Everything You Should Know About 925 Silver

From ancient coins to modern jewelry, silver holds a special place in our hearts. You may have seen the term “925 silver” when buying a ring or necklace. 925 silver is pure silver? Will my silver ring turn green? What are the advantages over other metals? In this blog, we'll delve deeper into the world of 925 silver, exploring its properties, pricing, authentication methods, and care tips - perfect for anyone looking to buy a piece of fine jewelry from Luo Jewelry.

What is 925 Silver? 

925 silver, commonly known as standard silver, is an alloy consisting of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals (Mostly copper). However, the 7.5% metal may also contain nickel, so people who are allergic to nickel are better off buying jewelry made of platinum and pure gold.

Why is standard silver not 100% silver?

Because pure silver with a purity of up to 99.9% is too soft and not suitable for making jewelry, and it is also easy to cause jewelry to deform, while copper can increase its hardness and make jewelry more durable.

It is also shown in Wikipedia that the ductility of pure silver makes it easy to bend and scratch, and it is not suitable for making daily wear items such as rings or bracelets. Therefore, in order to enhance its durability, jewelers will alloy it with stronger metals such as copper to make a strong and beautiful material we call 925 silver. 

Properties of 925 Silver

• Luster: 925 silver has a bright, reflective luster. In order to make it last longer, usually the surface of silver will be plated with a layer of rhodium; white gold will also be plated with a layer of rhodium. So most 925 silver jewelry is no different in appearance from white gold. Hypoallergenic: It is usually safe for most people, but those who are sensitive to copper should use it with caution.
• Oxidizing: Unlike sterling silver, 925 silver tends to lose its luster due to its copper content and oxidizes more easily, especially in humid environments. In addition to the silver itself oxidizing and turning black, the approximately 7.5% copper it contains will also tarnish.
• Hardness: The Silver's Mohs hardness is 2.5-3, and it is a relatively soft metal, so When silver jewelry dropped to the ground, or bumped into hard objects will be easy to deform, this is a normal thing. Therefor, we should pay attention to not bumping when wearing. 

Does silver turn green? 

A common question about silver jewelry is does it turn green or tarnish.

Let's clarify: 925 silver does not rust. Rust is a form of corrosion specific to iron, which silver does not contain.

However, 925 silver will oxidize over time. Oxidation occurs when the copper in the alloy reacts with oxygen, sulfur or moisture in the air, causing the silver to lose its luster. Copper that oxidizes creates a patina - usually black or gray. So standard silver doesn't usually turn green, only oxidized black, but it can't be ruled out that there is a possibility that your finger could turn green due to 7.5% copper oxidation.

If your ring turns green, more green than gray or black, it's probably not real 925 silver. Cheap jewelry made from base metals coated with a thin layer of silver can react with skin oils and sweat, leaving a green residue.

A reputable brand like Luo Jewelry that sells genuine 925 silver jewelry would typically not have such issues.

Factors that accelerate oxidation

• Humidity: The more humid the environment, the faster it oxidizes. Coastal areas or humid bathrooms can accelerate the tarnishing of silver jewelry. So try to take your ring off when you are showering or doing household chores such as laundry and dishes.
• Seawater: Saltwater is particularly corrosive and can accelerate the reaction of silver jewelry with copper.
• Body chemistry: Sweat and the PH of your skin can affect how quickly silver jewelry loses its luster after being worn.

How to recognize the authenticity of 925 silver?

With the proliferation of counterfeit jewelry, it is important to know how to identify real 925 silver jewelry.

Here are some reliable methods:

1. The word "925": Authentic standard silver jewelry will be engraved with the words "925", "Sterling" or "S925".Look carefully at your ring or necklace. It is usually on the inside of the ring. All 925 sterling silver rings from Luo Jewelry have this mark.
2. Magnetic test: Silver is not magnetic. If you use a magnet to test, silver will not be attracted to the magnet. If it does, it means it is not 925 silver.
3. Thermal conductivity test: Silver has excellent thermal conductivity. Put your ring on ice; if the ice part touches the silver, it will melt faster than the part that does not touch it. If you also have a silver ring, you can try this method.

