Written by Tsz Yan Wu · Updated 26 October 2026. This comparison uses official UK hallmarking guidance and the material descriptions used in the current Anais and Aimee catalogue.
925 sterling silver and silver-plated jewellery are not the same. Sterling silver is a precious-metal alloy containing at least 925 parts silver per 1,000. Silver-plated jewellery normally has a base-metal core covered by a thin outer layer of silver. Understanding that difference helps UK buyers compare materials, care requirements and value more confidently.
This guide explains the terminology used in online jewellery listings, the difference between a 925 stamp and a full UK hallmark, and the questions worth asking before you purchase.
How the wording appears in our catalogue
Our current product pages distinguish the base metal from the finish. A silver-colour piece may be listed as S925 sterling silver, while a warm gold-colour piece may be described as a Vintage Gold finish over S925 sterling silver. That is different from a listing described simply as silver-plated over an unspecified base metal. Check the complete specification for each design, including stones, pearls and surface finishes.
925 Sterling Silver vs Silver-Plated Jewellery
| Feature | 925 sterling silver | Silver-plated jewellery |
|---|---|---|
| Core material | A silver alloy containing 92.5% silver | Usually a base metal beneath a silver coating |
| Surface | Silver alloy throughout the main metal body | A comparatively thin silver layer at the surface |
| Marking | May carry a 925 fineness mark or a legally recognised hallmark, depending on weight and circumstances | Should be clearly described as silver-plated rather than solid silver |
| Wear over time | Can tarnish but can usually be cleaned carefully | The plated layer can gradually wear, revealing the material beneath |
| Buying question | Ask about fineness, weight and hallmarking | Ask about the base metal and plating description |
What Does 925 Sterling Silver Mean?
The number 925 describes fineness in parts per thousand: at least 925 parts are silver and the remaining portion is made from other metals that give the alloy greater practical strength. Pure silver is comparatively soft, so sterling silver is commonly used for earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings that need to hold their shape during normal wear.
You may see the material written as “925 silver”, “S925” or “sterling silver”. Those descriptions refer to the fineness standard, but the wording in a product listing should still be precise about plating, stones and other materials. Our jewellery materials guide explains the terminology used across Anais & Aimee product pages.
Is a 925 Stamp the Same as a UK Hallmark?
No. A standalone 925 stamp indicates a claimed fineness, but it is not automatically the same as a complete UK hallmark. Official UK hallmarking guidance explains that a full hallmark contains three compulsory elements:
- Sponsor’s or maker’s mark: identifies the registered person or business that submitted the item.
- Metal and fineness mark: identifies the precious metal and its minimum purity, such as 925 for sterling silver.
- Assay Office mark: identifies the UK Assay Office that tested and marked the item.
An optional date letter may also appear. The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office guide includes diagrams of the recognised marks.
When Does Silver Jewellery Need a Hallmark in the UK?
Under current UK guidance, an item described as silver generally requires a legally recognised hallmark when the relevant metal weight exceeds 7.78 grams. Items below the exemption weight may not require physical hallmarking, subject to the applicable rules and the way the item is constructed and described.
This distinction matters for small earrings and fine chains, which can fall below the exemption weight. The absence of a full hallmark on a lightweight item does not by itself prove that the material description is false. Equally, buyers should not treat a simple 925 stamp as independent testing when it is not accompanied by the other compulsory hallmark components.
What Is Silver-Plated Jewellery?
Silver-plated jewellery has a layer of silver applied over another metal. It can offer the appearance of silver at a different price point, but the coating may become thinner through friction, moisture, cosmetics and repeated cleaning. A responsible listing should state that the piece is silver-plated and, where known, identify the underlying material.
A colour description such as “silver tone” does not necessarily mean that an item is sterling silver. Look for an explicit material statement rather than relying on colour, photography or product naming alone.
What About Gold-Plated Sterling Silver?
Gold-plated sterling silver uses sterling silver as the underlying precious metal with a gold-coloured plated finish. It is different from solid gold and from gold plating over an unspecified base metal. UK guidance states that qualifying gold-plated silver articles are hallmarked as silver, because silver is the precious-metal body of the piece.
The official guidance for gold-plated silver descriptions also explains which fineness wording and marks are permitted. Product specifications should therefore distinguish the underlying silver from the plated surface instead of suggesting that the item is solid gold.
How to Check a Jewellery Listing Before Buying
- Read the material field. Look for a direct statement such as 925 sterling silver, silver-plated or silver tone.
- Check the finish separately. Rhodium, gold-coloured and vintage-gold finishes describe the surface treatment, not necessarily the entire metal body.
- Review the dimensions and weight. Weight can affect whether UK hallmarking requirements apply.
- Look for clear photographs. Close-up images can help you inspect clasps, posts, finish and construction, although photographs cannot verify metal purity.
- Check care and aftercare information. A clear care guide, returns process and repair policy make it easier to look after the piece and resolve problems.
- Ask when information is unclear. Avoid relying on magnet tests, colour or price alone; none provides conclusive proof of fineness.
Does Tarnish Mean Sterling Silver Is Fake?
No. Sterling silver can darken or lose brightness over time, particularly when exposed to moisture, perfume, household chemicals or unsuitable storage. Tarnish alone is not evidence that a piece is counterfeit. Clean jewellery gently with a suitable soft cloth, store pieces separately and follow the maker’s care instructions rather than using abrasive household methods.
For practical aftercare, read our long-term jewellery care guide. If a piece needs assessment, see our jewellery repairs and one-year warranty.
Choosing Sterling Silver Jewellery
Once the material information is clear, choose according to design, dimensions and how you expect to wear the piece. Explore our sterling silver earrings, silver necklaces and wider silver jewellery collection. Check each product’s specifications because stones, dimensions and surface finishes vary between designs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is S925 real silver?
S925 is a common marking for sterling silver fineness: 925 parts silver per 1,000. A stamp is a material claim, while a complete UK hallmark provides independent verification through the recognised hallmarking system.
Is silver-plated jewellery the same as sterling silver?
No. Sterling silver is a silver alloy throughout the main metal body. Silver-plated jewellery has a silver layer over another material.
Does every sterling silver item need a UK hallmark?
No. Exemption rules apply, including a 7.78-gram threshold for silver under current UK guidance. Construction and material combinations can affect the rules, so consult official guidance for a specific item.
Can 925 sterling silver tarnish?
Yes. Tarnish can occur during normal ownership and does not by itself show that the material is fake. Appropriate storage and gentle cleaning help maintain the finish.
How can I tell whether an online listing is trustworthy?
Look for specific material descriptions, accurate dimensions, clear care instructions, a returns policy and accessible contact information. Ask the seller to clarify any ambiguous terms before purchasing.
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