Many wonder. What does a 925 mark mean when stamped on jewelry?
Like many jewelry markings, the 925 stamp is something which those outside of jeweler circles may find mystifying.
While the answer is simple, the history behind it is much more fascinating.
If you’re curious, then read on. We will answer the question – what does a 925 mark mean when stamped on jewelry? Then we’ll give you a breakdown of the history behind the 925 hallmark.
So, what does a 925 mark mean when stamped on jewelry?
The 925 stamp indicates that thepiece of jewelryyou’re holding has been created with sterling silver.
Sterling silver is an alloy that is made of 92.5% actual silver, with the rest of the metal made up of base metals like copper.
The reason behind this alloy is that it’s much harder than the 99.9% required for “fine” silver, which makes it better for practical objects. Jewelry can also benefit, particularly rings and bracelets which are more often exposed to getting dented or scratched than pendants or earrings.
The vast majority of sterling silver contains copper as the alloying material. That said, there areplenty of other additivesthat see use but still meet the sterling standard.
Still, in the bulk of cases, the 925 stamp indicates what you’re holding is 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper by weight. In order for a silver to be classified as sterling silver, it must meet at least a 92.5 purity, AKA 925. So, as you can see: 925 silver is the same thing as sterling silver.
Sterling silver allows for easy working, while still maintaining the majority of white shine that typifies the precious metal.
What Do Other Stamps Mean?
For the most part, it’s relatively easy to figure out the meaning of a mark.
While many of the European nations have their own stamps, numbers are becoming more common to indicate purity in the interest of international trade.
Usually, you can simply add a decimal beforehand in order to figure out what the numbered stamp means. A 999 stamp would, for instance, indicate that the metal was fine silver instead of sterling.
CHART 1: What does a 925 mark mean when stamped on jewelry? This chart shows common marks for Silver, Gold, Platinum and Palladium. Markings may differ, depending on which country the jewellery originates from. For example in the USA gold is typically stamped 10K (or 10kt), 14K, 18K or 22K. Gold plated jewelry is commonly stamped GP, GEP, RGP, HGE, or HGP. Silver may also be stamped STER, STR, SS or Sterling.
International standards on silver vary bya lotand many pieces are sold unmarked.
It’s a good idea to make sure that you know what you’re buying as silver from some areas isnotoriously impure. German silver, for instance, is only 80% silver. Egyptian silver, perhaps the most notable example of near-fraud, is only required to be 60% silver.
Sometimes jewelry makers will seek to get around standards by not stamping metals in countries where it’s not required and will only indicate the origin of the metal instead of the actual purity.
Beware of silver jewelry that is not stamped! The absence of a unattested fineness mark means the metals are not identified. Frequently such product takes a cheap base metal and plates it with a thin layer of silver.
Luxuria Diamonds
The quickest way to identify sterling silver is to look for a mark or stamp, called the “fineness mark.” The fineness of a precious metal object (like silver) represents the weight of fine metal therein. Certified sterling silver will be stamped or marked with the word “sterling” or “925.”
You may often come across alternative hallmarks such as “STG” “SS” or “STER”. Though rarer these if probably used are also authentic notations of sterling silver. Furthermore older British jewelry from the mid 19th century to the mid 1970’s may have a forward facing Lion Passat standard mark. This also represents silver. See the above chart.
As a consumer, it’s your job to make sure that you’re getting what you pay for. The precious metal trade is rife with fraud to this day, but a savvy customer can get along without getting ripped off in the meantime.
925 Silver Testing
If there are no silver stamps on the jewelry then this may indicate the jewelry is plated. It may be best to have such a piece tested.
Jewelers do such tests by applying acid to a very small piece of material taken from the jewelry. Silver is a precious metal and its authenticity should be verified.
A Nitric Acid Test is typically used to check if silver is pure or plated. To do so, jewellers file a small part of the item in a discreet area where it cannot be seen. Jeweller then apply a few drops of nitric acid. If the area turns into creamy white, the silver is pure or sterling. If green, it is probably fake or silver-plated.
