Understanding 925 Gold: Purity, Karat Equivalent & Durability

The hallmark "925" on jewelry indicates the metal's fineness—parts per thousand of pure precious metal.

Critical Clarification

• 925 = 92.5% pure silver = Sterling Silver.
• It does NOT mean 22-karat gold. 22K gold = 91.6% gold (916/917 hallmark).
• Gold jewelry marked "925" is typically silver plated with gold (vermeil or gold-filled), not solid gold.

Composition

• 92.5% fine silver.
• 7.5% alloy (usually copper) for hardness and durability.

Why Sterling Silver?

• Pure silver (99.9%) is too soft for durable jewelry.
• Copper alloy increases scratch resistance while retaining luster.
• Tarnish occurs (silver sulfide formation); mitigated by rhodium plating or anti-tarnish coatings.

Related Hallmarks

• 999 – Fine silver (99.9%).
• 916 / 917 – 22K gold (91.6%).
• 750 – 18K gold (75%).
• 585 – 14K gold (58.5%).
• 375 – 9K gold (37.5%).

Always verify the metal type; "925" alone confirms silver content, not gold.