In most cases jewellery is given as a gift of love from someone special in your heart, for this reason you want to keep it in excellent condition.

Generally this only requires a little daily care on your part and perhaps a yearly visit to your jeweller for some expert service. This ensures the attractiveness and value of your most loved pieces is maintained.

Learn how to clean and care for your jewellery!­ Here are some tips for the care of your cherished jewellery:

Caring for Diamonds

Diamonds need care to keep them at their brilliant best. A clean diamond reflects light better than one that has been dulled by skin oils, soap, cosmetics and grease. So it is important to clean your diamonds regularly. Your JAA jeweller is the best person to do this. The setting can be checked at the same time.

It is also possible to clean your diamonds at home with a commercial jewellery cleaner of a mixture of ammonia, detergent and warm water. Soak the diamond in the solution and then scrub gently with a soft brush. Making sure the plug is in the sink, rinse well with water, and dry with a soft lint-free cloth.

Do not wear your diamond ring while doing rough work and don't let your diamond jewellery come into contact with chemicals.

Caring for Gemstones

Buying a gemstone is your investment in lasting beauty. A gemstone's durability means it can last for generations - but it must be handled with care. Here are some easy guidelines for taking care of your gemstones.

• Keep your jewellery separated when you put it away. Never let one item touch another, and always put in soft fabric.

• Apply colognes and toiletries before you put on your jewellery.

• Clean your jewellery regularly. Ask your jeweller to recommend the proper cleaning methods.

• Bring your gemstones to your JAA jeweller every year. They can then be expertly cleaned and their settings checked.

Caring for Pearls

Pearls are precious jewels and should be treated as such. The following guidelines may assist you in caring for them.

• Don't toss them carelessly into a purse or jewel box where they may be scratched by harder stones or hard metal edges.

• Don't wear pearls while bathing, in the shower or while playing sport.

• Put your pearls on after applying perfume, cosmetics and hairsprays.

• Before any cleaning is undertaken, seek the advice of your JAA jeweller.

• Have a knot between each pearl which will prevent loss if the string breaks.