The 60-second after-wear ritual

Most jewellery damage happens in the ten minutes after you take it off. Here's the one-minute habit that makes statement earrings last a lifetime.

Jewellery rarely breaks while it's being worn. It gets damaged in the dish by the sink, in a tangle in a handbag, or in a humid drawer. One minute when you take it off prevents almost all of it.

First: last on, first off

Put your earrings on after perfume, hairspray, make-up and lotion have dried, and take them off before you wash your face, shower, swim, exercise or sleep. That single rule protects silver, stones and finishes all at once.

The 60 seconds

Wipe (20 s). A soft, clean, dry cloth (microfibre is perfect). Gently, especially the backs and posts, where skin oils collect.
Check (20 s). Hold each earring up to the light. Are all stones sitting firmly? Do the backs still grip? A slightly loose stone found today is an easy repair; a lost one isn't.
Store (20 s). Back in its pouch or bag, pair together, backs on, away from other pieces so stones can't scratch each other.

Once a month

Give them a proper clean: a bowl of lukewarm water, a drop of mild, unscented dish soap, and a soft baby toothbrush. Brush gently around the settings, rinse in clean lukewarm water (never hot, and never straight from warm to cold), then pat dry and let them air-dry fully on a towel before storing.

Never

Toothpaste or baking soda: both are abrasive and scratch silver and softer stones.
Silver dips: they can strip coloured finishes and damage some stones.
Ultrasonic cleaners and steam: vibrations and heat can crack stones with cleavage, like topaz and moonstone, and loosen settings.