925 silver vs pure silver: which is better for jewellery?

"Pure silver" sounds like the better choice, and many shops use it in their ads. For jewellery that holds stones and is worn often, 925 silver is usually the better buy. Here is why.

What pure silver means

Pure (fine) silver is 99.9% silver, often stamped 999. It has a lovely soft shine, but it is very soft. It bends, scratches and loses its shape quickly, which is why it is mostly used for coins, bars and simple plain pieces.

What 925 silver means

925 sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metal, usually copper. That small amount of copper makes it much stronger. It is the standard for good silver jewellery around the world, and every piece we make is 925 silver.

Why stone jewellery is made in 925

Stones are held by tiny claws and settings. In pure silver these would bend and the stones could fall out. Sterling silver keeps them firm, even in a ring you wear every day.

Does 925 silver turn dark?

The copper in sterling silver lets it darken slowly in air, sweat and perfume. Rhodium plating slows this down a lot, and a dark piece cleans up easily. See our guide to cleaning silver at home.

"Pure silver jewellery" in ads

When a shop says "pure silver jewellery", ask what they mean. Real silver jewellery is usually 925 and should be stamped. Some cheap pieces are brass or white metal with a silver coating. Here is how to check real 925 silver.

Which should you buy?

For earrings, rings, bangles and anything with stones, choose 925 silver. Keep pure silver for plain pieces you wear now and then.