925 Silver vs Pure Silver vs Silver Plated: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to buying silver jewellery, terms like 925 Silver, Pure Silver, and Silver Plated can feel confusing. As a jewellery lover, it’s important to know the difference — not only for style, but also for durability, authenticity, and value for money.
In this guide, we’ll break down these types of silver so you can make an informed choice before buying your next piece of jewellery.
What is Pure Silver?
Pure silver, also known as fine silver, is 99.9% silver. While it sounds like the best option, in reality, pure silver is too soft to be used for everyday jewellery.
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Pros: Highest purity, beautiful natural shine.
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Cons: Easily bends, scratches, and loses shape. Not ideal for rings, bracelets, or jewellery that faces daily wear.
That’s why jewellers rarely use pure silver alone for wearable pieces. Instead, they make alloys that strengthen the metal.
What is 925 Sterling Silver?
925 Silver, often called sterling silver, is made of 92.5% pure silver + 7.5% alloy metals (usually copper or zinc).
This combination gives sterling silver its strength and durability without losing its shine. That’s why most genuine silver jewellery you see — rings, earrings, necklaces, anklets — is made with 925 sterling silver.
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Pros: Stronger than pure silver, retains shine, hallmarked for authenticity, perfect for daily wear.
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Cons: May tarnish slightly over time, but easy to clean with proper care.
💡 Pro Tip: Always look for “925” stamp or BIS Hallmark on your jewellery to ensure it’s genuine sterling silver.
What is Silver Plated?
Silver plated jewellery is not solid silver at all. Instead, it’s made of a base metal (like brass, copper, or stainless steel) coated with a thin layer of silver.
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Pros: Affordable, wide variety of designs.
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Cons: Not long-lasting — the silver layer wears off, exposing the base metal. Can tarnish quickly, not suitable for long-term use.
Silver-plated jewellery is good for fashion jewellery or temporary wear, but it won’t last as long as sterling silver.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Pure Silver | 925 Sterling Silver | Silver Plated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purity | 99.9% silver | 92.5% silver + alloys | Thin silver coating |
| Durability | Very soft | Strong, durable | Weak (coating fades) |
| Price | Expensive | Mid-range, best value | Cheapest |
| Daily Wear | Not suitable | Perfect choice | Not ideal |
| Tarnish | Soft, bends easily | Slight tarnish (cleanable) | Tarnishes quickly |
Which One Should You Choose?
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If you want authentic, long-lasting jewellery → Choose 925 Sterling Silver.
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If you are a collector or occasional wearer → Pure silver can be fine, but not practical.
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If you want budget-friendly, short-term jewellery → Silver plated works, but don’t expect it to last.
That’s why at TAVSHAN, we use only certified 925 sterling silver jewellery — it combines authenticity, beauty, and durability, perfect for your everyday sparkle.
Bonus: How to Care for 925 Silver Jewellery
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Store in an airtight box or zip bag.
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Keep away from perfumes, lotions, and harsh chemicals.
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Clean gently with a soft polishing cloth.
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For tarnish, use mild soap and warm water, then dry immediately.
Final Thoughts
When you invest in jewellery, it’s more than just style — it’s about value, durability, and trust. By understanding the difference between pure silver, 925 sterling silver, and silver-plated jewellery, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for.
✨ At TAVSHAN – Your Everyday Sparkle, we’re proud to bring you authentic 925 sterling silver jewellery that’s elegant, durable, and designed for daily wear.
