What Is 925 Sterling Silver? | Composition, Meaning & Care

Short answer: 925 sterling silver is an alloy made from 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, commonly copper. The number 925 refers to 925 parts silver out of every 1,000 parts of the alloy.

What does 925 sterling silver mean?

Sterling silver is real silver. Pure silver is very soft, so it is usually combined with a small amount of another metal to make it stronger and more practical for jewelry. The U.S. Geological Survey describes sterling silver as 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper or other alloying metals.

Why is pure silver not normally used for everyday jewelry?

Pure silver is softer and more easily bent or scratched. Adding a small amount of another metal improves strength while preserving the appearance and value people associate with silver.

What does a 925 stamp mean on jewelry?

A 925 mark indicates a sterling silver standard of 92.5% silver. It is a common fineness mark used to identify sterling silver jewelry and silver articles.

Is sterling silver the same as silver-plated jewelry?

No. Sterling silver is a silver alloy throughout the piece. Silver-plated jewelry has a thin silver-colored or silver layer over another base metal. The two should not be described as the same material.

How RoyaltyOak uses sterling silver

RoyaltyOak uses 925 sterling silver in our Fine Jewelry collection. Some designs also include gold-plated or white-gold-plated finishes over the sterling silver base. Other RoyaltyOak collections use plated finishes over base metals, with the exact material listed on each product page.

How do you care for 925 sterling silver?

• Store it in a dry place when not in use.
• Wipe it gently with a soft jewelry cloth after wear.
• Avoid prolonged contact with chlorine, saltwater, perfume, and harsh chemicals.
• For plain sterling silver, mild soap and lukewarm water can be used when appropriate, followed by thorough drying.

925 Sterling Silver FAQ

Is 925 sterling silver real silver?

Yes. Sterling silver contains 92.5% silver by weight.

Why is it called 925?

The number represents silver fineness: 925 parts silver per 1,000 parts of the alloy.

Can sterling silver tarnish?

Yes. Sterling silver can tarnish when it reacts with sulfur-containing compounds and moisture in the environment. Tarnish does not automatically mean the silver is fake.

Explore RoyaltyOak 925 Sterling Silver Fine Jewelry or browse our Sterling Silver Jewelry Chains.