What Is Sterling Silver 925?

925 sterling silver refers to an alloy of silver and another metal. The alloy strengthens the silver and results in a more durable product, according to BlueNile.com.

Metal Content

925 refers to the 92.5 percent content of silver in the alloy. The other 7.5 percent usually consists of copper, which does not change the color of silver but adds to its hardness.

Other Names

925 silver has other names, such as sterling, sterling silver and ster.

Jewelry

Sterling silver jewelry enjoys great popularity for many reasons. According to HandcraftedJewelry.net, its color flatters all skin tones, it reflects more light than gold, and it has more flexibility. It also costs much less.

New Developments

925 silver does not always consist of part copper. Sometimes it contains other metals like zinc, cadmium, magnesium, germanium, boron, silicon and platinum that do not tarnish like copper and do not require frequent polishing.

Maintenance

Silver turns black when it reacts with sulfur in the air and in perspiration, according to Agalil.com, a jewelry website. Silver containing copper, a more reactive metal, will tarnish and dull. Buy a silver polish or silver cloth from a hardware store to clean it before heavy buildup.

References

• Blue Nile: Silver
• Agalil.com: 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry

Resources

• Handcrafted-jewelry.net: The Mettle of Metals