What is Sterling Silver & What Does “925” Mean?

What is Sterling Silver & What Does “925” Mean?

 


What is Sterling Silver?

Sterling silver is versatile and timeless, it essentially means a silver alloy that contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, like copper or zinc. At ruuh, we use 100% nickel-free silver, as Nickel causes skin allergy and turns the skin greenish. The origin/ discovery of sterling silver dates back to 12th century England when the first silver coins were minted. However, the term "sterling" was not used until the 13th century when a standard for silver purity was established.


Sterling silver and 925 silver are the same, where the term "925" refers to the percentage of pure silver present in the alloy. Therefore, "sterling silver" and "925 silver" are often used interchangeably to refer to the same material.


Use of Sterling Silver in Jewellery

Sterling silver is more durable and stronger than pure silver and less likely to scratch or dent. It is not only Light in weight, making it an everyday wear material but durable enough to resist wear and tear, our sterling silver jewellery is a practical choice that will last for years to come. It has been used for centuries to create jewellery, flatware, silverware, electronics, and other decorative objects. Today, one of the most popular uses for sterling silver is jewellery. 


Since Sterling silver is an affordable and workable metal, it gives us greater freedom in terms of experimentation, design, and innovation.


Since silver can tarnish over time (if not taken care of), we make sure to plate it with anti-tarnishing agents, and a very thick layer of 18kt gold, giving it an extra edge against wear by making it tarnish-resistant. 



What Does “925” Mean on Silver Jewellery?


The hallmark 925 on silver jewellery indicates that the piece is made of sterling silver, an alloy composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, such as copper, zinc etc. The 925 hallmark is used to indicate the purity of the silver and is also known as the sterling silver standard.


92.5 sterling silver is a precious metal that holds its value over time. When you buy silver jewellery online, such as a 925 silver bracelet, you can locate the hallmark 925 on the underside of the jewellery piece or a small tag attached to it. The hallmark guarantees the quality and purity of the silver, and it is an assurance to the buyer that the jewellery is made of sterling silver. 


How to Identify 92.5 Sterling Silver?


92.5 sterling silver can be identified by looking for certain hallmarks or performing a few simple tests: 


  • Identify the Hallmarks: When you buy designer jewellery in sterling silver, the most reliable way to identify 92.5 sterling silver is by looking for hallmarks that indicate the silver content. The most common hallmark is "925," which is usually found on the underside of the piece or a tag. In some cases, hallmarks that may be present include "sterling," "ster," "925/1000," and "925 fineness."

  • Perform Magnet Test: Sterling silver is not magnetic, so one way to test its authenticity is to place a magnet near the piece. If the piece is attracted to the magnet, it is not sterling silver.

  • Seek Professional Appraisal: If you are still trying to figure out the authenticity of a piece of silver, you can take it to a professional appraiser or jeweller. They can identify the silver content and provide a valuation for the piece by using the specialized metal testing equipment to determine the silver content.

Durability of 92.5 Sterling Silver

92.5 sterling silver is a durable, high quality and pure metal alloy. The combination of metals makes sterling silver stronger and more durable than pure silver. 


The addition of copper or other metals to the silver not only adds to its strength and durability but also helps to prevent tarnishing and other forms of corrosion. This means that 925 silver jewellery and other objects made from this alloy will retain their beauty and lustre for many years with proper care and maintenance.


However, it is important to make sure that when you purchase a 925 silver jewellery such as a pure silver pendant online or offline, you should store it in a cool, dry place and clean it regularly with a soft or silver polishing cloth. It is also important to avoid exposing sterling silver to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures, as this can cause it to tarnish or become damaged.


92.5 Sterling Silver Jewelry vs. Silver-Plated Jewelry


When comparing 92.5 sterling silver jewellery with silver-plated jewellery, there are some important differences:


Key Points

Silver Plated Jewelry

925 Sterling Silver Jewellery

Base Metal

Contains low quality metals like steel, brass etc

Contains 92.5% silver

Colour

Carries a lighter tone 

Is slightly darker colour

Durability

Is not durable

Is much durable 

Weight

Is bit higher due to its base metal

Lighter in weight


At Ruuh, we are dedicated to bringing beautiful and timeless pieces of sterling silver jewellery at an affordable price. Shine bright with our range of 925 silver jewellery that can be treasured for years to come. With our wide range of silver jewellery collections, you can gift something precious and timeless to your loved ones. 



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