Blog·Stamps & silver
What Does 925 Mean on Jewelry?
If you see 925 stamped on a ring, chain, or earring, that almost always means sterling silver—not gold. The number refers to 92.5% pure silver in the metal alloy, with the rest usually copper or other metals for hardness. This guide answers the high-volume search what does 925 mean on jewelry in plain language, and shows how it differs from the karat and millesimal marks we cover for gold in our gold hallmarks guide.
Sterling silver: the 925 definition
Internationally, 925 is the fineness mark for sterling silver: by weight, the alloy is 92.5% silver and roughly 7.5% other metals, most often copper. That mix is harder than pure fine silver (999), so it holds up better in daily-wear jewelry.
You may also see STER, STERLING, or .925 alongside the number—same meaning. Regional hallmarks (lion, anchor, etc.) can appear on older or imported pieces; the 925 fineness is the part that answers the search intent.
925 vs gold stamps (585, 750, 14K, etc.)
Gold jewelry is labeled by karat (10K, 14K, 18K…) in North America or by parts per thousand of gold content (585 = 14K, 750 = 18K) in many other markets. Those numbers describe gold content. 925 does not mean 92.5% gold—it means 92.5% silver. Mixing that up can massively skew expectations when you use a gold melt calculator.
If you are unsure whether a piece is silver or gold-colored gold, check stamps, perform a careful visual inspection, and consider non-destructive testing—our how to test gold at home overview covers magnets, density intuition, and when to involve a professional.
925 vs silver-plated vs "nickel silver"
Silver-plated jewelry has only a thin layer of silver over brass or another base. It may tarnish and wear through at edges; it is not solid 925 through the full cross-section. Marks might include EP, GEP, or similar—not the same as a 925 body stamp.
Nickel silver (German silver) contains no silver at all despite the name—it is a copper-nickel-zinc alloy. Do not confuse its color with sterling; a magnet test and stamp reading help avoid mistakes.
Value: silver melt vs gold melt
MyGoldCalc focuses on gold value tools. Sterling silver is priced off silver spot, which moves on a different curve than gold. If you are selling 925 scrap, weigh it in grams and apply the buyer's silver percentage—similar logic to gold scrap discounts, but with silver rates.
For vermeil (sterling silver base with a layer of gold plate), the gold layer is usually thin; most of the value still behaves like silver unless the piece is sold as designer jewelry.
FAQ
Disclaimer: Stamps can be faked; professional assay may be required for high-stakes transactions.