925 silver is sterling silver - an alloy made of 92.5% pure fine 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 genuine 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 fine silver, or 92.5%. This alloy is known as sterling silver. The remaining 7.5% usually consists of copper, which gives soft fine 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% fine silver, 925 silver is not silver-plated costume jewelry with a base-metal core, but solid precious metal. At Splendido Jewelry, every silver piece has a genuine precious-metal core, carefully selected and hand-picked 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 shine. This fine rhodium plating rests like a protective veil over the silver: 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 - a professional jeweler can refresh it at any time. This allows your jewelry to keep its radiance without losing its clear brilliance. At Splendido Jewelry, every 925 silver piece 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; when needed, use mild water and dry gently.
- Avoid harsh products - they can damage the rhodium plating.
Regular wear often keeps silver 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 - a question of character, not value. Rhodium-plated 925 silver stands for clear, versatile radiance and an appealing introduction to fine jewelry; 585 gold for warm, enduring value. Read the detailed comparison in 585 or 925 - which precious metal accompanies you? or explore the subject of gold in greater depth 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. You can find an overview in our silver jewelry collection. At Splendido Jewelry, you enjoy free shipping and returns, a 30-day return policy, and a 2-year statutory warranty.
Genuine silver, finely finished - a quiet radiance that accompanies you every day.
Splendido Jewelry
