925 silver is sterling silver — an alloy made of 92.5% pure silver. The small “925” hallmark on the inside of a piece of jewelry indicates precisely this fineness. In this guide, you will learn what 925 silver means, whether it is real silver, why we rhodium-plate it, and how to care for it.
What does 925 silver mean?
The number 925 is a fineness hallmark: 925 out of 1,000 parts are pure silver, or 92.5%. This alloy is called sterling silver. The remaining 7.5% usually consists of copper, which gives soft pure silver greater hardness and everyday durability. 925 silver is therefore the highest commonly used alloy for fine jewelry.
Is 925 silver real silver?
Yes — and it is high quality. With 92.5% pure silver, 925 silver is not silver-plated costume jewelry with a base-metal core, but solid precious metal. At Splendido Jewelry, every silver piece is built around a genuine precious-metal core, carefully selected and handpicked from European and Italian goldsmiths — never base-metal.
What does rhodium-plated mean?
Rhodium-plated means coated with an ultra-thin layer of rhodium. Rhodium belongs to the platinum group — the same precious metal that gives white gold its bright luster. This fine rhodium plating lies over the silver like a protective veil: it makes the surface brighter, harder, and more resistant to tarnishing. Rhodium-plated silver is also skin-friendly and well tolerated by sensitive skin.
The rhodium layer is very thin and gradually wears away over the years on frequently worn pieces — it can be refreshed at any time by a specialist. This allows your jewelry to shine beautifully for years without losing its clear brilliance. Every 925 silver piece from Splendido Jewelry is rhodium-plated.
Does 925 silver tarnish? Care & cleaning
Silver can tarnish over time because the copper content reacts with sulfur in the air. Rhodium plating significantly delays this — with a little care, your piece will stay beautiful for a long time:
- Store silver in a dry place and separately, ideally in a pouch or case.
- Remove it before exercising, bathing, and sleeping, and keep it away from perfume and cream.
- Polish it regularly with a soft cloth; if needed, use mild water and dry it gently.
- Avoid harsh products — they can damage the rhodium plating.
Wearing silver regularly often keeps it looking more beautiful than leaving it in a drawer for a long time — natural movement lightly polishes the surface.
925 silver or 585 gold?
Both are genuine precious metals — it is a question of character, not value. Rhodium-plated 925 silver stands for clear, versatile brilliance and an accessible entry into fine jewelry; 585 gold for warm, lasting value. Read the detailed comparison in 585 or 925 — which precious metal is right for you? or explore the subject of gold in our 585 gold guide.
Discover 925 silver
Discover our carefully selected pieces made of rhodium-plated 925 sterling silver — from silver necklaces and silver earrings to silver bracelets. Explore the full range in our silver jewelry collection. At Splendido Jewelry, you enjoy free shipping and returns, a 30-day right of return, and a 2-year statutory warranty.
Genuine silver, finely refined — a quiet radiance that accompanies you every day.
Splendido Jewelry