TheHistory of Stamping Metals
Stamps have existed since ancient times as a way to show the purity of precious metals. In many ways, these were actually among the first forms of consumer protection.
In Europe, the tradition of hallmarking stems from the simple fact that frauds have always been rampant anywhere that money can be made. The assaying process assured consumers that they were getting what they paid for and not a similarly colored metal.
The British had averyintricate method of stamping their metals. These include a stamp from the assay office, with different offices in different towns having their own stamps, a date mark, and the assayer’s mark indicating purity. Added to this was the maker’s own stamp.
The system used in England haschanged over timeand the assay office town stamp is no longer necessarily an indicator that the town in question was actually where the item was assayed.
While not entirely standard, the early United States didn’t adopt their own standards until the 1860s. Before this, the vast majority of silver was obtained by melting coinage and there were no formal assay offices. Instead, pieces were marked with “COIN” or “PURE COIN” to indicate the origins of the silver.
When was the 925 mark first used in the US?
The US adopted the sterling standard in the 1860s. Unlike the intricate marks used in Europe the majority of items that met the sterling standard were simply marked “STERLING”.
By far the vast majority of qualifying items made in the US between 1860 and 1970, especially items made before 1940 are marked “STERLING” or “STERLING SILVER”. Many vintage marks, but far from all, include the name of the manufacturer. It is very rare to find the 925 mark used on silver rings or other jewelry during that period.
As a general rule virtually all US jewelry and most international jewelry marked 925 is modern.
In 1973, the European Community (EC) agreed to recognize 925/1000 as the official sterling silver standard and 925 as the official standard mark.
When was the 925 mark first used in the USA? The answer is that the 925 standard mark became the international convention in millesimal expression (i.e. 925/1000) in 1976 when it was jointly agreed to by Europe, England and the United States. In practise common use of the 925 mark started in the US in the 1970’s.
PHOTO 1 : A modern 925 ring with 925 standard mark stamp seen on upper right of the inside band. LUX is the makers mark or sponsors mark for Luxuria of New Zealand. The 925 standard mark became the international convention in millesimal expression (i.e. 925/1000) in 1976 when it was jointly agreed to by Europe, England and the United States. [SOURCE: Luxuria Diamonds]
Which countries have a Hallmark System?
A hallmark is an official mark or series of marks struck on items made of metal. The purpose is to certify the content of precious metal. Precious metals include platinum, gold, silver and in some nations, palladium.
Many countries, including the U.S., do not have an official hallmarking system. Further, hallmarks of one country can vary dramatically from another.
In many places, especially Europe, it’s required that a maker register their mark at a hallmarking or assaying office so it can be tracked.
In most European countries, including France and Great Britain, an item is not legal for sale without a hallmark. Germany doesn’t have hallmarking, but it’s the exception.
A few countries, like Austria and Norway, have optional hallmarking. Italy doesn’t require hallmarking but it has better registration of the maker, a specific number, so what you see as an Italian mark was placed there by the maker. It’s a little more formal than any other maker’s voluntary marking.
What do other Symbols stamped on a 925 ring mean?
In addition to raising the question of what does a 925 mark mean when stamped on jewelry – we are often asked about other 925 ring stamps? What do other symbols stamped on jewelry mean?
Other than the 925 jewelry stamp the other key stamp is the makers mark. The makers mark is the stamp representing the jeweller, manufacturer or brand which made the ring.
The makers mark is a unique stamp placed on jewelry to identify who made it. The mark sometimes referred to as the sponsors mark also ensures the authenticity of the manufacturer.
PHOTO 2: What do other symbols stamped on jewelry mean? Some examples of makers marks. From upper left clockwise. GDJ inside a diamond symbol represents Grieve Diamond Jewellers of Hastings, NZ. The circled R represents Regal Castings Ltd of Auckland, NZ. The circle with a hat symbol represented A.J. Sweeney jewellery, now owned by James Pascoe Ltd of NZ. The joined MB capitals represent Mark Beckett Diamonds of Auckland, New Zealand [Source: JWNZ]
Makers marks or stamps are typically made up of the manufacturers initials, often two or three letters. However they can also be a logo, brand name or some other unique representative symbol. Identifying this mark is very important and a key step in determining provenance and value.
