Why the Stamp on Your Silver Jewellery Matters
When you pick up a piece of silver jewellery, the tiny stamp pressed into the metal is one of the most important details you can check. It tells you, in shorthand, how much pure silver the piece actually contains — and whether you are buying something made to last or a look-alike that will fade within a season.
This guide walks you through what 925 sterling silver really means, how it differs from silver-plated jewellery, and what questions to ask before you invest in a piece you plan to wear for years.
What Does "925" Mean?
The number 925 is a purity mark, also called a hallmark. It tells you that the metal is made up of 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% composed of other metals — most commonly copper — added to improve strength and durability. Pure silver (999 fine silver) is soft enough to scratch or bend easily in everyday wear, which is why jewellers alloy it.
You may see this stamp written as:
- 925 — the most common international mark
- S925 — a common variant
- .925 — found on some European and American pieces
- Sterling or STER — older or Western-market pieces
All of these mean the same thing: the piece is sterling silver.
925 vs. 999 Silver: What Is the Difference?
999 fine silver is 99.9% pure silver — the closest you can get to the raw metal. It has a brighter, slightly whiter tone than 925 and is used primarily for bullion coins, bars, and some high-end decorative pieces. Because it is very soft, it is rarely used for everyday jewellery that needs to hold its shape under regular wear.
925 sterling silver is the industry standard for jewellery precisely because the alloy is durable enough to be crafted into rings, bracelets, and necklaces that hold their form through daily use. The difference in actual silver content between 999 and 925 is small, but the practical difference in wearability is significant.
Sterling Silver vs. Silver-Plated: The Core Difference
This is where many buyers are caught off guard. "Silver" and "925 sterling silver" are not the same thing on a product label.
Sterling Silver (925)
- The entire piece — core and surface — is the 92.5% silver alloy
- Retains its appearance even if the surface is lightly polished or scratched
- Tarnishes over time but can be restored with gentle cleaning
- Will carry a hallmark stamp on the metal itself
Silver-Plated
- A base metal (brass, copper, or zinc alloy) is electroplated with a thin layer of silver
- The silver layer is typically 1–5 microns thick — a fraction of a millimetre
- With wear, friction, and perspiration, the plating can wear through, exposing the base metal beneath
- Will not carry a 925 stamp — look instead for marks like EP (electroplated), EPNS (electroplated nickel silver), or no stamp at all
Silver-plated pieces can look identical to sterling silver when new. The difference shows over months of wear.
How to Check a Piece Before You Buy
1. Look for the Hallmark
Examine the inside of a ring band, the clasp of a bracelet or necklace, or the back of an earring post. A genuine 925 piece will have the purity stamp pressed into the metal. On smaller pieces, you may need a loupe (jeweller's magnifier) to see it clearly. If there is no stamp at all, treat this as a reason to ask questions.
2. Ask for a Material Description in Writing
Reputable sellers — whether online or in person — should be able to provide a clear product description stating the metal composition. At Kaashi, each silver product listing specifies the metal standard, so you always know what you are ordering before it reaches you.
3. Check the Price Context
Genuine 925 sterling silver has a cost floor set by metal prices. A piece priced far below what comparable sterling silver jewellery costs in the market is worth a second look — it may be plated.
4. Observe Wear Over Time
Sterling silver tarnishes to a warm grey-brown with age, but the metal underneath remains silver. Plated jewellery typically shows a yellowish or reddish base metal where the plating has worn away — most often on the highest points of contact like ring shoulders or bracelet edges.
What Documentation Can a Seller Provide?
For individual jewellery pieces, formal third-party purity certificates are not standard practice at most price points. What a responsible seller can do is:
- State the metal composition clearly in the product listing
- Confirm the supplier specification and sourcing standard on request
- Provide a purchase invoice that describes the item as 925 sterling silver
At Kaashi, we maintain supplier specifications for our silver pieces and can confirm material standards for your purchase on request. We describe our silver jewellery accurately in every listing so you have a written record of what you bought.
Caring for Your 925 Sterling Silver
Sterling silver tarnishes naturally when exposed to air, moisture, and sulphur compounds in the environment — this is a sign of genuine silver, not a defect. A few simple habits keep it looking its best:
- Store in an airtight pouch or box when not wearing
- Remove before swimming, bathing, or using perfume
- Wipe with a soft, dry cloth after wearing
- Polish with a silver polishing cloth to restore shine — avoid abrasive cleaners
Shop Kaashi 925 Sterling Silver Pieces
If you are looking for sterling silver jewellery with clear material descriptions, these pieces from our current collection are a good place to start:
- Silver Celestial Bloom Bracelet — an everyday sterling bracelet with a floral motif
- Silver Luna Charm Bracelet — layerable charm bracelet for daily wear
- Silver Sacred Glow Bracelet — a textured statement piece in sterling silver
- Silver Abalone Shell Inlay Ring — sterling silver ring with natural shell inlay
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 925 silver real silver?
Yes. 925 sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver. It is the internationally recognised standard for silver jewellery and is considered genuine silver.
Will 925 silver turn my skin green?
High-quality 925 sterling silver rarely causes skin discolouration under normal wear. In some cases, the copper in the alloy can react with perspiration and cause a temporary green or dark mark on the skin — this is a chemical reaction, not a sign of poor quality, and it washes off easily. It varies by individual skin chemistry.
How can I tell sterling silver from silver-plated at home?
Look for the 925 stamp on the metal itself. A plated piece will typically have no purity stamp, or marks like EP or EPNS. Over time, wear patterns at high-friction points are the clearest indicator — sterling silver stays silver throughout; plating reveals a different coloured base metal underneath.
Does 925 silver tarnish?
Yes, and this is normal. Sterling silver tarnishes when exposed to air and moisture. The tarnish is surface-level and can be removed with gentle polishing. It does not affect the metal beneath and is one of the ways genuine silver distinguishes itself from plated alternatives, which do not tarnish in the same way.
What is the difference between 925 and 999 silver for jewellery?
999 silver is purer but too soft for most everyday jewellery. 925 sterling silver adds 7.5% copper for durability, making it the practical standard for rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings designed for regular wear.
Can I ask Kaashi to confirm the silver standard of a piece before I buy?
Yes. Reach out to us before placing your order and we will confirm the material specification for any silver piece in our collection.
