What Is 925 Sterling Silver? A Complete Buyer's Guide
Buying Guide · 6 min read · Updated 2026-06-01
TL;DR
925 sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% other metals (usually copper) for strength. The '925' stamp is your guarantee of authenticity. It's the global standard for quality silver jewellery — durable enough for daily wear, hypoallergenic for most skin, and easy to care for.
What does 925 mean?
The number 925 refers to purity: 92.5% pure silver alloyed with 7.5% of another metal, most often copper. Pure (999) silver is too soft to hold a setting or survive daily wear, so this small amount of alloy gives sterling silver its strength while keeping the bright, precious look of silver.
Because 92.5% is the internationally recognised minimum for jewellery sold as 'sterling silver', the 925 stamp has become a trust mark worldwide — and in India, a BIS hallmark adds an extra layer of assurance.
How to tell if silver is real 925
- •Look for a 925 stamp (and a BIS hallmark in India) on the clasp, inner band or a small tag.
- •Real sterling silver is not magnetic — if a magnet pulls strongly, it isn't silver.
- •Genuine silver tarnishes slowly over time; metals that never change colour are usually plated base metal.
- •Buy from sellers who state the metal clearly and back it with a guarantee.
Why choose sterling silver for everyday jewellery
Sterling silver hits the sweet spot between precious and practical. It's far more affordable than solid gold, yet it's a genuine precious metal — not plated costume jewellery. That makes it ideal for building a versatile, daily-wear collection.
It's also hypoallergenic for most people (nickel-free sterling silver rarely irritates sensitive skin), and it takes finishes beautifully — which is why Senhora offers the same designs in silver, gold and rose gold tones.
Caring for your sterling silver
Sterling silver naturally tarnishes when exposed to air, moisture and chemicals — this is normal and easily reversed. Wearing your silver often actually keeps it bright, and a soft polishing cloth restores shine in seconds. See our care guide for the full routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 925 sterling silver real silver?
Yes. 925 sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver combined with 7.5% other metals for durability. It is a genuine precious metal, not plated.
Does 925 silver turn your skin green?
Quality 925 sterling silver should not turn skin green. Green marks usually come from copper in low-grade alloys or from plated base metals. Genuine sterling silver may occasionally leave a light grey mark if it tarnishes, which wipes off.
Is sterling silver good for sensitive skin?
Generally yes. Nickel-free 925 sterling silver is hypoallergenic and suits most sensitive skin. If you have a known metal allergy, check that the piece is nickel-free.