Every time I pull out my jewellery drawer, or treasure trove as I like to call it, I manage to unearth a piece of jewellery that has been tucked away for far too long in a corner. Because of the lack of wear, I've completely forgotten about it.

Design aside, I've always wondered why there are some pieces of jewellery that we somehow manage to "ignore"? 99% of the time it’s because the piece just isn’t as sparkly or shiny as it used to be. Or maybe it has rusted or tarnished.

At times, It’s not even the Jewellery that’s out of sight that has been tarnished or has lost its sparkle - what about the pair of diamond studs that you wear everyday? Or your favourite pearl necklace. Grime, oil and dust can coat jewellery easily and dull its sparkle.

In this issue's Fashion Geek, we explore the ways to make our Tiffany + Co jewellery from 10 years ago shine again like it’s brand new. Plus, we give tips on how to constantly maintain your pieces by just showing them some love.

What you need:
- Microfibre cloth
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Cleaning cloths for silver and the likes.

Our tips:

1. Toothpaste. The most common household item is the best use for cleaning diamonds and gold. First, wash the jewellery in lukewarm waster and then use a cheap toothbrush (that you got for free and never use) to gently brush your jewellery. Rinse off and wipe with a microfibre cloth and leave the pieces to dry in an area with no direct sunlight. Your diamond and gold jewellery will look as if you've just purchased them from a boutique.

2. Hand soap/Mild soaps. These household tools are best used for cleaning coloured precious stones or semi precious stones. So, use a microfibre cloth to wipe your jewellery to get rid of all the grime and then wash your jewellery in lukewarm water and add some soap (remember to use mild soap!) into it. Use a toothbrush to scrub it gently and rinse again in a second bowl of lukewarm water and leave it to dry.

3. Cleaning cloths (like the ones pictured). This is the best for either silver or metal jewellery. There are now even special cloths for cleaning pearls. I find this the most fuss-free method as you just need to polish your pieces thoroughly without involving several steps. Best mundane activity to do when you are binging on Netflix

4. Never ever soak pearl jewellery (faux or not!) in water to clean them because the water can weaken the string that holds the pearls together. Just use a microfibre (this is clearly the must-have for every kind of jewellery cleaning) cloth either damp or dry and gently wipe them and let them dry. A word of caution: Always apply your perfume before wearing your pearls as it can be damaging if sprayed after wearing.

5. Special cleaning solutions. These are especially useful for metal costume jewellery, you can use them on gold plated materials as well. We’ve come across many tarnished pieces due to oxidisation or humidity, and a spritz of solution coupled with a metal cleaning cloth your jewellery will be as good as new. 

Do you have some care tips for jewellery that you swear by? We'd love to hear them. Share those tips with us in the comment box below!