Description
Sterling silver, also known as 925 sterling silver, is a metal alloy used in jewelry. Traditionally, it is 92.5% silver (Ag), and 7.5% copper (Cu). Occasionally, other metals account for 7.5%, but the 925 hallmark will always indicate 92.5% silver purity.
Sterling silver is an alloy, or combination of metal types. Unlike pure silver, which contains 99.9% elemental silver (Ag), sterling silver (925) contains one or more additional metals that add strength to the otherwise delicate material. Pure silver is naturally very soft, and would easily bend or break if used for jewelry without being blended with a stronger metal.