Wearing

Last on, first off

Dress, then apply lotion, perfume and hairspray, and put your jewelry on last. At the end of the day, take it off first. Chemicals in cosmetics dull stones and wear down metal over time.

Take it off for

• The gym and sport: impact bends prongs and can crack stones.
• Swimming and hot tubs: chlorine attacks gold and solder.
• Cleaning, cooking and gardening: chemicals, heat and grit.
• Sleep: chains tangle and prongs snag on fabric.

Cufflinks

Fasten cufflinks through a double French cuff with the face outward and the toggle flat. Take them out before rolling up your sleeves, and always before the shirt goes into the wash.

Rings and bracelets

Leave a little space between a diamond ring and a softer stone, and between a bracelet and a watch, so the harder piece does not scratch the other.