What Does 925 Silver Mean? Sterling Silver Explained

925 silver is the global standard for fine silver jewellery. Understanding what this number means helps you make confident purchases.

The 925 Standard

The "925" refers to purity: 925 parts per 1000 are pure silver, meaning 92.5% pure. The remaining 7.5% is typically copper or other metals that add hardness.

Why not 100% pure silver? Pure silver is too soft for wearable jewellery — it bends and scratches easily. The alloy makes 925 silver strong enough for rings, bracelets, and necklaces while maintaining its beauty and value.

Hallmarking & Certification

Real 925 silver carries hallmarks:

• **925 or 925s** stamp on the piece

• **BIS Mark** (in India) for certified purity

• **Maker's mark** — the jeweller's identification

Any genuine silver jewellery in India should have the BIS hallmark proving purity and authenticity.

Tarnishing & Care

Silver naturally tarnishes — a dark layer forms when exposed to air and sulfur compounds. This is normal and doesn't mean your jewellery is fake. Regular polishing keeps it bright.

Store silver jewellery in airtight bags and avoid harsh chemicals to slow tarnishing.

Resale Value

925 silver retains value. The purer the silver, the higher the resale price. A hallmarked piece from a verified jeweller is always easier to resell.

Shop certified 925 silver jewellery on [JewelMark's silver collection](/silver-jewellery).