Do you have a 925 ring or jewelry stamp you can’t identify?
In our comments section below we have answered lots of questions on various 925 ring stamps.
Examples include 925 NVC 7, 925 STE◇BEE, DA925, EDE 925, SO 925, 925AM, GP925, 925A, AE 925, 925 LA, A 925, SK 925, BY 925, IBB 925 INDO, 925 BEE, 9K 925 PT, ae 925, JL S925, N 925 CN, DI 925, 925 LA CN, bee 375, EA 925, 925 M inside a diamond, SAI © 925, MA 925, 925 1GZM JO, 925 CN D inside a square, S925, 925 © SX, SX 925, 925 R CHINA, R crescent moon 925 ©, 925 JS, 925 C^A, 925 GD, 925 ( • ), 925 A⅃ ©, 925 14k A/ ©, 925 pd in heart, iLu 925, FC 925, 925 F in star, 925 infinity symbol and more jewelry marks.
Read our comments section below.
PHOTO 3: Various common U.S. 925 makers marks. From top left clockwise; jewelry signed NVC belongs to a manufacturer who was commissioned by AVON Products Inc. of New York. Jewelry signed IBB is made for the International Bullion and Metal Brokers (USA) Inc., of Florida. Jewelry signed ae 925 or aeo was made for American Eagle of New Mexico. See our comments section below for more details on these and other 925 makers marks.
We also have a page we are building on contemporary makers marks. We find Hallmark directories and guides are useful for antique jewelry. However Maker’s marks aren’t nearly as well documented as hallmarks.
Jewelry Markers Marks Database
Jewelry Markers Marks Database
Is 925 Mark Silver a Good Choice for Rings?
Absolutely. Sterling silver is one of the best materials around when it comes to ring construction. It has a traditional precious metal feel while remaining hard enough that you won’t have to worry about damaging it in normal use.
Sterling silver is still a standard in jewelry, few pieces are ever made with fine silver since it’s so soft. Those that are made of fine silver are generally fine pieces made as pendants or earrings.
It’s long-lasting, tarnish-resistant, and easily cleaned in the event that it does antique. There’s a reason the sterling standard exists: except for purity it’s superior in almost every way to fine silver.
Looking for a 925 ring or a Cheap Engagement Ring?
Now that you know the 925 stamp’s origin and what it means for the metal involved you likely feel a bit more confident in your ability to select silver.
Many people are opting for sterling silver as the base metal of rings these days. 925 rings for example are hard, long-lasting, and cost much less than gold rings. In recent years affordable engagement rings have become increasingly sought after. These inexpensive engagement rings still use precious metals like 925 silver but frequently use diamond alternatives.
In any case we hope we’ve answered the question, what does a 925 mark mean when stamped on jewelry? Armed with this information only one question remains: how do you choose the right sterling silver ring for yourself or your beloved?
Well, it might be easier than you think. Why not take a lookat our guide today?
Want to learn more?
Sales of sterling silver engagement rings with cubic zirconia stones (sometimes referred to as temporary or placeholder rings) have skyrocketed in recent years as more prospective grooms seek to eliminate the risk of buying the wrong natural diamond gemstone ring. Read more about silver with fake diamond rings
Here is five reasons why silver engagement rings are on trend for 2021 and beyond.
Upon noticing a green tint to their finger some readers ask, does 925 silver turn your finger green? Read the linked article to find out!
We also welcome any comments you have on the topic of what does a 925 mark mean when stamped on jewelry ? Do you have jewerly marked 925 with other marks you don’t recognise? Please use the comments section below.
925 Jewelry Markers Marks Database
925 Jewelry Markers Marks Database
