Tiny stamps inside a ring or on a clasp can be confusing when you're not sure what they're telling you. Here we explain what the 925 mark means so you can read it with confidence. We also cover other silver marks, hallmarks in Australia, where stamps usually sit, why some silver looks darker or brighter, tarnish and testing at home.
"925" on jewellery means the metal is sterling silver: 925 parts per thousand, or 92.5%, pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% made up of other metals (usually copper) for strength. You'll find the stamp on rings, chains, cufflinks and clasps. It's a useful sign of what a piece is made of, but it is a maker's mark, so buying from a retailer you trust still matters.
What does 925 mean on a ring or necklace?
The number is a fineness mark. Silver purity is measured in parts per thousand, so a piece stamped 925 contains 925 parts silver out of every 1,000. That's the internationally recognised standard for sterling silver.
Pure silver (999) is beautiful but very soft, so it bends, scratches and dents easily. Adding a small amount of another metal, most commonly copper, produces an alloy that's tough enough to wear every day while keeping silver's bright lustre.
What other silver marks might you see?
| Mark | What it means |
|---|---|
| 925, .925, S925 | Sterling silver, 92.5% silver |
| Sterling, Ster, STG | Sterling silver, written as a word |
| 999, Fine silver | Around 99.9% silver, very soft |
| 958 | Britannia silver, 95.84% silver |
| 800, 830, 900 | Lower silver contents, more common in older European pieces |
| EP, EPNS, Silver plated | A thin silver coating over another metal, not solid silver |
| Nickel silver, German silver | An alloy that contains no silver at all |
Is 925 real silver?
Yes. Sterling silver is real, solid silver. The 7.5% of other metals is there to make it durable, not to fake it. It's the standard used for most quality silver jewellery.
Is 925 the same as silver plated?
No. Silver-plated jewellery has a very thin layer of silver over a base metal, and that layer can wear through. A 925 piece is sterling silver all the way through.
What is a hallmark, and does Australia use them?
In some countries, including the United Kingdom, precious-metal items above certain weights must be independently tested and marked by an official assay office. Those official marks are called hallmarks, and UK sterling silver hallmarks traditionally include a lion symbol.
Australia doesn't run a compulsory government hallmarking system of that kind, so marks such as "925" are generally applied by the manufacturer. That's why the reputation of the brand and retailer matters. Several of our Hoxton London pieces are listed as made in England, such as the Hoxton London Men's Sterling Silver Ebony Wood Oval Cufflinks.
Where is the 925 stamp usually found?
- Rings: on the inside of the band.
- Chains and bracelets: on the clasp or on a small tag near it.
- Cufflinks: on the back of the face or on the toggle.
- Pendants: on the bail or the back.
Very small or delicate pieces sometimes aren't stamped because there's no room, so a missing mark doesn't automatically mean a piece isn't silver. It just means you'll want to rely on the seller's description.
Why is some 925 silver darker or brighter than others?
Finish makes a big difference to how sterling silver looks.
- Rhodium plating adds a bright, white, tarnish-resistant surface. Our 5mm Wide Sterling Silver Cuban Link Bracelet is solid 925 sterling silver with rhodium plating, as are the Hoxton London cufflinks above.
- Oxidising deliberately darkens recessed areas to bring out patterns and texture. The Vanguard Men's Sterling Silver Black Onyx Ring uses oxidised reptilian patterning on its sides.
- High polish gives a classic mirror shine, while brushed or satin finishes look softer and hide fine scratches.
Does 925 sterling silver tarnish?
Yes, unplated sterling silver tarnishes over time as the silver reacts with sulphur in the air and on skin. It isn't damage, and a silver polishing cloth usually removes it. Wearing the piece often, storing it in a dry, closed box, and keeping it away from perfume, chlorine and household chemicals all help. For a fuller comparison, read our sterling silver bracelets buying and care guide.
Can you test whether jewellery is 925 at home?
Home tests can rule some things out, but they can't confirm silver content with certainty.
- Magnet test: silver isn't magnetic. If a piece snaps strongly to a magnet, it isn't solid silver, but a non-magnetic result doesn't prove it is silver either.
- Tarnish: sterling silver usually darkens with age, but plated pieces may not.
- Professional testing: a jeweller can test the metal accurately if you need certainty, for example for an inherited piece.
Is 925 sterling silver good for men's jewellery?
Very much so. It's bright, takes fine detail beautifully, has a satisfying weight and can be polished back to shine for years. It is softer than stainless steel or tungsten, so expect a gentle patina of wear on rings and bracelets over time. Many men see that as character rather than a flaw.
A solid sterling ring such as the Hoxton London Men's Sterling Silver Brick Ribbed Ring is a good example of how silver handles bold, textured design.
Weighing up metals? Our comparison of stainless steel vs sterling silver explains the trade-offs.
Shop the collection
Explore our Hoxton London Men's Jewellery collection for British-designed sterling silver rings, bracelets, necklaces and cufflinks, or browse the wider Sterling Silver Jewellery range.
Frequently asked questions
What does 925 mean on jewellery?
It means sterling silver: 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% other metals, usually copper, for strength.
Is 925 silver good quality?
Yes. It's the recognised standard for quality silver jewellery, balancing silver's lustre with everyday durability.
Will 925 silver turn my skin green?
It can occasionally leave a mark when the copper in the alloy reacts with sweat or skincare. Keeping the piece clean and dry usually helps.
Can 925 silver get wet?
Brief contact with water is fine, but remove it for swimming pools, the ocean and cleaning, and dry it well afterwards to slow tarnish.
Is 925 the same as 92.5?
Yes. 925 parts per thousand is the same as 92.5%. Both describe sterling silver.
