What does 925 mean on Silver Earrings
925 on silver earrings means that it is made of 925 sterling silver. This silver alloy contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper by weight. It is the most commonly used silver alloy in jewelry.
In this article, we’ll explain what does 925 mean on silver earrings, is it good, and should you buy it?
Other Hallmarks of Sterling Silver
925 sterling silver can also have other hallmarks as well. It can include “ster 925“, “s 925” or “s 92.5“. The hallmarks are generally on the backside of the jewelry. But it can be on different places for different jewelry items. For example, a ring can have it on the inner side and a necklace can have it on the clasp. It is better to check all of the jewelry from outside and inside for a better look.
Properties of 925 Sterling Silver
925 sterling silver has these properties.
Lustrous Appearance
925 sterling silver is a lustrous metal giving somewhat white look. It is more whiter than white gold. Silver makes it shine in outdoor environment. Note that sterling silver’s look is not that much white of platinum or rhodium.
Affordable
Sterling silver is quite affordable compared to other options like gold, platinum and rhodium etc. If you are on a low budget, silver can be a good choice. You can easily get a normal sized female silver ring without a stone for around $30. As silver’s weight increases, price goes up. Normally you can expect it to in the range of $10 to $15 per gram of ready-made silver jewelry item.
Tarnishing
Silver can tarnish. It means that it will form a blackish duller layer with regular usage. This tarnishing layer is removable and can be removed by using tarnish removal chemicals. But it adds on to the total cost and regular periodic cleaning of the jewelry item.
If you can spend $20 to $30 on tarnishing removing chemicals and don’t have any problem with cleaning your silver jewelry at least once a month, then tarnishing will not be a big problem for you.
Non-Hypoallergenic
925 sterling silver can be non-hypoallergenic at times. It means that people with sensitive skin can have allergic reactions by wearing it. This happens when metal reacts with skin. Cosmetic items like lotion and perfume can fasten this process. Reactions like skin turning black for some time or even blisters can also happen.
If you have sensitive skin, you must avoid sterling silver at all costs. But if you don’t have sensitive skin, it will not be a problem.
Highly Customizable
925 sterling silver is highly customizable and a lot of designs can be found both online and offline. Almost every big jeweler deals with silver jewelry. This allows buyers to have a lot of different variety of designs and jewelry pieces to choose from. Buyers can also have name necklaces where their names jewelry items can be turned into their name alphabets.
Will 925 Sterling Silver Tarnish?
Yes, 925 sterling silver will tarnish. If you wear your jewelry on regular basis, and it comes in contact with water often, it can tarnish in about 3 to 4 months. This time can vary depending on how well or bad a person takes care of their jewelry. Environmental factors like coastal areas can also play a role.
How to Save 925 Sterling Silver from Tarnishing
There are certain methods by which you can save sterling silver from tarnishing.
- Avoid contact with water.
- Avoid using cosmetic items directly on silver jewelry. It can include applying lotion or directly puffing perfume on jewelry.
- Use air tight plastic jewelry storage boxes. Make sure it has different compartments for different jewelry items to avoid friction.
- Avoid going into humid environment. For example, don’t wear silver jewelry when going to coastal areas or rainy days.
- Place your jewelry in storage box after use.
- Use anti-tarnishing bags in the jewelry box.
How Often Do you have to Clean Silver Jewelry
You can expect to clean your silver jewelry at least once a month in case you wear it regularly. If you don’t then you can reduce the frequency as you start to see any dirt or tarnishing. You can buy cleaning or tarnishing removing chemicals from your nearest jewelry store or hardware store.
Can Water Damage Sterling Silver?
Yes, water will damage sterling silver. It can quickly react with water to develop tarnishing. It is better to avoid wearing sterling silver jewelry when doing tasks which involve water like swimming, washing and showering etc. Regular water damage can impact the shine and white appearance of the metal. So, it is better to avoid water at all costs.
Can Sterling Silver Corrode?
No, sterling silver does not corrode. It can only tarnish. Only those metals can corrode which contain iron.
Should You Buy 925 Sterling Silver
925 sterling silver is a good option to have. It is affordable and comes with a bright lustrous look. It is also highly customizable and you can expect to have a lot of different variety of designs. But at the same time, it can tarnish and can be non-hypoallergenic.
So, if you don’t have any sensitive skin and can spend money on tarnishing removing chemicals given that you like all of the other features, then you should buy it. But if you have a sensitive skin and don’t want to spend extra money and time on cleaning purpose, then avoid it.