If you have seen "925" stamped on silver jewellery, here is what it means and why it matters when you buy.
The short answer
Sterling silver is an alloy that is 92.5% pure silver. The remaining 7.5% is other metal, most often copper, which makes the silver strong enough to hold its shape in jewellery. The number 925 is the standard way of marking this.
Why not use pure silver?
Pure silver is very soft and bends easily. Alloying it gives earrings, pendants and rings the durability they need for everyday wear.
Solid silver, plated and filled: the difference
- Solid sterling silver is silver throughout, so there is no coating to wear through.
- Silver-plated pieces have a thin layer of silver over another metal, and the layer can wear away.
- Rhodium-plated sterling silver has a thin rhodium coating over the silver, often used for extra shine and tarnish resistance.
What to look for when buying
- A 925 or "sterling" mark on the piece or in the listing.
- A clear description of the metal and any plating.
- Honest descriptions of the gemstones, including any treatments.
Tarnish is normal
Real sterling silver tarnishes slowly, and a polishing cloth brings the shine back. See our care guide for how to look after it.
Bright or oxidised?
Bright silver has a clean, shiny finish. Oxidised silver is deliberately darkened in the details for a rustic, bohemian look. Both are sterling silver underneath. You can see both styles in our earrings and rings.
All Zorba jewellery is handmade in solid 925 sterling silver and dispatched from Canberra within 2 business days.