# What is 925 silver (sterling silver)

> 925 or sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper; its advantages, care and how it differs from pure silver.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/what-is-925-silver/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-08-28
- Updated: 2026-08-28
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/que-es-la-plata-925/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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925 silver is the most common silver in jewelry. The 925 means that out of every 1000 parts, 925 are pure silver.

## Composition

92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. Pure silver (999) is too soft for jewelry worn daily; the copper gives it hardness.

## Sterling, 925, sterling silver

These are all names for the same thing: 925 silver. In Spanish it is called plata de ley; in English, sterling silver.

## Does it tarnish?

Yes: the copper and the silver itself react with sulfur in the environment. It cleans easily; see the guide to [cleaning silver](https://www.711grados.com/en/how-to-clean-silver-jewelry/).

## Is it hypoallergenic?

For most people, yes. Some alloys can contain traces of nickel; if you are sensitive, buy silver guaranteed nickel-free.

## Gold-plated silver

“925 silver plated in gold” is sterling silver with a layer of gold (vermeil or plating). See [the guide to plating and vermeil](https://www.711grados.com/en/gold-plated-filled-vermeil-and-solid/).

## See also

- [Jewelry hallmarks and stamps: what 925, 750 or 585 mean](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-hallmarks-and-stamps/)
- [How to tell if silver is real](https://www.711grados.com/en/how-to-tell-if-silver-is-real/)
- [Silver](https://www.711grados.com/en/silver/)