925 Sterling Silver

What Is 925 Sterling Silver? Complete Guide for Jewelry Buyers

Sterling silver is a metal that is used to make jewelry. I see that Sterling Silver is famous, for its shine and long lasting strength.

When you shop for silver jewelry you might see the number 925 stamped on a ring, necklace, bracelet, pendant or a pair of earrings.

So what is the actual meaning of the term 925 sterling silver?

925 sterling silver is comprised of 92.5 percent of pure silver and 7.5 percent of another metal, copper.

The additional metal helps the to make the silver stronger or suitable for creating durable jewelry, while maintaining its shine and characteristics of genuine silver.

When you are buying your first silver ring, searching for a gemstone pendant you need to understand how 925 sterling silver helps to purchase suitable jewelry.

In this guide, we will explain what 925 means, how sterling silver differs from pure silver, how to care for it, and what to consider when choosing quality silver jewelry.

What Does 925 Mean in Sterling Silver?

The number "925" refer to the percentage of pure silver in the metal

In 925 Sterling Silver:

. 92.5% pure silver

. 7.5% other metal

. Copper is commonly used to improve strength and durability.

Pure silver is naturally soft, Adding a small amount of other metal make sterling silver more durable and maintaining its attractiveness with silver

This is why 925 sterling silver is mostly used for rings, earrings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets, chains and other jewelry designs.

Is 925 Sterling Silver Real Silver?

Yes. 925 Sterling silver is silver.

The term "925" means the metal is made of 92.5% silver. The remaining 7.5% is added to improve the material’s strength and workability.

When shopping for silver jewelry you may see markings such as:

- 925

-.925

- 925 Sterling

- Sterling Silver

These markings are commonly used to identify sterling silver.

However a stamp, by itself should not be treated as the proof of honesty. When purchasing jewelry it is also important to buy from a reputable seller and pay attention to product descriptions, craftsmanship and available material information.