How to check if silver is real 925

"925" means the metal is 92.5% pure silver, mixed with a little copper for strength. That's sterling silver, and it's what real silver jewellery is made of. Cheaper pieces are often brass or steel with a thin silver plating that wears off within months. Here's how to tell the difference without a lab.

1. Look for the 925 stamp

Real sterling pieces are usually stamped "925" near the clasp or on the inside of a ring. In India, also look for the BIS hallmark logo with the fineness mark. A stamp alone isn't proof, because fakes can be stamped too, but no stamp at all is a warning sign.

2. The magnet test

Silver isn't magnetic. Hold a strong magnet (a fridge magnet is often too weak) next to the piece. If it jumps to the magnet, it isn't solid silver. If it doesn't, keep testing, since brass isn't magnetic either.

3. The ice test

Silver conducts heat better than almost any metal. Place an ice cube on the flat part of the piece: on real silver it starts melting almost immediately, much faster than on steel or brass.

4. The cloth test

Rub the piece firmly with a soft white cloth. Real silver often leaves faint black marks, which is tarnish coming off. Plated pieces rarely do.

5. Check worn edges

Look at the clasp and the edges of links, where pieces rub most. If you see a yellow or reddish metal showing through, it's plated.

6. Ask for the purity certificate

A trustworthy seller tells you the purity and the weight in grams, and gives you a purity certificate with your order. If a seller won't tell you the weight or purity, that's a red flag.

The bottom line

Real 925 silver isn't magnetic, melts ice fast, may leave a little tarnish on a cloth, and never shows a different metal underneath. Every KROMLITH piece is solid 925 silver, stamped 925. Ask us and we'll confirm the weight of your piece.