A Guide to .925 Silver Jewelry
.925 silver is popular with jewelry lovers due to its durable, dazzling finish and affordable price point. This precious metal is strong enough for everyday wear, and its hypoallergenic properties make it the perfect choice for anyone with sensitive skin. In this article, we break down the basics of .925 silver – we discuss its composition and appearance, show you how to identify authentic .925 silver, and give you our top tips for keeping your favorite silver pieces sparkling like new.
Composition & Appearance
.925 silver is a metal alloy often used in jewelry and household items. It is composed of 92.5% pure silver (hence its name) and 7.5% of an additional metal alloy. Silver is naturally soft and difficult to work with in its purest form, so adding another metal alloy like copper improves its malleability. As a result of its composition, it offers several attractive benefits:
Sparkling luster: .925 silver is favored by many because of its bright finish – it creates an effortless, elegant accent for just about any look. Though it is highly susceptible to tarnish, .925 silver jewelry can easily be polished to reclaim its natural luster.
Durable finish: Many jewelry lovers appreciate .925 silver for its durability and resistance to scratching. Earrings and rings made out of .925 silver are especially popular since they are likely to keep their shape, even under pressure.
Hypoallergenic properties: Jewelry wearers who suffer from sensitive skin or nickel allergies are often unable to wear pieces that contain common metals like brass. Silver allergies are rare, and .925 silver is one of a select few metals that are marketed as hypoallergenic.
Identification
.925 is highly sought after because of its bright appearance and lustrous finish. As a result, some jewelry makers try to take advantage of customers by selling cheap imitation silver marketed as .925. Protect yourself against counterfeiters with the following tips for identification.
Look for a hallmark. Jewelry makers in most countries are legally obligated to disclose the purity and content of jewelry through the use of a hallmark stamp. Most .925 silver pieces bear this unique hallmark (.925, 92.5, sterling silver, and ster are all typical markings), located inconspicuously (like on the inside of a ring or the clasp of a necklace).
Do a magnet test. .925 silver is not magnetic and should therefore not react to a magnet. If you hold a magnet to your jewelry and your piece is attracted or repelled, it is likely not authentic .925 silver.
Take it to a professional. The most reliable way to determine the composition of a piece of jewelry is to enlist the help of a professional jeweler.
Care & Cleaning Instructions for .925 Silver
.925 silver is naturally strong and bright, but it is also easily susceptible to tarnish. This chemical reaction takes place when metal reacts with moisture or air, and the dingy, grayish tint of tarnish can dull your silver’s sparkle. Keep your silver jewelry looking its best by following these useful steps for storage, cleaning, and care:
STORAGE
Keeping your .925 silver in an airtight container or anti-tarnish bag is the best way to prevent tarnish. This will limit the amount of time your jewelry is exposed to air and humidity, effectively preserving its natural luster.
CLEANING
To clean your .925 silver, use a mild detergent and rinse it gently in warm water. Use a soft cloth to pat the silver dry, and ensure that it is fully aired out before you return it to its storage location. Stay away from abrasive cloths or cleaners that may damage your jewelry.
POLISHING
While there are many products marketed as silver polishing solutions, those with harsh chemicals are not always safe for your jewelry. Some polishing products, especially dipping solutions, are so powerful that they can discolor or harm your silver’s beautiful finish. Instead of liquids, use a polishing cloth to keep your silver sparkling.
durable and affordable
.925 silver is durable, beautiful, and affordable, making it one of the most popular metals for jewelry making around the world. Are you looking for the perfect STEM-inspired silver piece for someone special in your life? Check out our collection of silver jewelry today!