Have you ever noticed that your silver jewelry is stamped with S925? You might be curious about what S925 actually means on your jewelry. In fact, S925 indicates that the piece is made of sterling silver, containing 92.5% pure silver. Sometimes, you may come across jewelry marked with 925 instead of S925. So, is there a difference between S925 and 925? If you’ve been wondering about this, don’t worry — Starsgem is here to explain everything you need to know about these markings in detail!
What Does S925 Mean on Jewelry?
Both S925 and 925 refer to silver jewelry made from a material that contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. The addition of copper enhances the silver’s strength, durability, shine, and resistance to tarnishing, making it suitable for setting with gemstones and crafting into fine or premium-grade jewelry. In this marking, the "S" stands for Sterling, and "925" indicates the silver content. This stamp is commonly engraved on jewelry pieces to verify their purity and authenticity.
You might also come across other silver marks, such as S990, which represents a higher silver purity than S925. In the jewelry industry, S925 is known as "standard silver", while S990 is called "solid silver". Although S925 contains slightly less silver, it offers better durability, greater scratch resistance, and a more radiant shine once polished. This makes Starsgem S925 jewelry an ideal choice for those seeking long-lasting, beautiful silver pieces.
What’s the Origin of S925?
Have you ever wondered where S925 silver comes from and how it became the industry standard for silver jewelry? Its history can be traced back to the 12th century in England. At that time, silver coins were known as "Easterlings," a term that was later shortened to "Sterling."
In the 13th century, King Edward I of England officially established the standard for silver purity. He declared that all sterling silver items must contain 92.5% pure silver alloyed with 7.5% other metals, and required that these items be inspected and marked by an official authority known as the "Guardian of the Craft." This regulation became known as the "Sterling Silver Standard," formally introducing the concept of 925 sterling silver that we still use today.
Today, Starsgem proudly continues this centuries-old tradition, offering high-quality S925 silver jewelry crafted with precision and enduring beauty.
What’s the Difference Between S925 and 925?
In fact, there’s no real difference between S925 and 925. Both markings indicate that the jewelry is made from 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% other metals, usually copper. Whether you see "S925," "925," or ".925" stamped on a piece, they all signify the same high-quality sterling silver standard.
The main distinction lies in how they’re labeled. The "925" stamp is a widely recognized shorthand for sterling silver, while "S925" includes the "S," which stands for Sterling, to clearly emphasize that the jewelry meets sterling silver standards. Technically, S925 highlights the quality classification of the silver, while 925 simply indicates the silver content.
At Starsgem, whether it’s marked S925 or 925, you can be confident you’re receiving fine, genuine sterling silver jewelry crafted for lasting beauty and durability.
Sterling Silver vs. 925: Which Is Better?
When it comes to sterling silver and 925 sterling silver, there’s actually no difference in quality or purity — they’re essentially the same material. Sterling silver is an alloy made from 92.5% pure silver combined with 7.5% other metals, typically copper, to enhance its strength and durability for everyday wear. The term "925" is simply the purity mark stamped on silver jewelry to indicate it meets the Sterling Silver Standard.
Just like S925 and 925, both refer to silver jewelry containing 92.5% silver. The difference is only in how they’re labeled: "Sterling silver" is the traditional name for the material, while "925" or "S925" is the numerical stamp that verifies its silver content.
At Starsgem, whether it’s described as sterling silver or stamped with S925, every piece of our jewelry is crafted with the same premium-quality sterling silver, offering beauty, durability, and timeless elegance. In the end, it simply comes down to personal preference and the design you love most.
Does 925 Silver Turn Black or Green?
Yes — over time, 925 sterling silver can develop a black or green discoloration. This happens when the silver reacts with elements in the environment, such as air, moisture, sulfur, chlorine, or even chemicals from cosmetics and perfumes. As a result, the surface of the silver may tarnish, turning dark grey, black, or sometimes green, especially in areas that come into frequent contact with skin or moisture.
How to Prevent Silver from Tarnishing?
To keep your Starsgem S925 silver jewelry looking bright and beautiful, here are some simple care tips you can follow:
Proper Storage: Store your silver jewelry in airtight containers, ziplock bags, or tarnish-resistant pouches to minimize exposure to air and moisture. Keep each piece separate to avoid scratches and chemical reactions with other materials.
