How to Know Purity of Silver Jewellery & Certifications

925 Sterling Silver Explained: Purity, Hallmarking & Certification Guide

Silver jewellery is admired for its elegance, affordability, and timeless appeal. But when it comes to fine or bridal silver jewellery, purity, hallmarking, and certification become just as important as with gold or diamonds.

At Zewarsthan, we believe that customers deserve clarity and trust before they invest in jewellery. Here’s a professional guide to help you understand purity levels, grading standards, and certification marks for silver jewellery in India and abroad.

Silver Jewelry Purity, Hallmarking & Certifications

1️⃣ Purity of Silver Jewellery

Pure silver (99.9%) is too soft for daily wear, which is why it’s alloyed with copper or other metals to increase durability.

Common Purity Standards in Jewellery:

Silver Purity ➞ Composition ➞ Marking ➞ Common Name

• 99.9% ➞ 999 parts silver + trace ➞ 999 ➞ Fine Silver
• 92.5% ➞ 925 silver + 75 copper ➞ 925 ➞ Sterling Silver (Jewellery Standard)
• 90% ➞ 900 parts silver ➞ 900 ➞ Coin Silver
• 80–85% ➞ Alloyed silver ➞ 800–850 ➞ Antique/Utensil Silver

✅ Sterling Silver (92.5%) is the global standard for jewellery, combining strength, beauty, and long-lasting shine.

2️⃣ Grading of Silver Jewellery

Unlike diamonds, silver is not graded by brilliance or clarity. Instead, quality depends on two main factors:

• Purity (fineness mark or hallmark)

• Craftsmanship (handmade vs. machine-made)

Other factors that affect value:

• Design complexity
• Stone settings
• Silver weight

👉 Always check for the 925 stamp or hallmark as a sign of purity.

3️⃣ Certification of Silver Jewellery

Silver certification varies between countries, but in India and globally, there are trusted systems to identify authentic 925 silver.

🇮🇳 In India – BIS Hallmarking for Silver:

The BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) offers voluntary hallmarking.

A genuine hallmark includes:

• BIS logo
• Fineness number (e.g., 925, 958)
• Assay/hallmarking centre mark
• Jeweller’s code

⚠️ Unlike gold, hallmarking for silver is not yet mandatory — but responsible brands like Zewarsthan use it for customer trust.

🌍 International Standards:

• UK: Silver certified by Assay Offices, with 925 stamp + maker’s mark.

• USA: FTC requires 925 + responsibility mark (manufacturer’s name/symbol).

• EU Nations: Recognize sterling silver as 925 standard.

 

🛡️ Why Silver Jewellery Certification Matters

Benefit ➞ Why It’s Important

✔️ Purity Assurance ➞ Confirms it’s real silver, not plated or fake
✔️ Trust Factor ➞ Builds credibility in online and offline sales
✔️ Resale Value ➞ Hallmarked silver holds better long-term value
✔️ Transparency ➞ Professional trade practices inspire buyer confidence

💬 Zewarsthan Promise

“All our silver jewellery is crafted in 92.5 Sterling Silver. Wherever possible, we add BIS hallmarking for authenticity. Every piece is a reflection of purity, heritage, and fine craftsmanship.”

📌 Key Takeaways From This Post:

• Sterling silver jewellery 925
• How to check purity of silver jewellery
• BIS hallmarking for silver in India
• Silver jewellery certification guide
• Difference between pure silver and sterling silver

❓ FAQs on Silver Jewellery Purity & Certification

What is 925 sterling silver in jewellery?

925 sterling silver means the metal is made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy (usually copper), giving strength and shine.

How can I check if silver jewellery is real?

Look for the 925 stamp or BIS hallmark. Avoid jewellery without markings, as it may be plated or fake.

Is BIS hallmarking mandatory for silver in India?

Currently, BIS hallmarking is voluntary, but it’s the best way to ensure authenticity and purity.

What’s the difference between pure silver and sterling silver?

Pure silver (99.9%) is too soft for wear, while sterling silver (92.5%) is alloyed for durability, making it the preferred choice for jewellery.

Why does silver jewellery tarnish?

Silver reacts with air and moisture, forming tarnish. This is normal and can be cleaned easily with silver polish or professional cleaning.