What is 925 Silver? Everything You Need to Know

There’s something magical about silver jewellery. Its grace & charm captivate an onlooker.

It catches the light in perfect directions, dances with every movement, and somehow feels both timeless and modern at the same time.

At Padmam, we’ve seen silver weave its way into people’s lives — from heirloom bangles passed down through generations to delicate earrings chosen for that one unforgettable evening.

But here’s the thing: walk into any jewellery store and you’ll hear words like “925 silver” or “sterling silver” tossed around. Sounds fancy — but what do they really mean? Is it pure silver? How do you know it’s genuine? And why has it charmed designers and jewellery lovers for centuries?

Let’s take you behind the scenes of 925 silver — how it’s crafted, how to tell the real from the fake, and why it’s a treasure in every true jewellery box.

The Allure of 925 Silver

When one mentions silver jewellery, they are hardly speaking of jewellery that is made of pure silver. Pure Silver is gorgeous, but it is not durable enough to make jewellery, due to its soft texture. This is where the role played by 925 silver comes into the picture. 925 silver is also called sterling silver. 

925 silver marks indicate that the metal has a 92.5 per cent silver purity and 7.5 per cent of other metals, commonly copper. This precise blend preserves the elegance and shine of silver while giving it the strength to be crafted into jewellery and worn daily without bending or scratching easily.

It’s this balance of beauty and durability that makes 925 silver an enduring choice for rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, anklets, and even statement pieces like kamarband.

925 Sterling Silver Composition

The composition of sterling silver has been perfected over centuries. The 92.5% silver ensures the signature cool-toned lustre, while the remaining 7.5% alloy provides structural integrity.

Copper is the most common companion metal because it strengthens the silver without compromising its colour. Sometimes, other metals like zinc or nickel are also used, but high-quality jewellers avoid nickel due to its tendency to cause skin irritation.

Sterling Silver vs. Pure Silver

The primary distinction boils down to pure vs practical:

• Pure Silver (99.9%) – Also known as fine silver, this is a remarkably soft and malleable metal that scratches easily. Excellent when it comes to ornamental jewellery, but not as good with everyday-wear jewellery.

• Sterling Silver (92.5%) - Robust, tougher and perfect to wear your jewellery all the way.

The bottom line is that, whereas pure silver is a status symbol, sterling silver is a status symbol you can wear every day, either in petite, demi-stud earrings (studs) or Victorian-looking, big pieces of jewellery, such as a bracelet.

The Reason Behind Using 925 Silver: Jewellery Lovers?

925 silver is more than just aesthetic; it is valuable, comfortable, and timeless. 

• Affordability with Luxury Appeal – You get the look and feel of a precious metal without the hefty price tag of gold or platinum.
  

• Skin-Friendly – Hypoallergenic when crafted without nickel, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
  

• Timeless Style – Complements both traditional and modern designs, from temple-finished kamarband to chic silver rings.
  

• Durable Beauty – With proper care, it can last decades without losing its shine.
  
  

How To Identify Real 925 Silver

Not every shiny object is sterling silver, particularly not in today's market. And this is how to be sure you get the real thing:

1. Seek the Stamp - Authentic items are most often marked with 'sterling', '925', or a similar symbol.

2. Magnet Test - Silver is non-magnetic. When your jewellery gets attracted to a magnet, it is probably not genuine sterling silver.

3. Tarnish Test – The Tarnish test indicates that Sterling Silver tarnishes with time because of copper content. That is common and it is washable. Otherwise, it may instead be plated, although tarnishing never occurs.
   

4. Reputable Seller – Buy from trusted jewellers like Padmam, known for its 92.5 silver, gold-plated jewellery, and sterling silver pieces, including rings, earrings, bracelets, kamarband, and more, all blending elegance with affordability.
   
   

Padmam – Where 925 Silver Meets Artistry

If you think silver jewellery is just about shine, Padmam will prove you wrong. Known for its dazzling avatars – from intricate temple finishes to rich Victorian styles – Padmam creates designs that feel as special as they look.

We create 92.5 silver jewellery, most often embellished with gold plating, which results in rings that glisten with details, silver earrings that make you look radiant, bracelets that make everyday occasions glamorous, and the kamarband statement piece that stands out at weddings. The best bit? Padmam offers affordable luxury without compromising on quality. For daily elegance or significant events, Padmam offers a sterling silver collection that is a treasure trove to fulfil your needs.

How To Care For Your 925 Silver Jewellery

Sterling silver is tough, however, as with any precious metal, they do require a bit of affection to keep them shiny:

• Store – Keep in a soft pouch or an anti-tarnish cloth.

• Avoid Harsh Chemicals – To make the shine more visible, avoid using perfume, hairspray, and harsh cleaning products.

• Clean regularly-Whether you use a silver polishing cloth or mild soap and water to clean your pieces of silver, remember to clean them regularly.

• Wear Often – Surprisingly, wearing silver regularly helps prevent tarnish as the oils in your skin protect the metal.
  
  

Advantages of investing in 925 silver

• Wear Long - This type is ideal for use in heirloom items.

• Versatility of Designs – It looks great with gemstones, gold plating, and designs with detailed engravings.

• Resale Value – Sterling silver has value that is intrinsic to the market.

• Sustainability - The jewellers have a lot of silver, which can be easily recycled, making silver a friendly option for the environment.

Final Thoughts

Silver 925 is not only a wearable metal, but a combination of history, craft and beauty, carefully crafted in beautiful pieces of jewellery. It can achie

ve the brightness of polished silver, the strength to withstand day-to-day wear, and an affordable price point that brings high-end fashion within reach.

When you want unique jewellery, rich in detail with a story behind it, exclusive, and that will last a lifetime, look no further than trusted creators like Padmam. With their exquisite temple-inspired and Victorian designs, crafted from 92.5 silver and often kissed with gold, you’ll find rings, earrings, bracelets, kamarband, and other treasures worth cherishing for a lifetime.

FAQs

1. What does 925 silver mean?

925 silver refers to sterling silver that is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy (usually copper) to improve strength and durability.

2. Is sterling silver the same as pure silver?

No. Pure silver, which is 99.9% silver, is too soft for most jewellery. Sterling silver (925) is more durable and suitable for daily wear.

3. How can I tell if my silver is genuine 925?

Look for a 925 stamp, check with a magnet (it shouldn’t stick), and buy from reputable brands like Padmam, which offers authentic rings, earrings, bracelets, and more.

4. Does 925 silver tarnish?

Yes, it can tarnish over time due to the copper content. However, this is natural and can be easily cleaned to restore its shine.