We wear silver jewelry very often, some of us enjoy it on a daily basis. However, not everyone knows what is 925 silver and why that has such a major importance. We just take the silver jewelry and put it on. However, if you want to have silver jewelry that retains its value in the long run, that 925 stamp is actually very important and it can indeed make a huge difference. That’s why you want to take your time and understand the meaning behind this very precious metal. We are here to help you identify what is 925 silver, and why it is such an important thing to consider when you are purchasing any silver.
What Is 925 Silver?
Before we go any further, it’s important to understand what is 925 silver and also why it is significant. Whenever we are talking about any precious metals, one of the most important things has to be their purity. In the case of 925 silver, we have 92.5% silver, and 7.5% would be other metals. Usually, copper would be most of the remaining 7.5%, but other metals could be used as well.
Now that you know what is 925 silver, the question is, why isn’t there 100% pure silver? That relies in the practicality of this precious metal. While pure silver without other metals would look amazing, silver is also very soft. That means 100% silver jewelry would be very prone to damage, dents, scratches and a variety of other problems.
Adding those additional 7.5% metals will help ensure that the silver will last for a very long time. Copper is particularly good here because it’s strong, and it prevents the silver from getting damaged too much. There were many tests performed over the years, and experts came to the conclusion that a 92.5% silver purity is enough for silver-based products. It delivers the sweet spot when it comes to durability, while also not diminishing the quality of that silver product.
Is 925 Silver Real Silver?
Since 925 silver is not 100% silver, some people were questioning if this is real silver or not. And the truth is that 925 silver is indeed real silver, and it’s the best silver quality you can get for silver jewelry meant to be worn every day.
That’s why it makes a lot of sense to check for that 925 silver stamp because it does look stunning, and it also provides a great authenticity mark. 925 silver is also a much higher quality when it comes to items that are plated with silver. Instead, it’s fully silver, with a bit of copper and other materials to deliver stability and prevent long-term damage. You always want to avoid silver-plated items because those aren’t real silver; however, 925 silver is, and it comes with a seal of authenticity to prove it.
What Compounds Can You Find In 925 Silver?
The most important thing to keep in mind is that 925 silver is meant to be comprised of materials that provide purity but also stability. As we mentioned earlier, the 92.5% silver is mandatory, and it’s designed to provide exceptional quality, along with a stunning look. But silver is not a very durable material, and that makes it very much prone to scratches.
The remaining 7.5% is usually copper because it helps add more durability and strength to silver. Granted, it dulls the silver a little bit; however it prevents any damage coming from scratches or any other issues like that. When you buy silver jewelry, you expect to wear it often, and that makes the item prone to wear and tear. Copper can help prevent that.
Aside from copper, there are some other alloys you can find in 925 silver. These include nickel, zinc, or a variety of other materials. Nickel isn’t suitable for people with sensitive skin because it can lead to irritations. However, it does enhance the durability of the silver product as well.
Is there a downside when it comes to adding copper? Yes, copper can increase tarnishing potential since moisture and air exposure lead to copper interacting with sulfur, for example. That does make the look of your 925 silver darker. Thankfully, there are a few cleaning tips and tricks you can use, and you can restore the look of your silver to its former glory without any hassle.
Why Did 925 Silver Become Very Popular In The Jewelry World?
One of the things you’ll notice when you learn what is 925 silver is how popular this material has become. Silver is great because it looks incredible, and it can easily complement a variety of different outfits. Gold is known for being very flashy, and that can limit how appealing and reliable it truly is. But with 925 silver, you have a more refined, less flashy look.
Silver is a material that shows a sense of sophistication. Plus, you can easily combine it with a variety of gemstones. It fits well with diamonds, onyx, turquoise, and a variety of other materials. You should also keep in mind that silver is very practical, and it can be used for bracelets, necklaces, rings, and so on. The metal itself can stand the test of time, thanks to the 7.5% metal alloys that offer it strength and long-term durability.
Another benefit when it comes to 925 silver is the fact that it’s great for people with sensitive skin. A lot of materials can lead to skin rashes or even green stains. However, the material is hypoallergenic and it’s also very affordable as well. You can find many handcrafted 925 silver pieces, and those are very easy to wear at any time. It’s a great idea to check them out, and the value they provide is nothing short of incredible.
Using 925 Silver Outside Of The Jewelry World
Since it’s very easy to learn what is 925 silver and use it within the jewelry world, you might be forgiven if you think that’s its only use. But the truth is that 925 silver goes well beyond just rings, pendants, and necklaces. It can be used in a variety of items, as you will notice below. In fact, a lot of silver products are heirlooms because they last for a really long time.
You will notice there are many candle holders, photo frames, teapots and even vintage cutlery made out of silver. And on top of that, a lot of religious artifacts like goblets, chalices or menorahs are made out of sterling silver, a symbol of purity and quality. Plus, due to how durable 925 silver is, that can truly bring in an amazing sense of value.
You always want to ensure that you’re getting real 925 silver and not something that’s just plated with silver. The thing is, silver-plated items just have a little bit of silver added on top, however the base is another metal, usually a cheaper one. Not only isn’t that a real silver product, but the silver plating wears off. If you have 925, sterling silver, that will last for a very long time, and you don’t need to worry about its durability.
How Do You Know If An Item Is 925 Silver Or Not?
It’s important to understand what is 925 silver, but also how to identify it. As we mentioned earlier, sterling silver products that are genuine will have a 925 stamp on them; sometimes, they can also be engraved. Check thoroughly; it can be on the back of the item, the inside of your ring, or the necklace’s clasp.
You can also do a magnet test. Scammers will replace silver with substitutes, and magnets can help you identify that. If the item gets pulled by a magnet, it’s not real silver since 925 silver is not magnetic. You can also try to polish your 925 silver, rub it with a soft cloth. If the item brightens up, then you have a real 925 silver. If not, then you might have an item with silver plating.
Is It A Good Idea To Buy 925 Silver?
Yes, because it looks great, and it’s versatile. With that in mind, silver isn’t really an investment material like platinum or gold because it’s less rare. Remember that it can last for a lifetime, and it’s one of those incredible heirloom items that you can cherish for years and years to come.
Tips And Tricks To Care For 925 Silver
Silver is one of those materials that might need a little bit of maintenance at times. Due to the different alloys added for durability, silver will sometimes lose its shine. Thankfully, taking care of silver products is not very difficult.
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Always store your silver products in a dry, cool place. Airtight bags or a jewelry bag are a great idea. Silica gel packs and anti-tarnishing strips can further prevent any tarnishing.
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When cleaning your silver, you always want to be gentle. Use water and baking soda to create a mild paste, then rub the silver with this paste using a soft cloth and rinse. There are silver polishing cloths on the market as well.
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You always want to stay away from ammonia or bleach, as any of these chemicals can damage your silver.
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Clean the silver regularly; you can use any reliable silver cleaning and polishing products available on the market.
Closing Thoughts
There’s no denying that silver is an amazing, elegant, and visually impressive material. It adds that extra bit of importance and style that you’re looking for when it comes to jewelry. Make sure that you learn what is 925 silver, and you try to find that 925 stamp on the items before you buy them. Also, use these tips and ideas shown above to care for your silver and even provide it with a new lease on life with adequate cleanup!