What Does 925 Mean on Jewelry?

Stamps describe metal content; they are not a buy/sell quote. When in doubt, test with a jeweler or assay service.

92.5% pure silver — this is NOT gold

Many jewelry stamps describe a metal category (like silver) rather than gold. Treat stamps as identification, then confirm with a jeweler if value is material.

Common confusion points

  • If you expected gold, look for additional marks (K, karat, or recognized fineness) and consider an XRF test.
  • Not every numeric stamp is gold. If 925 is not a gold fineness mark, gold price tables won’t apply.

Similar / easily-confused stamps

  • 950Nearby numeric stamp (950) — easy to misread at a glance
  • 750Common gold fineness stamp (18K) — check nearby marks on clasps/tags

Many people mistake 925 for gold. It means sterling silver. If your piece looks yellow, it may be gold-plated silver.

How to verify a stamp

Stamps describe metal, not value. For silver or platinum pieces, a jeweler can confirm fineness (e.g. XRF). Color alone is misleading—gold-plated silver can look yellow.

Related links

FAQ

Does 925 mean gold?
No. 925 on jewelry usually means 92.5% pure silver — this is NOT gold Many people mistake 925 for gold. It means sterling silver. If your piece looks yellow, it may be gold-plated silver.
How can I verify what 925 means?
Treat it as an identification clue. If you’re unsure, a jeweler can verify the metal with XRF. Avoid applying gold melt math until you confirm the metal type.

Other stamps

Full hallmark guide · Calculator · Gold value by weight