If you've ever looked closely at a silver jewel, you've probably found a small inscription with the number 925. But what does it mean exactly?
925 silver, also known as sterling silver, is an alloy made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals. This composition allows it to retain the qualities and characteristic appearance of silver, while also creating a more suitable material for making jewelry than pure silver.
At Rocío Studio, we work with 925 silver in many of our pieces. We'll tell you what it means, why it's so widely used in jewelry, and some things to know before buying a silver jewel.
What does the number 925 mean on a piece of jewelry?
The number directly refers to the proportion of silver present in the alloy.
Out of every 1,000 parts of material, 925 are pure silver. That is, 92.5%. The remaining 7.5% corresponds to other metals that are incorporated to improve the properties of the alloy.
That's why you might also find designations like 925 silver, 925 sterling silver, or simply sterling silver.
Why isn't 100% pure silver used?
Pure silver is a relatively soft and malleable metal. These characteristics are interesting for working with it, but they can become a disadvantage when we want to create objects designed for regular use.
A piece of jewelry is constantly exposed to small knocks, rubs, and deformations.
By combining silver with a small proportion of other metals, an alloy with greater mechanical resistance is obtained, much more suitable for making rings, earrings, pendants, and other pieces that accompany us in our daily lives.
Hence, 925 silver has become one of the most widely used materials in jewelry.
Are 925 silver and sterling silver the same?
Yes. When we talk about 925 silver or sterling silver, we are referring to an alloy that contains 92.5% silver.
It is important not to confuse it, however, with a silver-plated piece.
A 925 silver jewel is made with this alloy throughout its body. In a silver-plated piece, on the other hand, silver is only found in a layer applied over another material.
They are two different things both in their composition and in how they evolve with use and the passage of time.
Does 925 silver tarnish?
Yes, and the fact that it does does not mean that the silver is of poor quality.
Over time, silver can react with substances present in the environment and in contact with our own skin, causing its surface to lose its shine or acquire a darker tone.
It is a natural process of the material.
Humidity, some cosmetic products, sweat, or certain environments can cause this change to appear more quickly in some people or circumstances than in others.
The good news is that, in most cases, this change affects the surface and can be cleaned to restore the piece's appearance.
How to care for 925 silver jewelry?
Silver is meant to be worn, and it's normal for a piece of jewelry to change slightly over time.
Even so, some small habits can help keep it in good condition for longer.
We recommend storing pieces separately to avoid scratches and, whenever possible, in a dry place. It is also advisable to avoid direct and continuous contact with chemical products, perfumes, or cosmetics.
When silver begins to darken, proper cleaning can restore much of its original shine.
In our guide on how to care for your jewelry, we explain in more detail how to preserve the different materials we work with
Can 925 silver last for many years?
Yes.
Precisely one of the reasons why 925 silver is used in jewelry is the balance it offers between the high proportion of silver and adequate resistance for daily use.
This does not mean that it is an unalterable material.
A piece of jewelry worn for years will accumulate small marks, rubs, and changes on its surface. For us, these transformations are part of the piece's life.
Furthermore, as it is silver throughout the body of the jewel and not simply a surface coating, it can be cleaned, buffed, or polished when necessary.
925 silver in our jewelry
At Rocío Studio, we use 925 silver to create our collection pieces.
Each one goes through different processes in our workshop in Valencia until it achieves the finish we seek. Saws, files, micromotor, burrs, rubber discs, barrel polisher, or polishing machine are some of the tools involved during this journey.
Working with silver allows us to create pieces designed to be used and evolve with the wearer.
Because a jewel doesn't have to stay exactly the same as the first day to remain beautiful.
Frequently asked questions about 925 silver
What does 925 mean in silver?
It means that the alloy contains 92.5% pure silver. The remaining 7.5% is composed of other metals that provide suitable properties for use in jewelry.
Is 925 silver real silver?
Yes. 925 silver or sterling silver is a silver alloy widely used in jewelry and contains 92.5% pure silver.
Which is better, 925 silver or pure silver?
It depends on the use. Pure silver contains a higher proportion of silver, but it is also softer. For making jewelry intended for regular use, 925 silver offers a better balance between silver content and durability.
Does 925 silver turn black?
It can darken over time due to a natural process that occurs on its surface. This does not mean that it is no longer silver or that it is of poor quality, and generally, it can be cleaned to restore its appearance.
What is the difference between 925 silver and silver-plated jewelry?
A 925 silver jewel is made with an alloy containing 92.5% silver. A silver-plated piece is made with another material and has a layer of silver applied to its surface.
Here you can discover all our pieces made in sterling silver :)