925 Sterling Silver: What It Is and How to Recognize True Quality | MÖHYA Signature®

When you buy a piece of silver jewellery, you've probably seen the "925" mark engraved on a piece or mentioned in a store. But what does this number mean, and why does it make such a difference to the quality of what you wear? In this article, MÖHYA Signature® explains what 925 sterling silver is, what the Portuguese hallmark is, and why this base guarantees the quality of every piece we create.

What Is 925 Sterling Silver?

Pure silver, also called fine silver, is a metal that is too soft to withstand daily wear and tear. That's why, in jewellery making, it is combined with other metals, usually copper, to gain strength without losing its characteristic shine. This combination gives rise to 925 sterling silver, an alloy composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals.

This number is not an insignificant technical detail. It is the internationally recognised standard for quality silver, used by jewellery houses all over the world for centuries. A piece with this composition is more durable, retains its colour for longer and is more resistant to contact with skin, water and frequent use.

Sterling silver, 925 silver and sterling silver are, in practice, the same material with different names — a common confusion that is worth clarifying once and for all.

All MÖHYA Signature® pieces are developed in 925 sterling silver. This means that, regardless of the design, natural stone or finish chosen, the base of the jewellery always follows this quality standard.

The Hallmark: The Portuguese Guarantee of Authenticity

In Portugal, the authenticity of silver does not just depend on the word of the seller. There is an official verification system, the assay office, responsible for testing and certifying precious metals. After the composition of a piece has been confirmed, it receives a hallmark, a small engraved symbol that acts as a legal guarantee that the piece of jewellery is, in fact, sterling silver.

This mark is applied by regulated entities and is the safest way for you to distinguish a genuine piece of jewellery from a piece without any certification. When a piece of jewellery has a Portuguese hallmark, as is the case with MÖHYA Signature® pieces, you are buying something with proven traceability and quality, not just a promise printed on a label. We explain how this system works on our page about the Portuguese Assay Office.

If you are looking for a piece with this certification, the Picasso Jasper Necklace is a good example of designer jewellery with a Portuguese hallmark and 925 silver in its composition.

Other Ways to Recognise Genuine 925 Silver

In addition to the hallmark, there are two simple signs that anyone can check:

• Magnet test — silver is not magnetic. If the piece is attracted to a magnet, it is not genuine silver.
• Weight and density — sterling silver has a noticeable density when holding the piece, very different from the lightness of poorer alloys.

There is also an essential distinction: solid 925 silver means that the alloy runs through the entire piece. A piece that is only silver-plated has a thin layer over a base metal, such as brass or zinc, which wears off over time. At MÖHYA Signature® we always use solid 925 silver, and nickel-free alloys, safe for sensitive skin.

925 Silver and Gold-Plated Silver: Understanding the Difference

It's common to confuse sterling silver with gold-plated silver, but they are different things. Gold-plated silver is a piece of 925 silver coated with a thin layer of gold, usually applied by electrolysis. The base is still genuine sterling silver, just with a gold finish over the top.

This is different from pieces made of other metals and only coated to imitate silver, with no actual silver in the composition. At MÖHYA Signature®, even gold-plated silver pieces always maintain 925 silver as their base, which ensures that the structure of the jewellery is solid and durable, regardless of the final colour chosen.

If you're undecided between the two finishes, we compare both in detail in the article 925 Silver vs. Gold-Plated Silver. And if you've heard of rhodium plating, we explain what it is and when it really makes a difference.

Why Quality Begins Long Before the Finish

Working with 925 sterling silver requires rigour at every stage, from metal melting to final polishing. Small differences in temperature, time or pressure can alter the result of a piece, which is why the goldsmithing process is as important as the material itself.

If you're curious about how a 925 silver piece of jewellery is developed from start to finish, we've written a detailed article on the stages of goldsmithing at MÖHYA Signature®, where we explain each phase of this work.

This attention to the process is also what makes it possible to create personalised pieces without compromising the quality of the silver. If you want a piece of jewellery with a special meaning for you, see how our service for personalised 925 silver jewellery works.

How to Recognise and Maintain the Quality of Your 925 Silver

A genuine piece of sterling silver tends to darken slightly over time. This natural process, called oxidation, is not a sign of poor quality. On the contrary, it is proof that you are dealing with real silver, and not a coated metal without any silver in its composition.

With the right care, a piece of 925 silver jewellery will maintain its shine for many years. We have gathered the main recommendations in our complete guide to caring for 925 silver, with simple tips for everyday use.

Where to Start

All MÖHYA Signature® pieces are handmade in Portugal, in 925 sterling silver with a Portuguese hallmark, certificate of authenticity and a 2-year warranty. Here are some concrete suggestions to get started:

• KNÖT Ring — an adjustable 925 silver nautical knot, no need to choose a size.
• SEIVÄ Earrings — polished 925 silver olive branches, weighing only 0.89 g.
• SÄKURA Pendant — a hand-carved cherry blossom, from the CHËRRY collection.
• Veneziana Chain — the minimalist 925 silver base to wear with any pendant.

Choose Pieces with Proven Quality

Understanding what lies behind the number 925 changes the way you look at a piece of jewellery. It is not just an aesthetic detail; it is a guarantee of composition, resistance and value over time. At MÖHYA Signature®, every ring, necklace, pendant or earring is crafted in 925 sterling silver, with a Portuguese hallmark, so that quality is present in every detail, not just in appearance.

Explore the collections of rings, necklaces, earrings, pendants, chains and sets in 925 sterling silver from MÖHYA Signature® and find the piece that suits you. If you have any questions about quality, hallmarks or which piece to choose, our team will be happy to help before your purchase.