What does 925 mean?
925 sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals — usually copper. The number 925 refers to parts per thousand of silver content. On UK pieces made after 1999, you'll often see the number 925 stamped alongside the traditional lion passant hallmark.
925 is the standard for "sterling silver" in the UK, USA, and most of Europe. It is the most common grade of silver in British cutlery, jewellery and decorative silverware.
Why is silver alloyed?
Pure silver (999) is extremely soft and would not survive everyday use without bending or scratching. Adding 7.5% copper significantly increases hardness while preserving the appearance and most of the inherent value of the silver.
How to identify 925 sterling
On genuine sterling silver you'll find a hallmark containing the lion passant (a walking lion). On post-1999 pieces, look for the number 925 alongside this mark. The hallmark is typically very small (2–3mm) and located on the underside of flatware, inside a ring shank, or on spoon stems.
What is 925 silver worth today?
925 sterling silver contains 92.5% pure silver. To calculate the value: multiply the weight in grams by the silver price per gram, then by 0.925 for purity. InstaSilver pays 80% of that spot value — use our live calculator for an exact figure based on today's price.
925 vs other silver grades
Other grades: 999 fine silver (bullion — purest), 958 Britannia (rare), 800 silver (common on German and Scandinavian pieces), and 500 silver (lower grade Continental cutlery). InstaSilver buys all genuine silver grades at 80% of spot.