What does 925 mean on a gold chain?

When you buy jewelry, it's common to find marks that indicate the quality and composition of the materials. One of these marks is "925," which often causes confusion, especially on pieces that appear to be gold. In this article, we'll explain in detail what "925" means and how it relates to gold chains.

Meaning of "925" in Jewelry

The "925" mark refers to the purity of the silver. This number indicates that 92.5% of the material is pure silver, while the remaining 7.5% is made up of other metals, usually copper. This mixture is used to increase the durability and strength of the silver, creating what we know as sterling silver .

Sterling Silver vs. Fine Silver

• Sterling Silver (925) : Contains 92.5% pure silver and is the standard for most silver jewelry.
• Fine Silver (999) : Contains 99.9% pure silver, but is softer and less suitable for jewelry due to its fragility.

Gold Chain and the Mark "925"

If you find a chain marked "925," it doesn't mean it's pure gold. Instead, this mark indicates that the chain is made of sterling silver and may be gold plated. This plating technique is known as gold vermeil .

What is Gold Vermeil?

Gold vermeil is jewelry that has a layer of gold over a base of sterling silver. For a piece to be considered vermeil, it must meet certain criteria:

• The gold layer must be at least 10 carats.
• The thickness of the gold coating must be at least 2.5 microns.

Differences between Solid Gold and Gold Plated

Solid Gold

Solid gold is composed of an alloy of gold, and its quality is measured in karats (K). Common grades are:

• 10K : 41.7% pure gold
• 14K : 58.3% pure gold
• 18K : 75% pure gold
• 24K : 99.9% pure gold

Gold Plated

Gold plated jewelry, such as gold vermeil, has only a thin layer of gold over another metal, such as silver. This type of jewelry is often more affordable, but it does not have the same value as solid gold.

Value of a "925" Gold Plated Chain

Although gold-plated sterling silver chains do not have the same value as solid gold chains, they can be attractive and affordable. The quality of the piece, the thickness of the plating, and the design will also influence its value.

How to Identify if Your Chain is Vermeil

To ensure that your chain marked "925" is actually gold-plated sterling silver, look for the following characteristics:

• Quality marks : In addition to "925", there may be other inscriptions indicating the carat weight of the gold.
• Wear Test : If the chain shows wear or reveals the base metal, it is likely plated.

Care for a 925 Gold Plated Chain

To prolong the life of your gold plated sterling silver chain, follow these tips:

• Avoid contact with chemicals : Perfumes, creams and cleaning products can affect the gold layer.
• Proper cleaning : Use a soft cloth to clean the jewelry and maintain its shine.
• Storage : Store the chain in a safe place, such as a jewelry box, to avoid scratches and wear.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when you see “925” on a chain, you are looking at a piece of sterling silver, which may be gold plated. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions when purchasing jewelry, ensuring that you understand the value and composition of the pieces you choose.