Silver 925

Sterling silver or 925 silver means that silver is an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. This alloy is commonly used in silver jewellery because it is more durable and less prone to scratching than pure silver.

Silver is mixed with other metals such as copper to create an alloy that is more durable and less prone to tarnishing than pure silver. The copper adds strength to the alloy and makes it more malleable. This makes it an excellent choice for jewellery making.

Silver can darken over time as it reacts with atmospheric acid and other chemicals. This reaction causes a yellowish or black layer on the surface of the silver, called silver tarnishing. Silver darkening is completely normal and does not affect the quality or value of silver. Darkened silver can be cleaned and polished to regain its original bright colour. This can be done by using special silver cleaners or by wiping the silver with a soft cloth moistened with lemon juice or dishwashing liquid. Silver can also be protected from atmospheric and other chemicals, for example by storing it in a box or silver bag, to reduce darkening.