Reading a silver hallmark: what “925” really means

If you look closely at fine silver jewellery, you'll often find a small stamp: 925. It's easy to miss, but it tells you something important about what you're wearing.

925 = sterling = 92.5% pure

The number is simply the purity, in parts per thousand. 925 means 92.5% pure silver, blended with a touch of another metal (usually copper) for strength. This is "sterling silver" — the long-trusted standard for jewellery that needs to last.

Why not 100% pure? Because pure silver is so soft it would bend, scratch and lose its shape with everyday wear. The small alloy is what makes a piece both beautiful and durable.

Hallmarks in India

In India, genuine silver is verified through BIS hallmarking. A hallmark is a set of tiny marks that together certify purity. When you buy, it's worth checking for that assurance — it's your guarantee that 925 really means 925.

Gentle on the skin

There's a happy side-effect of genuine sterling: it is hypoallergenic for most people. Skin reactions to jewellery are usually caused by nickel, which good sterling silver does not rely on. That's why well-made silver can be worn close to the skin, every day, by almost everyone.

A hallmark is a small thing to look for — and a big part of buying with confidence.