Regular Cleaning: Gently wipe your jewelry with a soft, dry cloth after each wear to remove oils, sweat, and dirt. For deeper cleaning, use a silver polishing cloth or a specially formulated silver cleaner to maintain its shine and brilliance.
Important Note: While these care tips can significantly slow down the tarnishing process, all silver jewelry — including S925 sterling silver from Starsgem — will naturally tarnish over time. Regular care and occasional professional cleaning will help preserve its beauty for years to come.
How to Tell If S925 Jewelry Is Real or Fake
When buying S925 sterling silver jewelry, it’s important to know how to distinguish authentic pieces from imitations. Here are some simple and effective ways to check the authenticity of your silver jewelry:
1. Weight and Feel
Genuine S925 silver is relatively dense and has a heavier feel compared to counterfeit pieces made from cheaper metals. You can use a precision scale to compare the weight of suspected items. In addition, when touched, authentic silver feels smooth, cool, and solid, while fake silver might feel warmer, lighter, or slightly rough to the touch.
2. Check for a Hallmark
Authentic sterling silver jewelry will feature a purity stamp such as "S925," "925," or ".925," typically engraved on a discreet part of the piece — like the inner band of a ring, the clasp of a necklace, or the post of an earring. At Starsgem, every sterling silver product is stamped with a certified hallmark to guarantee its purity.
3. Observe the Color and Luster
Real S925 silver has a distinctive bright white luster and polished shine. Counterfeit silver may appear duller, more yellowish, or overly shiny like plated metals. Genuine sterling silver also develops a natural patina over time, while fakes may either stay unnaturally bright or tarnish unevenly.
4. Perform a Magnet Test
Sterling silver is non-magnetic, so you can test your jewelry by placing a small magnet near it. If the jewelry is attracted to the magnet, it’s likely made of another metal. This is a quick, easy way to spot obvious fakes.
5. Consider the Price
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Genuine S925 silver jewelry has a consistent market value. You can research the average price of similar sterling silver pieces to gauge whether an item is fairly priced. At Starsgem, we guarantee both quality and honest pricing on all of our sterling silver collections.
How to Tell If S925 Jewelry Is Real or Fake
When buying S925 sterling silver jewelry, it’s important to know how to distinguish authentic pieces from imitations. Here are some simple and effective ways to check the authenticity of your silver jewelry:
1. Weight and Feel
Genuine S925 silver is relatively dense and has a heavier feel compared to counterfeit pieces made from cheaper metals. You can use a precision scale to compare the weight of suspected items. In addition, when touched, authentic silver feels smooth, cool, and solid, while fake silver might feel warmer, lighter, or slightly rough to the touch.
2. Check for a Hallmark
Authentic sterling silver jewelry will feature a purity stamp such as "S925," "925," or ".925," typically engraved on a discreet part of the piece — like the inner band of a ring, the clasp of a necklace, or the post of an earring. At Starsgem, every sterling silver product is stamped with a certified hallmark to guarantee its purity.
3. Observe the Color and Luster
Real S925 silver has a distinctive bright white luster and polished shine. Counterfeit silver may appear duller, more yellowish, or overly shiny like plated metals. Genuine sterling silver also develops a natural patina over time, while fakes may either stay unnaturally bright or tarnish unevenly.
4. Perform a Magnet Test
Sterling silver is non-magnetic, so you can test your jewelry by placing a small magnet near it. If the jewelry is attracted to the magnet, it’s likely made of another metal. This is a quick, easy way to spot obvious fakes.
5. Consider the Price
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Genuine S925 silver jewelry has a consistent market value. You can research the average price of similar sterling silver pieces to gauge whether an item is fairly priced. At Starsgem, we guarantee both quality and honest pricing on all of our sterling silver collections.
Conclusion
The mark S925 signifies that the silver jewelry contains 92.5% sterling silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. Whether your piece is stamped with S925, 925, .925, or simply labeled sterling silver, they all indicate the same high-quality silver standard.
If you’re searching for authentic S925 sterling silver jewelry—whether it’s engagement rings, wedding bands, or bridal sets—Starsgem is your trusted choice. At Starsgem, we offer a wide range of exquisite jewelry crafted in sterling silver, white gold, rose gold, yellow gold, and more, ensuring you find the perfect piece for every special moment.
Lab Grown Emerald
