What Exactly Is 925 Sterling Silver?

When you shop for quality jewelry, you constantly see the number "925" stamped on the inside of rings or the clasps of necklaces. But what does it actually mean? If you’ve ever wondered what separates 925 sterling silver from standard metal blends, the answer lies in its precise composition.

Pure silver, on its own, is incredibly soft. If you tried to mold a ring out of 100% pure silver, it would bend and scratch almost immediately. To make it durable enough for everyday wear, jewelry makers blend it with other metals, usually copper. The "925" stamp guarantees that the piece is composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy. This magical ratio gives you the brilliant shine and value of pure silver, combined with the strength needed to last a lifetime. That is exactly why every premium piece at Otto Silver is proudly crafted from 925 sterling silver.