoid paper towels or anything abrasive, and steer clear of household cleaning products, which can be too harsh for delicate finishes and plating.

Store pieces separately

Tossing everything into one drawer or dish is the fastest way to cause scratches, especially between harder stones and softer metals. Use a lined jewellery box, individual pouches, or a tray with separate compartments to keep pieces from rubbing against each other.

Give it a rest

Wearing the same piece daily without a break exposes it to more friction, moisture, and product buildup than rotating a few favourites. Giving your jewellery the occasional day off helps it last longer between cleans.

• Jewellery goes on last — after perfume, lotion, and hairspray.
• Keep it dry — remove before showering, swimming, or workouts.
• Wipe with a soft cloth — no harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
• Store separately — a lined box or individual pouches prevent scratches.

None of this requires much extra time — just a little awareness of when jewellery goes on and comes off. Do that consistently, and your pieces will keep their shine for years.