What Is 92.5 Silver & Why You Should Shop At Silver By R?

If you've ever shopped for silver jewelry and seen "925" or "92.5" stamped on a piece, you might have wondered — what does that actually mean? Is it real silver? Is it good quality? And why does it matter?

Here's everything you need to know before you buy.

What does 92.5 silver mean?

92.5 silver — also called sterling silver — means the piece is made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. Pure silver (99.9%) is too soft to hold its shape in jewelry, so the addition of copper or other alloys makes it strong and durable while keeping it genuinely precious.

The "925" stamp you see on jewelry is the hallmark — an internationally recognized mark that certifies the piece meets the sterling silver standard. If a piece isn't hallmarked, there's no guarantee it's real silver at all.

Why hallmarking matters?

At Silver By R, every single piece we sell is hallmarked 92.5 — not just labeled as silver, but certified. This matters because the silver jewelry market is full of low-quality, plated pieces that look similar but tarnish quickly and can cause skin reactions. A hallmark is your guarantee that what you're buying is the real thing.

What is 22k gold microplating — and why do we use it?

All Silver By R pieces are also microplated with 22k gold. This means a fine layer of 22-karat gold is bonded to the surface of the 92.5 silver, giving each piece a warm, luxurious finish that resists tarnishing far longer than plain silver. It's the reason our jewelry looks and feels like fine gold jewelry — without the fine gold price tag.

How to care for your 92.5 silver jewelry?

To keep your pieces looking their best: wipe them with a soft dry cloth after wearing, store them in the pouch or box provided, avoid contact with perfumes, lotions, and chlorine, and keep them away from moisture when not in use. With basic care, hallmarked 92.5 silver with gold microplating will stay beautiful for years.

Ready to shop? Explore our full collection of hallmarked 92.5 silver jewelry — from moissanite earrings to full bridal sets — at Silver By R.