What does 925 mean on jewelry?

925 is a purity designation for sterling silver. Jewelry marked 925 means it is made from 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% alloy metal, usually copper. This alloy mix makes the silver more durable for use in jewelry while still retaining its beautiful silver colour and lustre.

A brief history of 925 sterling silver

The term "sterling silver" dates back to the 12th century in England. "Sterling" referred to the silver penny coin used at the time, which contained a high purity of silver. Over the centuries, sterling silver established itself as a standard for high-quality silver items.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, sterling silver composition was standardized to contain at least 92.5% pure silver. This minimum amount of 92.5% pure silver defined what could legally be sold as sterling silver. The number 925 was designated to represent sterling silver's .925 purity composition of 92.5% pure silver.

What the 925 mark means on jewelry

The 925 mark stamped on jewelry signifies that:

• The jewelry item contains at least 92.5% pure silver
• The remaining 7.5% is comprised of other metals, usually copper
• It meets the legal standard for sterling silver in most countries around the world

This 925 stamp serves as an assurance and verification from the jewelry maker that you are purchasing a genuine sterling silver product. It signifies adherence to the purity and quality standards established for sterling silver jewelry.

The 925 mark is often accompanied by a "Sterling" stamp or the word "Sterling" spelt out. This provides further confirmation that the jewelry is made from 92.5% pure silver.

Why copper is added to create 925 sterling silver

Pure silver in its raw form is very soft. While beautiful, jewelry made from 100% pure silver would bend and deform too easily. The addition of the alloy metal copper hardens the silver and makes it more durable. This prevents damage and maintains the structural integrity of the jewelry through regular wear and tear.

The small amount of copper mixed in does not change the look and feel of the finished sterling silver product. Even at 92.5% purity, the high silver content allows the metal to retain its coveted lustrous sheen and brightness.

Other silver purity marks

While 925 is the standard for sterling silver, other silver purities are sometimes marked on jewellery:

• 950 or 95 - This indicates silver that is 95% pure, with the remaining 5% being alloy metals. This has a slightly brighter appearance than 925 sterling silver. However, the lower alloy content makes it softer.
• 999 - Silver marked 999 has a purity of 99.9%, meaning it is almost pure silver with only trace amounts of impurities. This "fine silver" is very rare in jewellery because it is extremely soft metal.
• 800 or 80 - Jewelry marked 800 or 80 is made from lower-grade silver that is only 80% pure. The remaining 20% contains more alloy metals that make it a more durable, affordable silver option. But it does not have the same shine and value as fine 925 sterling silver jewelry.
• Coin silver - Jewelry marked "coin silver" has a minimum purity of 90%, but can sometimes reach 92.5% purity matching sterling silver. It was historically used to make silver coins and some jewelry.

Why is 925 preferred for jewellery?

There are a few reasons why 925 sterling silver is the most popular choice for silver jewelry compared to other purities:

• Durability - The 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper composition makes the metal hard enough to withstand frequent wear without bending or cracking. Pure silver would be too soft.
• Appearance - Even with the small amount of copper, 925 silver retains its signature bright white colour and reflective shine. It does not look dull or grey.
• Comfort - Sterling silver is hypoallergenic so it won't irritate skin like cheaper alloys. It feels smooth and comfortable when worn.
• Value - The high purity commands a higher resale value than lower-grade silvers. Sterling silver maintains most of its intrinsic value over time.
• Prestige - Being the highest grade of silver with a long history adds an elevated sense of luxury and style to 925 jewelry.

For these reasons, sterling silver reigns as the premier metal for making high-end silver jewelry.

How to care for 925 sterling silver jewelry

Sterling silver is relatively easy to care for, but still requires some maintenance to keep it looking its best. Here are some tips for keeping 925 silver jewelry tarnish-free and shiny:

• Store it properly in a fabric-lined jewelry box or pouch to limit exposure to air and pollution. Wrapping in anti-tarnish cloth also helps prevent tarnishing.
• Avoid wearing sterling silver when going in water like pools, hot tubs and oceans. Chemicals and salt water can cause corrosion and damage.
• Use a sterling silver jewelry cleaning cloth to give a quick buffing in between wears. This removes dirt and built-up tarnish.
• Have sterling silver professionally polished every 6 months. This maintains its lustre.
• Use a sterling silver jewelry cleaner or mild soap and water to clean. Avoid abrasives or chemicals that could scratch or strip silver.

