What’s the Difference Between 925 and S925 Silver?
If you’ve ever flipped over a piece of silver jewellery and spotted a tiny stamp — 925 or S925 — you’ve just uncovered a clue to its quality. But what do these marks actually mean? And is there a difference between them?
Let’s break it down.
What Does 925 Mean?
The number 925 refers to the purity of the silver: it means the piece is made of 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% typically made up of copper or other metals to add strength. This is known as sterling silver, and it’s the global standard for high-quality silver jewellery.
What About S925?
The S in S925 simply stands for Sterling. So yes — S925 is also sterling silver, with the same 92.5% purity. The difference often comes down to regional stamping practices:
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925 is more commonly used in Western markets (UK, US, Europe)
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S925 is frequently seen in jewellery manufactured in Asia, especially China and Thailand
Both are legitimate — but it’s always worth checking the source and asking about alloy composition, especially if you or your customers have metal sensitivities.
925 vs. S925: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | 925 Hallmark | S925 Hallmark |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Indicates 92.5% pure silver (sterling silver) | Also indicates 92.5% sterling silver |
| "S" Prefix | Not present | "S" stands for Sterling |
| Common Usage | More common in Western markets | Often used in Asian markets (e.g. China, Thailand) |
| Certification | Typically certified by Western assay offices | May not always follow the same certification standards |
| Alloy Composition | Usually silver + copper | May include zinc or nickel in addition to copper |
| Skin Sensitivity | Generally hypoallergenic | May cause irritation if nickel is present |
| Durability | Slightly softer | Can be harder if zinc is used |
| Tarnish Rate | Slower tarnishing | May tarnish faster in humid conditions |
| Resale Value | Often higher due to certification | Slightly lower if uncertified or mass-produced |
Quick Tip for Jewellery Lovers
If you’re shopping for silver and see either 925 or S925, you’re likely looking at sterling silver. But if the price seems too good to be true, or the piece feels unusually light or discoloured, it’s worth asking for more details — or testing it with a silver testing kit.
Final Thought
At JewelHub, we believe in transparency and craftsmanship. Whether it’s 925 or S925, we’re here to help you understand what you’re wearing — because jewellery should feel as good as it looks.