S925 vs. S999 Silver: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?

Silver has always held a special place in jewelry. Its soft glow, timeless beauty, and versatility make it a favorite for designers and wearers alike. But if you’ve shopped for silver jewelry, you’ve probably noticed two common marks: S925 and S999.

At first glance, they might just look like numbers — but they actually tell you a lot about the piece you’re holding. Let’s dive in and explore what makes them different, and how to know which one is right for you.

✨ What is S925 Sterling Silver?

S925, or sterling silver, is an alloy made of 92.5% real silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper.

Why mix metals? Pure silver on its own is very soft and bends easily. By adding a small percentage of stronger metals, jewelers create a material that holds its shape, resists damage, and can be worn every day.

🔶Key traits of S925:

• ✔ Durable & practical: Strong enough for rings, bracelets, and pieces you wear daily.
  
  

• ✔ Versatile: Works beautifully for delicate designs or detailed craftsmanship.
  
  

• ✔ Tarnish may occur: Exposure to air and moisture can cause it to darken, but it’s easy to polish back to shine.
  
  

• ✔ Affordable luxury: Real silver, but at a more accessible price than pure silver or gold.
  
  

No wonder S925 is the global standard for silver jewelry — it strikes the perfect balance between beauty and durability.

Source: Pinterest

 

🌙 What is S999 Pure Silver?

S999 means the jewelry is made of 99.9% silver, the closest you can get to pure silver. That’s why it’s often called “fine silver” or “pure silver.”

Because it’s almost entirely silver, S999 has a naturally brighter, whiter shine compared to sterling. It’s also hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for people with sensitive skin.

🔶Key traits of S999:

• ✔ Purest form of silver: Elegant, bright, and luxurious.
  
  

• ✔ Hypoallergenic: Safe for even the most sensitive skin.
  
  

• ✔ Soft & delicate: More likely to bend or scratch if worn roughly.
  
  

• ✔ Artisanal & collectible: Often used for handcrafted or statement pieces.
  
  

S999 silver feels more like a treasure — it embodies purity, but it does require extra care when wearing and storing.

🔍How to Tell If Jewelry Is Sterling Silver?

Not sure if your jewelry is really sterling silver? Here are a few easy ways to check:

1. Look for Hallmarks (the Stamp Test)
   
   

• Genuine sterling silver almost always carries a small stamp, such as “925,” “.925,” “S925”or “Sterling.”
  
  

• You’ll usually find it on the inside of rings, the clasp of necklaces, or the back of earrings.
  
  

• No stamp doesn’t always mean it’s fake, but it should raise a red flag.

Source: Pinterest

2. The Magnet Test
   
   

• Silver is not magnetic. If your jewelry sticks strongly to a magnet, it’s likely not sterling silver.
  
  

• (Tip: some clasps or spring parts may have other metals and show a slight pull — but the main body shouldn’t stick.)
  
  

3. The Polish Test
   
   

• Rub the jewelry gently with a soft white cloth.
  
  

• Real sterling silver will leave a blackish mark on the cloth — this is silver oxide, a natural reaction of real silver.
  
  

• If nothing happens, the piece might just be plated.
  
  

4. The Sound Test
   
   

• Tap the jewelry lightly with a small metal object.
  
  

• Real sterling silver has a soft, high-pitched “ring” rather than a dull sound.

 

❓ Does Sterling Silver Tarnish Easily?

Yes — sterling silver (S925) does tarnish over time, but that doesn’t mean your jewelry is low quality. Tarnishing is a natural chemical reaction: when silver comes into contact with sulfur, oxygen, or moisture in the air, it forms a thin layer of silver sulfide on the surface. This is what gives jewelry a darker, duller look.

Why does it happen?

• Humidity: Moisture in the air speeds up tarnish.
  
  

• Skin chemistry: Sweat, lotions, perfumes, and even pH levels in your skin can affect how quickly silver darkens.
  
  

• Storage: Leaving silver exposed to air or stored with other reactive metals accelerates tarnishing.
  
  

• Environment: Living near the sea (salt air) or in cities with pollution can make silver tarnish faster.
  
  

The good news:

• Tarnish is only on the surface. It doesn’t damage the metal itself.
  
  

• With proper cleaning and care, your sterling silver jewelry can always return to its original shine.
  
  

🔹How to Care for Sterling Silver Jewelry

🌙 Aurora Luna’s Choice

At Aurora Luna, we work with both S925 and S999 — because we believe each has its own charm.

• For jewelry you’ll wear every day, we use S925 sterling silver to give you lasting beauty and strength.
  
  

• For designs that celebrate artistry, craftsmanship, and purity, we use S999 fine silver, offering you jewelry that feels truly one-of-a-kind.
  
  

No matter which you choose, you can trust that every Aurora Luna piece is crafted with care, safe for your skin, and designed to bring timeless beauty into your everyday life.

✨ Because jewelry should never be just an accessory — it should be part of your story.