LemonTrades
TL;DR
- 925 silver is sterling silver: 92.5% pure silver, with 7.5% of another metal, usually copper, to make it hard enough to wear.
- Look for stamps such as 925, .925, Sterling or Ster. “Silver plate” or “EPNS” is not sterling.
- A gram of 925 silver is worth 92.5% of the price of a gram of pure silver, live below.
- LemonTrades follows the silver price for you, with alerts on sharp moves and the likely cause.
Pure silver bends and scratches easily. Sterling is the standard mix for jewelry and tableware.
925 vs other silver
| Stamp | Name | Silver | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 999 | Fine silver | 99.9% | Bullion bars and coins |
| 958 | Britannia silver | 95.8% | Some UK pieces |
| 925 | Sterling | 92.5% | Jewelry, flatware |
| 900 | Coin silver | 90% | Old US coins |
| 800 | 800 silver | 80% | Older European pieces |
| EP, EPNS, silver plate | Plated | A thin coating | Cheaper tableware |
Is my 925 real?
A stamp is a good start, but fakes are stamped too. Real silver isn’t magnetic, conducts heat fast, and won’t show another color under a scratch. See is silver magnetic.
Living with 925 silver
- It tarnishes over time; see does silver rust.
- It can occasionally mark your skin; see does sterling silver turn green.
- It’s usually nickel-free, so most people with metal allergies can wear it.
Selling? Weigh it and see how much a gram of silver is worth.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Sterling silver
- Wikipedia: Fineness
- FTC: Guides for the jewelry and precious metals industries (16 CFR 23)
Education, not financial advice. See our disclaimer.
