What Does 925 Mean on Jewelry?

A 925 stamp means the piece is sterling silver. It is 92.5 percent pure silver and 7.5 percent other metal, usually copper, added because pure silver is too soft for jewelry. The number is a fineness mark that shows parts per thousand, the same system that marks 14K gold as 585. You may see it written as 925, .925, STER or STERLING, and they all describe the same metal.

Where the stamp sits matters as much as the number. Federal Trade Commission guidance has long tied the word sterling to 925 parts per thousand of silver, and when the FTC revised its Jewelry Guides in 2018 it added that items plated with silver should be described in a way that makes the plating clear, such as sterling silver plated. So a 925 mark on a gold colored piece usually means sterling silver with gold plating over it, often called vermeil. It does not mean the piece is gold.

Is 925 Silver Real Silver?

Yes. Sterling silver is the standard for silver jewelry and flatware. Fine silver, marked 999, is purer but soft. Coin silver, the old standard used for American silver coins, is 900 parts per thousand. Sterling sits between them and is the mark you will find on most quality silver jewelry.

What Do Other Marks Next to 925 Mean?

Silver pieces often carry a second mark. Here are common ones:

• 925 with a maker's mark: the manufacturer's registered trademark.

• 925 Italy, 925 Mexico, 925 China: the country of origin. It says where the piece was made, not that it is fake.

• 925 on yellow or rose colored metal: sterling silver under gold plating.

• EPNS, EP, A1 or silver plate: not sterling. These mark a thin silver layer over a base metal.

Is 925 Silver Worth Anything?

Yes, but it is priced far below gold. Sterling is valued by weight and silver content. Here is the math on 100 grams of sterling. The silver price is only an example, so check the live price before you sell.

1. Multiply 100 grams by 0.925 to get 92.5 grams of pure silver.

2. Divide by 31.1 to convert to troy ounces. That is about 2.97 troy ounces.

3. If silver were $30 per troy ounce, the melt value would be about $89.

A light pair of sterling earrings may hold only a few grams, so the melt value of small pieces is modest. Heavy items such as flatware, tea sets, thick chains and cuff bracelets are where sterling adds up. Signed pieces from known makers can also sell for more than their silver weight.

Why Does My 925 Jewelry Tarnish?

Tarnish is a dark surface film that forms when the copper and silver in sterling react with sulfur compounds in the air. It is normal, and it is a sign the piece is silver alloy, not a sign that it is fake. Tarnish sits on the surface and does not reduce the silver content. Our post on why silver tarnishes and what it means for value goes deeper.

How Can You Tell If a 925 Stamp Is Genuine?

A stamp can be faked, so buyers test. A few checks you can do at home first:

• Magnet: Silver is not magnetic. If a magnet grabs the piece, it is not sterling. Clasps can contain steel springs, so test the body of the piece.

• Wear points: Look at edges and high spots. If a different colored metal shows through, the piece is plated.

• Weight: Sterling feels heavier than aluminum or plated costume jewelry of the same size.

A dealer can confirm with an acid or electronic test in a few minutes.

Can You Sell or Pawn 925 Silver in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania's precious metals law covers silver along with gold and platinum, and its definition reaches jewelry and silver services such as flatware and tea sets. That means a licensed dealer records your ID, reports the purchase and holds the items unaltered for five full working days. For a list of what sells, see what silver items pawn shops accept.

FAQ

Is 925 silver the same as sterling silver?

Yes. 925 is the fineness number for sterling silver.

Does 925 mean white gold?

No. White gold carries a karat stamp such as 14K or 585.

Is 925 silver with gold plating worth more?

Only slightly, if at all. The gold layer is thin, so the value is in the silver.

Will a pawn shop buy tarnished silver?

Yes. Tarnish does not change the silver weight.

Bring Your Silver to The Pawn & Jewelry Exchange

The Pawn & Jewelry Exchange has served Greensburg since 2005 and buys gold, silver and diamonds. Bring your sterling and a valid ID to 206 E. Pittsburgh St. for a free verbal appraisal. No appointment is needed. Details are on our Sell Your Items page.

Visit The Pawn & Jewelry Exchange or call (724) 836-7296 today. Contact us for more information.