What Is 925 Sterling Silver?

Flip over most of our pieces and you will find a tiny stamp reading 925. Customers ask about it a lot, usually assuming it is some kind of brand mark. It is not. It is a purity number, and it is the thing that separates real, wearable silver jewelry from stuff that will bend the first time you catch it on a sweater.

What is 925 Sterling Silver?

The number itself just means 92.5 percent silver. Nobody sells jewelry in pure silver, not really, because on its own the metal is closer to soft clay than something you'd want on your hand every day. So the remaining 7.5 percent gets filled in with another metal, almost always copper, which is what actually lets a ring or bracelet hold its shape. This particular ratio isn't something Ecru Atelier decided on. It's an old, internationally recognized standard, which is why you'll see the same 925 mark on silver jewelry from pretty much anywhere in the world.

Why Isn't Pure Silver Used in Jewelry?

Pure silver cannot be used in jewelry because it is a very soft metal. Pure silver can be easily shaped, almost like dough, which makes it highly unsuitable for everyday use and jewelry.

Similarly, jewelry such as rings and bracelets made of pure silver scratch very easily and bend and deform. For this reason, 925 sterling silver is preferred over pure silver in international standards.

What Are the Advantages of 925 Sterling Silver?

There are many reasons why 925 sterling silver is used in jewelry.

• DurabilityThe other metal additives in the alloy make silver suitable for everyday use and ensure its longevity.
• Better image: 925 sterling silver has a whiter and brighter appearance compared to pure silver. It creates a stunning elegance, especially when used with precious stones such as pearls.
• More resistant to darkeningWith proper care, the tarnishing process slows down significantly in high-quality 925 sterling silver, allowing jewelry to easily return to its original form.

Discover Ecru Atelier's extensive collection, brought to life by its design expertise and high-quality craftsmanship, which perfectly combines silver and pearls, and easily purchase special jewelry that will become your timeless favorites for years to come!