Why Is It Wrongfully Assumed That 925 Stands for 93.5 Silver or Gold Purity?

The assumption that 925 stamped on a piece signifies 93.5 silver or 92.5 gold purity is a common misunderstanding, primarily stemming from the misuse and confusion of precious metal hallmarks. To address this misconception, we will unravel the true meanings behind these hallmarks, providing clarity for the perplexed and educating those still navigating the intricacies of precious metals.

The Common Misunderstanding Explained

Many believe that 925 on a piece of jewelry indicates a purity of 93.5 percent, whether referring to silver or gold. However, this belief is deeply flawed due to a lack of understanding about how precious metal hallmarks work.

925 for Silver

925 is indeed the hallmark for sterling silver, which is internationally recognized. Sterling silver, as the hallmark suggests, contains at least 92.5 percent silver alloy and 7.5 percent other metals, usually copper. This is the standard that ensures the quality and durability of the silver piece.

925 for Gold: A Rare but Not Standard Case

While 925 can occasionally be used to denote gold purity, it is not the standard. When used for gold, 925 represents a purity of 92.5 percent, but this is an uncommon and potentially confusing practice.

Why 925 Is Never Stamped on a Gold Piece

The primary reason 925 is not stamped on gold pieces is the lack of clarity and the risk of confusion. The absence of 925 on a gold piece simplifies the identification process for consumers and jewelers alike.

Ingredient: The Carat System

The confusion around 925 and precious metal purity can also be attributed to the colloquial use of 'carat' as a unit of purity for gold. The term 'karat' (or carat in the USA) originally referred to the weight of diamond and gemstones, but it is also used to measure the purity of gold. One karat is equal to 1/24 parts of pure gold. Therefore, 18 karat gold is 75% pure gold, and 24 karat gold is 100% pure gold.

A Short History of Precious Metal Hallmarks

To better understand the current practices, it's helpful to revisit the historical context of precious metal hallmarks. In many parts of Europe, including England, the sterling silver standard was implemented over 700 years ago.

English Sterling: The 925 Hallmark

Since the reign of King Edward I, the standard for sterling silver in the UK was 926 parts silver and 74 parts copper. By the late 19th century, this standard evolved to 925 parts silver and 75 parts copper, which became the hallmark for sterling silver, explaining why 925 is used as the symbol for sterling quality.

Other Precious Metal Hallmarks

The history of precious metal hallmarks extends beyond that of silver. In pre-20th century Europe, other systems were used:

The Lothige system, a 16 base system used mostly in Germany and Austria, was mostly abandoned by the late 19th century. The Carat system, a 24 base system, was used in ancient Roman times to mark certain gold coins. The Zlotnick system, used in the Russian Empire and other Slavic lands, marked gold and silver items using a 96 base system.

Confusion and Clarity: The Importance of Correct Hallmarks

Correct hallmarks and clear labeling are crucial for consumer confidence and market integrity. Using the correct hallmarks ensures that consumers can accurately identify the content of precious metals in their jewelry and other items. For example, sterling silver is always marked 925, while gold pieces use the appropriate karat system (18K, 22K, etc.) to indicate their purity.

By understanding the reasoning behind these hallmarks and their purposes, we avoid confusion and can make informed decisions about the precious metals we buy and use.