S925 rings are real, but some products marketed as S925 might be fake or misleading. Sterling silver is a genuine material used in jewelry-making, and S925 is a legitimate hallmark indicating 92.5% silver content.
In this article, we’ll look into the S925 rings, how to identify a real one, and the red flags to watch out for.
What does S925 mean?
S925 is a hallmark or stamp found on some jewelry pieces which indicates that the ring (item) is made from high quality silver (sterling silver) of a 92.5% silver content and the other 7.5 contains other metals like copper . The “S925” stamp is usually found on the inside of the ring or on the clasp.
The silver standard in the US is 92.5% silver, and this is also the case with a couple other countries. This standard was made popular by Tiffany & Co in the 1900s but has been around since the 1300s.
How to Identify A Real S925 Ring
To determine if an S925 ring is real or fake, follow these steps:
Check the hallmark:
Ensure the “S925” stamp is clear and properly placed on the ring. If the stamp appears faint or smudged, it is a sign that the ring may not be authentic.
Magnet:
Sterling silver is not magnetic. Test the ring with magnet and if it is attracted to a magnet, it may be fake.
Tarnish:
Real silver tarnishes over time. Check the crevices not easily accessible for clearning for signs of tarnish. The absence of tarnish does not necessarily mean it is fake, buT it could be a sign.
Apprasial:
If you still have doubts, the next best thing is to take your ring to a professional appraiser or jeweler to verify its authenticity and value.
Red Flags To Look Out For
When shopping for an S925 ring, be cautious of the following red flags:
- Poorly made or thin construction – Genuine S925 rings are typically well-made and sturdy.
- Unclear or missing hallmark – A legitimate S925 ring should have a clear “S925” stamp.
- Extremely low prices- If the price seems too good to be true, it may be a counterfeit product.
- Poor customer reviews – Check online reviews from other customers to ensure the seller is reputable.
- No return or refund policy – Reputable sellers always have a clear return and refund policy in place.
Conclusion
S925 rings are a beautiful and affordable addition to any jewelry collection. However, it’s essential to be wary of counterfeit products. Remember to always purchase from reputable sellers and be on the look out for red flags that may indicate a fake products.
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Hi Nora,
Just read your piece on Sterling silver. Before I go on, I would like to say that I do not wish for my comment to be a negative criticism but one that you find constructive and of value. True solid sterling silver does not have an ‘s’ before the 925. s925 is usually a product of China (or India) and largely consists of an item made of copper and other materials (often cheaper and highly toxic cadmium) covered in what may well be sterling silver (which in itself is an alloy often containing copper and other non-toxic metals).
It’s an important distinction to make as the internet is swamped with articles about s925 and even ‘is your s925 real’. S925 can be ‘real’ but it is not the solid sterling silver you’re looking for which is marked 925. Even so, if anyone wished, they could just stamp something with 925 anyway, but you see where I’m going with this-yes, it’s confusing and full of pitfalls. But, and I may be wrong, I believe you may have only used the internet for your sources and because of this, your article can appear to be not just misleading but incorrect . Correct information can be ascertained or researched from assay offices and from sellers of sterling silver that aren’t pop-up internet shopify shops who will write articles telling you that 925 and s925 are both sterling silver. They are not. I’ve even come across one of these claiming that said real sterling silver can turn green. It unequivocally does not. That is indicative of an unusually high copper content (meaning not sterling) and could not occur unless the remaining percentage of other metals in sterling was made up of copper only which is never the case as copper is not the most inexpensive metal especially when others are available. Please use reliable sources and contact actual brick and mortar established fine jewellers or sellers who will often carry the odd piece of genuine silver. You can contact traditional silversmiths, and even specialists like J.Blundell and sons who supply to professionals in the trade in London. They are most helpful. Unfortunately, using the internet as a source can sometimes just lead to the further dissemination and repetition of incorrect information. I think you have a good article in explaining what the difference is and how one is not like the other.
Hi King,
Thank you for taking the time to share your expertise on this topic. Your explanation on the ‘S925’ and ‘925’ stamp has been educating and I appreciate your constructive criticism and feedback on this. I’ll be reading more about the points you’ve mentioned and I look forward to it being a learning curve.
Your reply is invaluable and I’m grateful for it.
Best regards, Nora.