What Does 925 Mean on Jewelry?

Since Sterling silver contains 92.5% mass of silver, and 7.5% of one or more other

metals, it is considered a precious metal.  Copper is the most common metal added to silver to create the sterling alloy.  The standard minimum millennial (parts per thousandth) fineness of Sterling silver is 925 or 925 parts of every thousand is pure silver. Alloys such as copper are added because pure silver is too soft for most uses. 

That being said, the first legal definition of sterling silver jewelry dates back to 1275 during the reign of Edward I of England.  The statute stated that a 12-ounce coin would contain 11 ounces and 2.25 pennyweights (a little more than a tenth of an ounce) and 17.75 pennyweights of some alloy.

Markings such as "925", ".925" or "S925" are official stamps used to determine that metal is Sterling silver and without these stamps (except handmade items) can sometimes indicate that the jewelry purity is not solid Sterling silver. You may need a professional loupe to see the stamp since it can be minuscule. 

Since testing metals for purity can permanently alter the chemical composition of Sterling silver it is not wise to apply them. The best way to purchase jewelry items that are Sterling silver is to purchase from a reputable source. 

eBay and Amazon marketplaces run tight ships with respect to the accuracy of listing anything made of Sterling silver and have numerous sellers with decades of experience. Prices are lower because of the competitiveness than say Zales or Ross Jewelry Stores. Purchasing Sterling silver items will require a zip lock bag or constant polishing because authentic Sterling silver WILL tarnish! Sorry to say that the green on a finger means you have the real deal. You should always do your homework about caring for this type of jewelry and never expose it to harsh detergents, chlorine, and heavy perspiration. 

If you have further questions about Sterling silver jewelry, contact Crystal Kehoss at info@americanclassics.shop or info@buyzjewelry.com. She has been a power seller of jewelry since 2006 but admits to wanting to retire somewhere without feedback to read.