Following these care practices will help 925 sterling silver jewelry retain its precious shine and last for many years of wear.

What makes 925 silver jewelry tarnish?

Sterling silver tarnishes over time when exposed to elements in the environment like oxygen, water, sweat, air pollution, humidity, and sulfur compounds:

• Oxidation - The silver reacts with oxygen and moisture in the air, causing it to oxidize and create a dark tarnish film on the surface.
• Salt and chlorine - These chemicals in ocean water or swimming pools can build up on the silver and damage the surface.
• Sulfur - This and other similar compounds in the air react with silver to form a silver sulfide tarnish layer. Even small amounts of sulfur from rubber, food, eggs or pollution create tarnishes.
• Cleaning agents - Soaps, lotions, hairspray, chlorine bleach and other harsh chemicals can strip silver of its oxides leaving behind a dull film.
• Hard water - Mineral deposits in tap water such as limescale can discolour sterling silver.

By limiting sterling silver's exposure to these tarnish-causing elements, and following proper jewelry care, tarnishing can be minimized and slowed. But some tarnishing over the lifetime of sterling silver jewelry is inevitable. Professional polishing helps restore the 925 silver to its original radiant finish.

Does 925 jewelry turn skin green?

No, genuine 925 sterling silver does not cause skin discoloration or leave a greenish tint on the skin. The green reaction is caused by low-grade silver metals and alloys, not pure sterling silver.

Skin can turn green when exposed to cheaper silver or silver-plated jewelry containing metals like nickel, copper and brass. These irritating alloys corrode and oxidize more readily, especially when reacting with sweat. The oxidation releases ions that discolour the skin.

Pure 925 sterling silver is hypoallergenic and does not release these irritating ions that stain skin. The small amount of copper mixed in is insufficient to cause a reaction. The high silver content prevents greening or skin irritation.

How to spot fake 925 silver

With sterling silver's value, jewelers sometimes fraudulently stamp jewelry that is not real 925 silver. Here are tips for spotting fake 925 silver:

• Magnet test - Use a magnet to test attraction. Real 925 silver should not stick to a magnet at all because it is a non-ferrous metal. Magnetic iron alloys will stick to a magnet.
• Acid test - A few drops of nitric acid will turn 925 silver a milky colour. Fakes won't have this reaction. Caution: Only perform with proper safety gear!
• Scratch test - Drag jewelry across a porcelain stone to leave a scratch mark. Sterling silver marks are brownish-red. Fakes will leave grey or black marks.
• Weight - Sterling silver has heft. Fakes stamped 925 feel lightweight and insubstantial.
• Examine stamp - Real 925 stamps never fade. Fake stamps wear away. Real stamps are indented, not flat-printed.
• Price check - Sterling silver, even as jewelry, has inherent melt value. If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is not real 925 silver.

When in doubt, have an appraiser or jeweller perform verification tests to confirm authenticity. This protects against expensive 925 silver jewelry purchases that end up being counterfeit.

Is sterling silver worth buying for jewelry?

Sterling silver is worth investing in, especially for jewelry that will be worn frequently or for many years to come. Here's why 925 silver is a smart jewelry buy:

• Timeless beauty - The white shine of sterling silver is a classic, elegant look that will always be in style.
• Economical - Sterling silver costs a fraction of what gold and platinum jewelry costs. It offers luxury without the high price tag.
• Durability - Sturdier than pure silver, 925 sterling silver stands up well to daily wear and lasts a lifetime if properly cared for.
• Value - Sterling silver maintains its intrinsic resale value because of its silver purity content. Pieces become heirlooms.
• Variety - It can be styled into any jewelry type from fine bracelets to trendy rings. New finishes like rainbow, rose and more make choices vast.
• Hypoallergenic - The high purity means sterling silver is comfortable for those with sensitivities to alloys like nickel and copper.

For stunning silver pieces steeped in tradition and craftsmanship, sterling silver shines as a top jewelry metal choice. When buying, just be sure any 925 silver jewelry purchases come from reputable dealers to guarantee authenticity. With proper care, sterling silver jewelry will stay bright, valuable and cherished for generations.