925 Silver vs Sterling Silver | 6 Reasons 925 is Best

925 Silver vs Sterling Silver | 6 Reasons 925 is Best
By: Leslie H.

Sterling silver is one of the most popular styles of jewelry in the world today. If you own any silver jewelry yourself, then you may have already figured out there are many types of silver.

Silver-colored jewelry can be sterling silver, silver-plated, pure silver, or several other variations. 

In fact, you might have already noticed the number “925” stamped on your silver. This stamp signifies that the piece is made from sterling silver, one of the most popular metals for jewelry making. 

1. What Is 925 Silver?

Pure silver is really too soft to be used in jewelry making, so it is combined with other metals to make it harder and more durable. The “925” means the metal is 92.5% pure silver. The other 7.5% is often copper.

In the world of jewelry making, the “925” stamp is called a “hallmark.” It is a way for anyone to quickly recognize the quality of metal without doing any testing on it. 

In addition to 925 you could also see the abbreviations SS, STG, or STER; all of which is short-hand for sterling silver. 

If you wonder why it is so important to stamp sterling silver, it has to do with varying standards across the globe.

For example, in Germany, anything that contains at least 80% silver can be marketed as “pure silver.” Meanwhile, in Egypt, metal that is only 60% silver can be marketed as “silver.”

Jewelry makers were looking for a way to measure the purity of metals with a universal standard, making it easier to identify quality. Stamping jewelry dates far back in history and is considered one of the first recognized attempts to protect consumers from fraud. 

Without a stamp, the only way to be certain of the quality of the silver is to have a jeweler perform a test that requires acid to be applied to a small piece of material taken from the jewelry. The acid will turn the metal green if it is not pure enough. 

While each country does its stamping differently, America did not adapt to stamping until 1860. The British have a long and complex history with metal stamping, although it has become a bit more simplistic over the years. 

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2. 925 Silver is the Popular Choice

There are a number of factors that make sterling silver popular with jewelry designers and consumers. Many people simply prefer the color of silver to gold and from there settle on what quality of silver they like to purchase.

Here are some additional reasons people love sterling silver.

925 silver is a great value for the money you will pay.

Sterling Silver is considered a precious metal, and yet it is often one of the more affordable metals. Depending on the amount of silver in a piece, it can vary in price.

Jewelry icon retailer Tiffany’s started stamping their sterling silver with the 925 stamps back in 1851 as a way to identify their high-quality work quickly. Today, jewelry designers can buy 925 sterling silver charms and chains in bulk for jewelry making at a very fair price. 

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3. Sterling Silver Is Great For People With Allergies Or Sensitive Skin

Since 925 sterling silver does not contain nickel, it makes it one of the least skin-reactive metals meaning that it is suitable for people with allergies. It won’t turn your skin green either.

Sterling silver is considered hypoallergenic and makes excellent earrings for people that have bad reactions to nickel or brass. 

4. Silver Jewelry Never Goes Out Of Style

Jewelry trends come and go, but certain style staples never go out of style. Sterling silver is so classic and versatile that it will always be a welcome addition to anyone’s collection.

Stones and gems set in silver also stand out more and let their true colors shine. You can’t go wrong by adding more sterling silver to your collection. 

Silver is also very versatile, appealing to all ages and genders. It can be used to make casual and fine jewelry to adjust to any budget. It is a timeless classic that goes with almost any outfit or fashion style. 

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5. Buying Silver Jewelry That Will Stand The Test Of Time 

As long as you take good care of it, 925 sterling silver can last a lifetime or more. It’s not uncommon for quality pieces of sterling silver jewelry to look exactly the same 40 or more years after it was first purchased.

That makes it great for heirlooms and generational gifts to be passed down over the years. 

Sterling silver only needs to be wiped clean occasionally with a cloth. If you don’t have a lot of time for jewelry maintenance, then sterling silver is perfect for you. It will not rust or tarnish if left untouched. 

6. 925 Silver Has Been and Still Is a Status Symbol

People have been drawn to the beauty of silver throughout history. In fact, it’s been traced all the way back to prehistoric times.

It was a status symbol both in jewelry making but also in home wares such as candlesticks and silverware. It is also often given as gifts to celebrate milestones, anniversaries, or other events. 

While stronger than pure silver, 925 sterling silver is still plenty malleable enough to create both simple and intricate designs for jewelry, accessories, home items, and more.

Compared to gold, silver is very affordable. In fact, it is far less expensive compared to gold. 

If you are looking for a precious metal that makes amazing, trendy, and durable jewelry at affordable prices, then give 925 silver a try. If you are looking for 925 silver charms and jewelry check out HarperCrown. 




Common Questions and Answers about 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry

1. Does 925 sterling silver tarnish?

   • Yes, sterling silver can tarnish over time due to reactions with sulfur compounds in the air and chemicals on the skin. This is a natural process and can be cleaned easily.
     
     

2. How do I care for my 925 sterling silver jewelry?

   • Keep it away from harsh chemicals, like chlorine and bleach. Store it in a cool, dry place, preferably in a tarnish-preventive bag. Clean it regularly with a silver polish cloth or mild soap and water to maintain its shine.
     
     

3. Can people with metal allergies wear 925 sterling silver?

   • Sterling silver is generally safe for most people with metal allergies, as it's hypoallergenic. However, those with a copper allergy should be cautious, as sterling silver contains a small amount of copper.
     
     

4. Is 925 sterling silver valuable?

   • While not as valuable as gold or platinum, sterling silver does hold some value. Its worth depends on the craftsmanship, design, and sometimes the brand of the piece.
     
     

5. Can 925 sterling silver be resized or repaired?

   • Yes, it can be resized and repaired by a professional jeweler. However, the cost and feasibility depend on the design and structure of the piece.
     
     

6. How is 925 sterling silver different from pure silver?

   • Pure silver, also known as fine silver, is 99.9% silver and is softer and less durable than sterling silver. Sterling silver's alloy composition makes it more suitable for everyday wear.
     
     

7. Can 925 sterling silver be worn every day?

   • Yes, it's durable enough for everyday wear, but it's important to care for it properly to maintain its appearance.