Introduction: Not All Silver Is the Same
Walk into any jewellery store or browse online, and you'll notice silver jewellery comes in a variety of grades and types. From silver rings to silver necklaces, the quality of silver used can significantly affect the durability, appearance, and longevity of the piece. Understanding the differences can save you money and help you choose jewellery that truly lasts.
The 5 Standard Silver Marks You Should Know
Before choosing silver jewellery, it's essential to recognise the hallmarks that indicate silver purity. These are the five standard silver marks:
• 999 or .999 — Fine silver (99.9% pure silver)
• 925 or .925 — Sterling silver (92.5% pure silver)
• 950 or .950 — Britannia silver (95% pure silver)
• 900 or .900 — Coin silver (90% pure silver)
• 800 or .800 — Continental silver (80% pure silver)
Each of these designations tells you the percentage of pure silver in the alloy. The higher the number, the more pure silver is present — but higher purity doesn't always mean better jewellery.
Which Is Better: 925 or 950 Silver?
This is one of the most common questions among jewellery buyers. Here's a direct comparison:
950 silver (Britannia silver) contains 95% pure silver and 5% other metals, usually copper or platinum. It is softer than 925 but harder than 999 fine silver. Britannia silver is often used by artisan jewellers and silversmiths for detailed, handcrafted pieces.
925 sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy. It is slightly harder than 950, making it more resistant to everyday scratches and dents. For items like silver earrings, silver anklets, and silver rings that are subject to regular wear, 925 is arguably the more practical choice.
In terms of aesthetics, both look nearly identical. For everyday jewellery, 925 wins on durability. For artistic and collectible pieces, 950 may be preferred.
Why Is 925 Silver Considered the Best for Jewellery?
925 sterling silver hits the sweet spot between purity and practicality. Here's why it's considered the gold standard for silver jewellery:
• Durability: The addition of copper makes it resistant to deformation and scratching.
• Workability: Jewellers can solder, shape, and polish 925 silver with precision.
• Affordability: It's a true precious metal that's significantly more affordable than gold or platinum.
• Appearance: 925 silver has a bright, lustrous finish that can be polished to a mirror shine.
• Hypoallergenic potential: Nickel-free 925 silver is suitable for most people with metal sensitivities.
Whether you're buying silver pendants, silver necklaces, or even a religious god pendant, 925 sterling silver delivers the best balance of quality and value.
How to Identify Pure Silver
Knowing how to identify genuine silver can protect you from purchasing inferior or counterfeit jewellery. Here are the most reliable methods:
1. Check for Hallmarks
All authentic silver jewellery should be stamped with a hallmark. Look for '925', 'Sterling', 'SS', or '.925' on the inside of rings, clasps of necklaces, or the back of earrings.
2. The Magnet Test
Silver is not magnetic. Hold a strong magnet close to the jewellery. If it attracts, the piece is likely made from a non-silver base metal.
3. Ice Cube Test
Silver has the highest thermal conductivity of all metals. Place an ice cube on the jewellery — if the ice melts noticeably faster than on a control surface, the silver content is likely genuine.
4. Acid Testing
A drop of nitric acid on a small scratch will produce a colour reaction based on the silver content. This test should be done by a professional jeweller.
5. Skin Discolouration
While this isn't definitive, fake silver often leaves green or black marks on skin quickly due to high copper or base metal content. Genuine 925 silver may cause minimal skin darkening over time but not the bright green associated with copper alloys.
Can 925 Silver Turn Black?
Yes, 925 silver can tarnish and turn black. Tarnishing occurs when silver reacts with sulphur or hydrogen sulphide in the air. The copper in the alloy also contributes to this process. However, tarnishing is entirely reversible.
To maintain your silver jewellery's brilliance:
• Store pieces separately in anti-tarnish bags or cloth-lined boxes
• Clean regularly with a soft silver polishing cloth
• Remove jewellery before swimming, bathing, or applying beauty products
• Use silver dip cleaners for deeply tarnished pieces
Is Silver More Better Than Gold for Jewellery?
Whether silver or gold is 'better' depends entirely on your needs, preferences, and budget. Here's a quick comparison:
• Affordability: Silver is significantly more affordable than gold, making it accessible for more buyers.
• Style: Silver's cooler tone pairs beautifully with gemstones and suits a wide range of styles.
• Durability: Gold (especially 18k or 14k) is more durable than silver and resistant to tarnishing.
• Investment: Gold generally holds its value better over time as a financial asset.
• Variety: Silver jewellery, from
For everyday fashion jewellery at accessible price points, silver is hard to beat. For heirloom pieces and investment jewellery, gold may have the edge.
Which Silver Is High Quality?
High-quality silver for jewellery purposes is:
• Hallmarked with 925 or higher
• Nickel-free (important for those with sensitive skin)
• Crafted by certified jewellers using standard manufacturing processes
• Accompanied by authenticity certificates from reputable sellers
When purchasing silver pendants, silver rings, or any silver jewellery, always verify the hallmark and buy from trusted brands or stores.
From stylish silver rings to delicate silver earrings and meaningful god pendants — the type of silver you choose matters. For everyday elegance and lasting quality, 925 sterling silver remains the most trusted and recommended choice by jewellers worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 5 standard silver marks?
The five standard silver marks are 999 (fine silver), 925 (sterling silver), 950 (Britannia silver), 900 (coin silver), and 800 (continental silver).
Which silver is best for everyday jewellery?
925 sterling silver is the best choice for everyday jewellery. It strikes the right balance between purity, durability, and affordability.
Can I shower with 925 silver jewellery?
It's not recommended. Water, especially chlorinated or hard water, can accelerate tarnishing. Remove silver jewellery before showering or swimming.
Is 950 silver rare?
Britannia 950 silver is less common than 925 sterling but is used by some artisan and heritage silversmiths. It's softer and harder to find in mainstream retail.