What Is 925 Sterling Silver & Why It Matters
Every Madduck piece is made from 925 sterling silver — the same standard used for quality silver jewelry around the world. Here's what the number 925 means, why we use it, and how it differs from cheaper "silver-plated" jewelry.
What Does 925 Mean?
The number 925 means a piece is made from 92.5% pure silver, mixed with 7.5% other metals (usually copper). Quality genuine silver is stamped "925" or "S925" as proof of authenticity.
Why Not 100% Pure Silver?
Pure silver (99.9%) is very soft — it bends and scratches easily, making it unsuitable for everyday jewelry. Adding 7.5% of other metals gives it the strength and durability to last, while keeping all the bright shine of silver. That's why 925 became the worldwide standard for silver jewelry.
How 925 Silver Differs from "Silver-Plated"
| Type | What it is | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Silver (.999) | 99.9% pure silver | Very soft, bends easily, not ideal for everyday wear |
| Sterling Silver 925 | 92.5% silver + 7.5% alloy | Strong, durable, the global standard for silver jewelry |
| Silver-Plated | A base metal with a thin silver coating | The coating can wear off; not solid silver |
Every Madduck piece is solid 925 sterling silver (stamped 925), never silver-plated — so it holds real value, can be re-polished or re-plated, and sets stones securely.
Caring for 925 Silver
Silver can naturally tarnish as it reacts with air, but Madduck pieces are plated with a layer of rhodium that helps resist tarnish and keeps the bright white shine longer than bare silver. Care is simple: avoid chemicals, store it dry, wipe with a soft cloth, and have it re-polished or re-plated when the finish begins to dull.