What is 925 Sterling Silver and how can I identify it?

Sterling silver is an alloy made mostly of silver and a small percentage of copper and zinc to strengthen it. It can last a lifetime and be passed on for many generations if properly cared for. Silver is soft and not as durable as sterling silver.

True sterling silver pieces carry a specific hallmark - the '925' mark. This number refers to the jewelry's 92.5% pure silver content, a defining feature of sterling silver. If your piece has this stamp, it's a good sign it's genuine. However, be cautious; sometimes counterfeit items may also bear this marking.

Here are some of the ways to identify authentic sterling silver jewelry:

The Odor Test

Sterling silver is odorless, so go ahead and smell the piece in question. If you can smell sulfur or a distinct metallic fragrance, then it is not sterling silver. The item could be silver-plated, but a scent indicates that it is not made entirely of sterling silver.

Check for the S925 Stamp

This stamp is usually located on the back of the jewelry, near the clasp or on the inside of a ring band. It may also be accompanied by other stamps, such as "925" or "Sterling." These stamps are a guarantee that the piece is made of genuine silver and not a cheap metal coated with silver.

 

The Magnet Test

Silver exhibits weak magnetic effects, so if the magnet sticks strongly to the piece, it's not real silver. This is the same for gold and platinum jewelry.  You can also put a piece of ice on the metal. If the ice melts immediately, it's probably real silver. 

 

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