Top tips to keep your jewellery looking great

Your jewellery might be a memento of a special time, a gift from a loved one, or an item you bought just for yourself. Whatever its story, these tips will help you get a lifetime of pleasure from your favourite pieces.

• Always apply makeup, hair spray and hand lotions before you put on your jewellery, not after.
• Use a liquid brass cleaner to wipe down costume jewellery made of brass, pewter and other metals.
• Scrub sweat and skin dander off metal watchbands and rings with an old toothbrush dipped in a 50-50 mixture of vinegar and water.

It's true that diamonds are among the hardest materials known to man, which means yours will pretty much last forever. Here's how to clean them carefully to ensure they look their best.

• Get rid of the film left behind by grime, fingerprints, lotions and cooking oils by soaking your diamonds for about half an hour in a solution of water with a couple of squirts of liquid hand soap.
• Scrub the item clean with a soft brush (an old toothbrush will work) then rinse and dry it.
• Always remove your diamond ring when working with harsh household chemicals.

Unlike diamonds, pearls can deteriorate and must be handled carefully.

• Never use jewellery-cleaning chemicals, harsh soaps or even abrasive brushes or cloths to clean pearls.
• Wipe pieces down with a soft cloth that is slightly wet with water.
• Let them dry before putting them away.

Cameos are made from delicate materials like coral and seashell that need to be protected from dryness and dirt. The key to ensuring your cameo lasts is washing and moisturizing it a couple of times a year, since dryness can cause it to crack or chip.

• Wash the item in warm water with a few drops of dishwashing liquid.
• Dry it with a soft cloth.
• Apply a little bit of fine oil with a cotton ball. Olive oil, mineral oil and baby oil will all work well.
• Let it sit overnight.
• Wipe off any oil you can still see with a soft cloth.
• Store your cameo in a soft cloth or lined box away from heat and light.

To give your cameo a fresh and surprising scent, try this tip from times past: Instead of mineral or baby oil, moisturize the item with fragrant oil of wintergreen, available in drugstores.

Has your gold necklace or ring lost its sparkle? Follow these steps to restore your favourite gold pieces to their former glory.

• Place the piece in a solution of 125 millilitres (1/2 cup) of ammonia and 250 millilitres (1 cup) of water.
• Soak it for 10 minutes.
• Remove the piece and shine it up with an old toothbrush.
• Dry it with a soft cloth.

Caring for your favourite silver pieces are as easy as can be.

• Clean the piece with a mild detergent.
• Shine it with a tarnish remover.

• Restring a pendant that has fallen apart with a needle and thread.
• Coat the surface of a ring or bracelet with clear nail polish if you're experiencing an allergic reaction.

Take good care of your jewellery by following these easy tips and you'll be sure it'll look its best for years to come.