If you've ever shopped for silver jewellery online or in a store, you've likely come across these three terms: 925 silver, pure silver, and silver plated. They all sound similar, they all look similar when new, but they are very different in terms of quality, durability, and value. Understanding the difference can save you from disappointment — and help you make a purchase you'll be happy with for years.
What is Pure Silver?
Pure silver — also called fine silver — is silver in its most natural form. It is 99.9% silver with virtually no other metals mixed in. You will sometimes see it labelled as 999 or .999, which refers to its 99.9% purity.
Pure silver has a beautiful, bright white appearance and is the most valuable form of silver by weight. However, it has one significant problem when it comes to jewellery: it is extremely soft.
Because pure silver is so malleable, jewellery made from it bends easily, scratches at the slightest contact, and loses its shape with regular wear. A pure silver ring worn daily would become misshapen within weeks. A pure silver bangle could bend out of shape just from normal handling.
For this reason, pure silver is rarely used in jewellery. It is more commonly used in bullion coins, silver bars, and certain high-value decorative objects where it won't be subjected to physical wear.
What is 925 Sterling Silver?
925 sterling silver is the answer to the problem of pure silver being too soft. It is an alloy — a mixture of metals — made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, most commonly copper.
That small addition of copper transforms the character of the metal entirely. It becomes significantly harder, more resistant to scratches, and able to hold detailed shapes — which is exactly what jewellery needs. The 925 stamp on a piece of jewellery is your guarantee that it contains 92.5% genuine silver and meets the internationally recognised standard for sterling silver.
925 sterling silver retains everything that makes silver beautiful — the bright shine, the cool white colour, the ability to be intricately crafted — while being durable enough for everyday wear. A well-made 925 sterling silver piece, properly cared for, can last decades.
This is the standard used by all reputable jewellery brands, including Meera Jaipur. Every piece in our collection is made from 925 hallmarked sterling silver.
What is Silver Plated Jewellery?
Silver-plated jewellery is made using an entirely different process. Instead of being made from a silver alloy, the base of the jewellery is made from a much cheaper metal — typically brass, copper, zinc alloy, or nickel — and then coated with a very thin layer of real silver through a process called electroplating.
The result looks identical to sterling silver when it is new. It has the same colour and shine. But the similarity ends there.
The silver coating on plated jewellery is extremely thin — often just a few microns. Over time, through everyday wear, exposure to moisture, contact with skin oils and sweat, and general friction, this thin layer wears away. As it does, the base metal underneath begins to show through, turning the piece a different colour — often a yellowish, reddish, or greenish tone depending on the base metal used.
Silver-plated jewellery also tends to cause skin reactions in people with sensitive skin. The base metals — particularly nickel — are common allergens. When the silver coating wears off and the base metal comes into direct contact with skin, it can cause irritation, redness, and itching.
Comparing the Three Side by Side
Purity: Pure silver is 99.9% silver. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver. Silver plated has a tiny fraction of real silver — often less than 1% of the total metal — as a surface coating only.
Durability: Pure silver is the softest and least practical for jewellery. Sterling silver is strong and long-lasting. Silver plated wears away over time and cannot be restored once the coating is gone.
Appearance over time: Sterling silver develops a natural tarnish that can be polished away, keeping its beauty indefinitely. Silver plated jewellery loses its coating and cannot be restored to its original appearance without re-plating. Pure silver scratches and deforms easily.
Skin safety: Sterling silver is hypoallergenic for most people. Silver plated jewellery can cause reactions as the base metal is exposed. Pure silver, while safe, is impractical for wear.
Value: Sterling silver holds real intrinsic value as a precious metal. Silver plated jewellery has almost no metal value and is a fashion item with a limited lifespan.
Price: Pure silver is the most expensive by weight. Sterling silver costs more than silver plated but is far better value over time. Silver plated is the cheapest upfront but needs to be replaced regularly.
How to Tell Them Apart
The most reliable method is the hallmark stamp. Genuine 925 sterling silver will have a 925, Sterling, or BIS hallmark stamped on the piece — usually in a small, sometimes hard-to-see location like the inside of a ring or the clasp of a bracelet.
Silver plated jewellery will often be stamped with markings like EP (electroplated), EPNS (electroplated nickel silver), Silver Plated, or simply have no stamp at all.
If there is no stamp and the seller cannot verify the metal content, treat the piece as silver plated or of unknown quality.
The other giveaway over time is wear. If a piece starts showing a different colour at the edges or at high-contact points like the inside of a ring band, the silver plating is wearing off.
Why This Matters When Buying Online
When buying jewellery online, you cannot physically inspect a piece before purchasing. This makes the hallmark and the reputation of the seller more important than ever.
Reputable brands will clearly state the metal content, show you the hallmark stamp in their photos, and back their claims with certification. If a product listing does not mention 925 or sterling silver explicitly — or if the price seems far too low to be genuine silver — it is very likely silver plated or a base metal.
A genuine 925 sterling silver bangle, for example, should weigh 20–40 grams and cost upwards of ₹3,000–4,000 for a simple design, more for intricate handcrafted pieces. If you see something described as "silver" for ₹200–500, it is almost certainly silver plated.
The Bottom Line
When you invest in jewellery, you deserve to know exactly what you are buying. 925 sterling silver is the right choice for anyone who wants real silver jewellery that looks beautiful, lasts for years, and holds its value. Pure silver is too soft for practical wear. Silver plated jewellery is a short-term purchase that will eventually disappoint.
At Meera Jaipur, we use only 925 hallmarked sterling silver — no plating, no shortcuts. Every piece we make is a genuine silver jewellery investment, not just a fashion accessory.
Browse our full collection of certified 925 sterling silver jewellery at Meera Jaipur — handcrafted in Jaipur, hallmarked for trust.