Wear it often
Frequent wear keeps the surface alive. Skin's natural oils slow tarnish more reliably than any polish — silver prefers to be carried.
Care
Sterling silver rewards
attention.
A short, deliberate guide to keeping your Bin Assaf artifact in its best condition — and understanding the way silver develops with time.
A Note on Patina
Silver develops. It does not deteriorate. Over time, the recesses of every piece deepen and the high points brighten — a record of the way it is worn, held, and lived with. This is not damage. It is character.
The instructions below preserve the surface decisions made in the atelier. They are not maintenance — they are respect for the material.
The Practice
A few quiet
habits.
Wipe after wear
A few seconds with a soft, dry cotton or microfibre cloth at the end of the day removes the day's residue and preserves the finish.
Polish, rarely
Use a silver polishing cloth two or three times a year — only on bright planes, never on recesses. The patination in shadows is part of the design.
Bathe in mild soap
When deeper cleaning is needed: warm water with a drop of unscented soap, then dry fully with a soft cloth. No paste cleaners. No ammonia. No ultrasonic baths.
What to Avoid
A short list of
enemies.
Chlorine & saltwater
Remove your piece before swimming. Both chlorinated and salt water dull the patina and corrode the surface over time.
Perfume & lotion (wet)
Apply scent and skin products before putting your piece on. Wet contact can cloud the finish.
Abrasive polish
Paste cleaners and toothpaste are too aggressive for a hand-finished surface. They scratch the high points and strip the intentional patina.
Ultrasonic baths
Industrial ultrasonic cleaners can loosen stones in settings and damage delicate joinery. Avoid them entirely.
Storage
A place of
rest.
Keep your piece in its original pouch when not worn. Dry air slows tarnish; humid air accelerates it. A drawer with a silica sachet is enough.
For travel, the pouch alone is sufficient. Sterling silver dislikes plastic in contact for long periods — soft cloth is always better.
A piece looked after
becomes a record
of its keeper.