What is Silver? All About 925 Sterling Silver Jewelry
What is silver?
Silver is a chemical element (symbol: Ag, atomic number 47) and one of the oldest and most valued precious metals in the world. It is a soft, shiny, grayish-white metal found in the Earth's crust in its pure form or in ores. Silver is resistant to oxidation and corrosion — it does not rust and retains its luster — making it ideal for jewelry, cutlery, and industrial applications. In the world of jewelry, silver has been one of the most popular materials for centuries due to its timeless appearance and affordability. Check out our silver necklaces and silver earrings for our complete silver assortment.
What is 925 sterling silver?
When you buy silver jewelry, you often come across the term 925 silver or sterling silver. This means that the piece of jewelry consists of 92.5% pure silver — hence the name "925". The remaining 7.5% is usually copper. This alloy makes the silver harder and more durable than pure silver (99.9%), which is ideal for jewelry worn daily. The 925 stamp is a quality mark that guarantees the jewelry meets the international silver standard.
Silver and allergies
Pure 925 sterling silver is nickel-free and suitable for most people with sensitive skin. Allergic reactions to silver are rare — they are usually caused by the other metal in the alloy (such as nickel in cheaper alloys) and not by the silver itself. Always choose certified 925 sterling silver to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction. Read more on our nickel allergy explanation page.
Maintenance of silver jewelry
Silver can tarnish (oxidize) with prolonged contact with air, moisture, and chemicals. Clean regularly with a soft cloth to remove tarnish. Take off silver jewelry before showering, swimming, and exercising. Avoid contact with perfume, chlorine, and cleaning agents. Store in an airtight bag or jewelry box to slow down oxidation.
Frequently asked questions about silver
- What is the difference between 925 silver and pure silver?
- Pure silver (999) is too soft for daily use as jewelry. 925 sterling silver contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, which makes it harder and more durable. Almost all silver jewelry is made from 925 sterling silver.
- How do I recognize real 925 silver?
- Real 925 silver has a stamp with “925”, “STERLING” or “STG”. This stamp is often found on the clasp of a necklace, the back of an earring, or the inside of a ring. At Aramat Jewels, all silver jewelry is certified 925 sterling silver.
- Can I shower with silver jewelry?
- It's best not to. Prolonged contact with water, soap, and shampoo can tarnish silver and reduce its shine. Take off silver jewelry before showering and store it dry.
- How do I remove tarnish from silver jewelry?
- Gently rub with a soft silver polishing cloth or a cloth with a drop of dish soap. Rinse with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly. For stubborn tarnish, you can use a silver polishing paste. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface.
- Is 925 silver suitable for nickel allergy?
- Yes. 925 sterling silver contains no nickel and is suitable for most people with a nickel allergy. Always check that the jewelry is certified 925 and not a cheap alloy containing nickel.