How Much Does 925 Silver Cost?

The cost of 925 silver fluctuates based on the global silver market, craftsmanship, and additional elements like gemstones. As of April 2025, silver prices hover around $30–$35 per troy ounce. Since 925 silver is 92.5% pure, its base material cost is slightly less than pure silver, but labor and design significantly influence the final price.

For example:

• A simple 925 silver ring from Luo Jewelry might range from $ 70-$80. The price of a standard ring is also usually related to the width of the ring band.Because the more silver there is, the more expensive the jewelry is.
• A piece of gemstone-encrusted jewelry can run up to $100 or more because the stones are real and of high quality, and the designs reflect the artistry involved.
• Compared to gold or platinum, 925 silver remains an affordable luxury, offering precious metal appeal without breaking the bank.

925 Silver vs. Stainless Steel vs. Pure Silver

To appreciate 925 silver’s unique qualities, let’s compare it to stainless steel and pure silver in a detailed table:

• 925 Silver: Hypoallergenic, light, perfect for creating elegant, lightweight jewelry.
• Stainless Steel: Great for creating durable, easy-to-maintain jewelry.

What are the advantages of 925 silver over platinum and white gold?

1. Affordability: Most obviously, white gold and platinum are significantly more expensive, making 925 silver an affordable alternative with similar luster.
2. Versatility: 925 silver has good ductility and can create very intricate designs. Unlike platinum, which is denser, or stainless steel, which is harder, it is more difficult to create intricate designs.
3. Value retention: Unlike stainless steel, silver as a precious metal, 925 silver retains its value.

While platinum has excellent durability and resistance to rust and corrosion and high value retention, 925 silver combines beauty, practicality, and affordability. Each has its own advantages.

How to Maintain and Clean 925 Silver Rings

Maintenance Tips

1. Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place. It is best to place unused rings in a small, sealed bag in a jewelry box.
2. Avoid exposure to the sun: Remove your ring before swimming, bathing, or applying lotion - these will accelerate the rust of silver jewelry.
3. Wear regularly: It is worth noting that wearing silver jewelry can also slow down the oxidation of silver jewelry as a heatstroke prevention method because the skin oil will form a protective film.

Cleaning oxidized silver jewelry

1. Silver polishing cloth: Gently wipe with a special silver polishing cloth to restore the luster - this method is suitable for slightly oxidized silver jewelry, simple and effective.
2. Soap and water: For minor rust, you can also use mild soap, warm water and a soft brush, and then wipe thoroughly.
3. Baking soda paste: Mix baking soda and water into a paste, apply with a soft cloth, rinse, and wipe dry. This method can remove stubborn rust without using harsh chemicals.

Know more about cleaning and care silver ring

Why choose Luo Jewelry's 925 silver rings?

Here are some highlights:

• Purely handmade: From drawing to production to finished products, Luo Jewelry's rings are handmade by skilled professionals, so they can also customize your rings and help engrave your desired words on the rings.
• Gemstone embellishment rings: Combine the luster of 925 silver with dazzling gemstones to create a bright color.
• Gemstones: Gemstones are carefully selected, high-quality awesome gemstones.
• Price: Compared with luxury brands, Luo Jewelry's prices are very reasonable and affordable, but the quality is as high as that of luxury brand rings.

Conclusion 

925 silver is the preeminent material in the jewelry world, combining the allure of precious metals with practical durability. It’s not pure silver, but the hardness of its alloys makes it ideal for rings, necklaces, and more. While it may oxidize in humid environments, it can be restored to its brilliance with care.

Explore Luo Jewelry’s exquisite jewelry and find your perfect match—because style doesn’t have to mean high prices.