There are many reasons to invest in jewelry, and perhaps the most obvious reason is an expression of one’s personality. For example, jewelry is an good investment because its value often increases overtime.
Even though lustrous gold is one of the most sought-after jewelry items, its cousin silver is not far behind in looks and value. In fact, silver was up over 70% in 2021 compared with the previous year. We expect silver’s value to continue to grow in the coming years as it’s used in electrical contacts, car batteries, dental alloys, medicines, powder coat wheels and rims, automobile components, used electronics and drinking water refill purification.
Sterling silver, also known as 925 silver, is preferred choice for jewelry. It tends to be used in flatware and watches because its durable and unlikely to tarnish. In addition to affordability, 925 silver is long-lasting and a valuable and worthwhile investment over the long-term.
So, how much is 925 silver worth?
Short Answer: The price of collectible items made of 925 silver range from under $10 to hundreds of dollars. Scrap silver is worth about $21 per ounce, but items containing only 92.5% silver are slightly cheaper at around $19. Even though 925 silver is cheaper than pure silver, it’s still a good investment because of its long-term value.
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What Does 925 on Silver Mean?
925 silver is an alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. It has a beautiful, lustrous appearance and is known for its resistance to tarnish. The benefits of 925 silver is it’s relatively affordable compared to other precious metals such as gold and platinum while still making it a good investment.
It also has a low melting point, so it can easily be made into jewelry and other collectible items. Since pure silver is soft, it must be alloyed with other metals to become more durable, hence the term 925 silver.
Is 925 Sterling Silver Real?
Yes, 925 silver is also known as sterling silver. It’s real silver combined with other metals to make it more durable. The alloys must be combined because pure silver is not suitable for producing fine metal pieces such as jewelry. Sterling silver is considered fine when it has a silver fineness of 925, which is known as the sterling standard.
Investing in precious metals like silver can seem intimidating. Unfortunately, the jewelry market is also plagued by counterfeit products. However, we’re here to help you understand and give you key tips on how to determine if your 925 silver is real.
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Ways to Check if 925 Silver is Real
- Check The “925” Imprint – Sterling silver rings, necklaces, and bracelets have a “925” stamp on them somewhere discreet, such as the inside of a ring band or the clasp.
- Smell Test – Although you might expect silver to have a metallic smell similar to a coin, sterling silver has no strong odor.
- Cloth Wipe Test – 925 silver jewelry will leave black marks on the fabric when wiped with a soft, bright-colored cloth because silver oxidizes in the air.
- Magnet Test – Silver isn’t magnetic, so if the jewelry is attracted to it, it isn’t sterling silver.
- Tarnish Test – Silver tarnishes over time and will show on your jewelry. To prevent tarnishing, silver may need to be stored in an airtight container or bag. Additionally, a thin layer of wax will help keep jewelry from tarnishing.
Is 925 Sterling Silver Good Quality?
Yes, 925 sterling silver is a high-quality material for fine jewelry meant to last and be durable. Although sterling silver is generally not damaged by water, it can oxidize or darken more quickly depending on the type of water and the chemicals. The chemicals can affect its color and how much the silver will darken.
Also, real sterling silver will not leave a green mark on your skin. Buying costume jewelry that looks like silver will oxidize from things like water or chemicals.
Is 925 Silver Worth Anything?
Yes, sterling silver is worth investing in as an alternative investment in precious metals and commodities. Silver is worth around $25 per ounce. If inflation continues and hits double-digits, it’s possible for silver to reach $100 per ounce.
In addition, our supply of silver reserves are slowly exhausting and expected to peak within the next one-to-two decades.
Like other precious metals, the value of scrap silver is determined by its form, condition, and age. For instance, fine vintage sterling silver can have a higher value than scrap silver.
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How Much is a Gram of 925 Silver Worth?
Silver 925 is worth about $0.67 – $0.8 per gram and $668.94 – $814.37 per kilogram as of this writing. Of course, the price may also vary depending on the time and condition of the precious item.
However, buying or selling a sterling silver item can range from under $10 to several hundred dollars.
Is 925 Sterling Silver Hypoallergenic?
Yes, sterling silver is good for sensitive ears because its hypoallergenic. However, make sure that the sterling silver jewelry you purchase is nickel-free.
Silver jewelry is combined with other metals because pure silver is usually too soft for fine jewelry. So, a small amount of nickel may be added to keep the silver firm and lustrous.
It’s possible to develop an allergic reaction to nickel when it’s used in jewelry. So, make sure your jeweler is aware of this information to avoid any issues in the future.
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What are Common Things Made of Silver Around The House?
Most homes have a treasure trove of sterling silver items. Check around to see if you have these valuable items lying around.
Common things made of sterling silver include:
- Jewelry (rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, charms, pendants, Cuban chain)
- Watches
- International coins
- Tableware (dishes, utensils, trays)
- Picture frames
- Musical Instruments – Flutes
- Automotive – powder coat wheels
Sterling silver’s collectible value varies according to its current market value, including its brand, weight, age, design, and other embedded precious metals.
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How to Keep Sterling Silver Shiny and from Tarnishing?
925 silver jewelry is reasonably durable and resistant to tarnishing. However, if properly maintained, it can stay in its pristine quality and shine for many years.
Here are ways to keep sterling silver shiny and untarnished:
- Store Individually – Placing each sterling silver item in its own pouch keeps them from scratching one another.
- Wipe Regularly with Soft Polishing Cloth – A polishing cloth keeps your sterling silver from dulling. Don’t use rough materials like paper and polyester to clean silver.
- Keep Dry and Cool – Sterling silver can tarnish when exposed to humidity, sweat, and household chemicals, such as cleaning products containing sulfur. Take your jewelry off and store it properly when doing activities that may damage it, such as sports.
- Wear Often But Keep Out of Direct Sunlight – Your skin’s natural oils can help silver jewelry keep its shine. We recommend putting on your silver jewelry after you’ve applied lotions, makeup, and cosmetics — just to be safe. Also, try to keep it out of direct sunlight for long durations because it can tarnish.
How Much is Sterling Silver Worth at a Pawn Shop?
925 silver is valued based on its weight in silver minus a transaction fee at a pawnshop. However, keep in mind that the price of sterling silver fluctuates based on many factors, including market volatility and the type or brand you are pawning.
Click here for the current price of silver per ounce.
Get the best price for used silver requires monitoring the current market price and using the best consignment shop or pawnshop with competitive rates.
The best silver things to pawn are coins, antiques, bullion bars, watches and jewelry.
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How Much Is 925 Silver Worth Summary
Pure 925 silver is a valuable resource and worth approximately $0.8 per gram and $814.37 per kilogram. The price may vary based on the market price and condition of the jewelry item.
On the other hand, collectible items made of 925 silver are available for under $10 up to hundreds of dollars. 925 silver is cheaper than pure silver, however it’s better for making fine jewelry and it’s still a good investment over time.
You can sell scrap silver at places like pawnshops, consignment shops, and nearby scrap yards for cash.
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