950 Silver vs 925 Sterling Silver: why premium purity matters in jewellery
Every piece of silver jewellery has a story to tell. From when it is created to the years it spends on the wearer, silver has a legacy of craftsmanship and beauty. But not all silver is the same—some pieces shine brighter, some last longer, and some hold a level of purity that sets them apart. This is where the difference between 950 and 925 silver comes in,
While sterling silver (925) has long been the industry standard, 950 silver is gaining recognition for its superior quality and unique properties. Let's explore what makes 950 silver special and why it might be the right choice for your next jewellery purchase.
What Does 950 Silver Mean?
950 silver is an alloy composed of 95% pure silver and 5% other metals, typically copper. This high silver content gives 950 silver its distinctive characteristics:
- Enhanced Purity: With 95% pure silver, 950 silver offers a higher level of purity compared to sterling silver. This added purity also makes it slightly softer.
- Brighter Sheen: The increased silver content results in a more brilliant shine and a whiter appearance.
- Reduced Tarnishing: 950 silver is less prone to tarnishing due to its higher silver content.
Because of its malleability, 950 silver is often used to create sculptural jewellery—delicate, intricate designs that require extra flexibility in the metal. If you’re drawn to artistic, handcrafted pieces, 950 silver is the perfect fit for you.
What is Sterling (925) Silver?
In contrast, sterling silver, also known as 925 silver, contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper.
950 Silver vs. 925 Sterling Silver: A Comparison
When choosing between 950 and 925 silver, consider these factors:
- Purity: 950 silver is better in terms of purity, containing 2.5% more pure silver than sterling silver.
- Appearance: 950 silver offers a brighter, more shiny look due to its higher silver content.
- Price: 950 silver is typically more expensive due to its higher silver content.
- Tarnish Resistance: 950 silver tarnishes less quickly than sterling silver.
What is a 950 Silver Hallmark?
If you've ever examined your favourite silver jewellery closely, you might have noticed a tiny mark—950 or 925—stamped into the metal. These numbers indicate your jewellery’s purity. Silver, in its purest form, is too soft to be shaped into durable jewellery, so artisans blend it with other metals like copper to create pieces that last. The number you see on your jewellery tells you how much pure silver is in the mix.
The closer the number is to 1000, the purer the silver. But 1000 silver doesn’t exist in jewellery-making because it would be too soft to hold its shape. That’s why silversmiths use 950 and 925 silver—two of the finest and most popular silver alloys.
No matter which silver you choose, always look for the hallmark stamp to ensure authenticity. The mark is a silent promise from the craftsman—proof that your jewellery is made with high-quality silver that will last for years.
Why Choose 950 Silver Jewellery?
At the end of the day, our silver jewellery is more than just metal; it’s a piece of history, an extension of your personal style, and a reflection of the artistry behind every handmade creation.
Discover our exquisite collection of 950 silver jewellery. From stunning rings to elegant earrings, our 950 silver pieces are designed to elevate your style and make a lasting impression.
Embrace the superior quality of 950 silver and experience the difference that true purity can make in your jewellery collection.
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Jewellery