Guides
925 Sterling Silver: Meaning, Marks and How to Identify It
Sterling silver 925 contains 92.5% silver. The remaining percentage is made up of other metals that help make jewelry more practical.
Why Silver Is Alloyed
Pure silver can be too soft for many everyday pieces. An alloy makes it possible to create more practical jewelry.
The exact composition and surface treatments can vary by maker and piece.
Care
Silver can darken over time through contact with air, moisture, cosmetics or certain substances. This does not necessarily mean it is fake.
Keeping pieces dry, separate and cleaning them with suitable products helps preserve their appearance.
Before Buying
Check whether the piece is solid silver, silver plated or another finish. Maintenance and durability are not the same.
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Ask the AI jewelerFrequently Asked Questions
What does 925 mean on jewelry?
It means the alloy contains 925 parts silver per 1,000 parts material, or 92.5% silver.
Is 925 silver real silver?
If the piece meets that fineness, it is real silver in a 925 alloy, though the mark should be verifiable.
Does 925 silver tarnish?
It can darken over time due to tarnish. That does not automatically mean the jewelry is fake.
What is the difference between 925 silver and silver plating?
925 silver uses a silver alloy as the material of the piece; silver plating is only a surface layer over another material.