Silver jewellery is one of the most-faked categories online. A piece can look bright and convincing in a photograph and turn out to be brass with a thin silver coating that wears through within weeks. The good news: genuine 925 sterling silver has properties you can check yourself.
What “925” actually means
925 sterling silver is an alloy of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals. Pure (999) silver is beautiful but too soft for jewellery: rings bend, prongs open and stones fall out. Adding a small proportion of a harder metal gives sterling silver the strength to hold delicate settings while keeping the look and value of silver.
If a seller can’t tell you the purity of their silver, that tells you something.
Seven tests you can do at home
1. Look for the stamp
Genuine sterling pieces are usually stamped 925, S925 or Sterling on the clasp, the inside of a ring band or the back of a pendant. A stamp is a good first sign, but on its own it isn’t proof, because stamps can be faked. Use it alongside the tests below.
2. The magnet test
Silver is not magnetic. Hold a strong magnet (a fridge magnet is often too weak) against the body of the piece. If it clings, the piece contains iron or steel and is not solid silver. Clasps and springs may contain steel, so test the main design.
3. The ice test
Silver conducts heat better than almost any other common metal. Place an ice cube on a flat silver piece: it will begin melting noticeably faster than on a steel or plastic surface beside it.
4. The cloth test
Rub an uncoated area with a soft white cloth. Real silver often leaves a faint grey-black mark as surface oxidation comes away. (Rhodium-finished silver may not mark, because the finish is designed to prevent tarnish.)
5. Smell
Sterling silver is practically odourless. A strong metallic or coppery smell, especially when the piece is warm, suggests brass or copper beneath plating.
6. Check the edges
Plating wears first on edges, clasps and the inside of rings. If you see yellow or reddish metal showing through, the piece is plated base metal.
7. Ask a jeweller
For high-value pieces, any jeweller can perform an acid test or an XRF analysis, which gives a precise reading of metal content in seconds without damaging the piece.
Silver-plated vs sterling silver
| 925 Sterling silver | Silver-plated | |
|---|---|---|
| Core metal | 92.5% silver throughout | Brass, copper or alloy |
| Magnetic? | No | Sometimes |
| Durability | Years, with care | Coating wears through |
| Can be polished and restored? | Yes | No: polishing removes the plating |
| Value | Precious metal | Costume jewellery |
One common source of confusion: rhodium-plated or gold-tone sterling silver is still sterling silver. The finish is applied over a solid 925 silver piece to add shine and tarnish resistance. That is very different from “silver-plated” jewellery, where the silver itself is only the thin outer coat.
How to buy with confidence
- Buy from brands that state the metal purity clearly on every product page.
- Check that the brand explains its finish: rhodium, gold-tone or oxidised.
- Look for a clear return policy, so you can return a piece that doesn’t meet your expectations.
- Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true for “pure silver”.
Every piece at Impressions925 is made in 925 sterling silver, finished in rhodium or gold tone, and covered by a 30-day return policy. Explore sterling silver necklaces, earrings and rings, or read our guide to caring for your silver.
Frequently asked questions
What does 925 mean on silver jewellery?
Does real 925 silver stick to a magnet?
Does real sterling silver tarnish?
Is 925 silver better than 999 silver for jewellery?
Written by the Impressions925 team · Updated 28 October 2026
