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What does 925 mean on silver jewelry? Complete hallmark guide
You're looking at a beautiful silver ring and you notice a tiny stamp — "925" — on the inside of the band. What does it mean? Is it real silver? Is it valuable? This guide answers every question about the 925 hallmark so you can buy silver jewelry with confidence.
The simple answer: 925 = 92.5% pure silver
The number 925 is a purity stamp. It tells you that the jewelry is made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals — usually copper. This specific composition is called sterling silver, and it's the international standard for quality silver jewelry. The remaining 7.5% isn't a shortcut or a compromise — it's necessary. Pure silver (99.9%) is too soft to hold its shape as jewelry. Adding copper gives it strength and durability while keeping it genuinely precious.
What is the BIS hallmark on silver in India?
In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certifies silver jewelry purity. A BIS hallmarked 925 piece has been independently tested and verified to contain at least 92.5% silver. When buying silver jewelry in India, always look for the BIS hallmark alongside the 925 stamp — this combination gives you the strongest guarantee of authenticity.
Always look for both: the "925" purity stamp AND the BIS hallmark logo. One alone is easier to fake than both together.
925 vs other silver markings — what they mean
925
Sterling silver — 92.5% pure
The global standard for jewelry-grade silver. Strong, durable, and genuinely valuable. The most common and most trusted marking you'll find.
999
Fine silver — 99.9% pure
Almost pure silver. Too soft for most jewelry. Used in coins, bars, and some flat pieces. Rarely seen in rings or chains because it bends and scratches easily.
800
Low-grade silver — 80% pure
Used in some antique European pieces and decorative objects. Not the standard for fine jewelry. More likely to tarnish faster and cause skin reactions.
SP
Silver-plated — not real silver
A thin layer of silver over a base metal. Not sterling silver. Will peel or fade over time. Often sold cheaply as "silver-look" jewelry at fashion stores.
How to verify if silver is real at home
- Look for the 925 stamp with a magnifying glass — usually on the clasp, inside a ring band, or on the back of an earring
- Real silver is not magnetic — hold a magnet near it; if it's attracted, it's not silver
- Rub the piece on white paper or white cloth — real silver leaves a black mark (tarnish) not a silver-colored smear
- Real silver feels cool to the touch initially, then warms quickly to body temperature
Does 925 silver turn skin green?
Genuine BIS hallmarked 925 sterling silver should not turn your skin green. Skin greening happens when jewelry contains high amounts of copper or zinc — typically seen in cheap fashion jewelry or heavily plated pieces. If your 925 silver piece is causing a reaction, it may have additional alloys, or it may not be genuine 925 silver. Buy from certified sellers to avoid this issue.
Every piece in our store is BIS hallmarked 925 sterling silver
We stamp every item with the 925 mark and provide authenticity with your purchase.
