Is 925 silver real silver?

In short: Yes, 925 silver is real silver. The 925 stamp (also known as "Sterling") means that the metal consists of 92.5 percent pure silver. For everyday wear, water resistance, the clasp, and craftsmanship matter more than the price. How often the piece is worn is important, and everything else follows from that.

As of September 2026. By Phil, Corelune Jewellery, Düsseldorf.

Why not 100% pure silver?

Material note: The sections on alloys refer to the market in general. Corelune itself offers stainless steel with gold or silver plating. Free shipping from €59, 14-day returns.

Pure silver (999) is too soft for jewelry; it bends, scratches, and can hardly withstand mechanical wear. 925 sterling silver combines the shine and skin compatibility of silver with the necessary hardness for everyday wear.

How can you recognize real 925 silver?

• “925” or “Sterling” stamp on the clasp or inside the ring
• Test authenticity: Magnet, real silver is not magnetic
• Tooth test: Real silver leaves a faint tooth mark (softness)
• No green mark on the skin (a green mark forms with a copper base metal)

Does 925 silver tarnish?

Yes, silver reacts with sulfur compounds in the air and forms silver sulfide (a black layer). This is unavoidable, but reversible: silver polishing cloth or a baking soda-aluminum foil bath.

If you are looking for something suitable: At Corelune, there is stainless steel jewelry with 14-karat gold plating or in a silver look, waterproof and nickel-free.

Related: How to prevent silver from tarnishing.

What is ordered most often

Which chain length fits where?

Which chain works best for everyday wear?

For everyday wear, a chain must withstand three stresses: water, friction against clothing, and frequent opening of the clasp. Very fine chains and glued pendants do not stand up to this.

Two chains only work with a significant difference in length. Five centimeters is the lower limit so that each layer remains visible on its own.

The chain and pendant must be in proportion. If the bail is continuously overloaded, it will give way, and this is regularly mistaken for a material defect.

This includes being open about it: The benefit lies in wearing it. Those looking for substance for the next generation should buy solid gold.

Straight to the point: Buying a silver chain: What you need to know, the honest guide.

Which combinations work with stainless steel parts?

Those who mix and match should choose one metal tone and stick with it, at least at the beginning. There should be at least five centimeters or a visible size difference between two stacked pieces. In the end, what matters is whether you feel comfortable with it; everything else is just guidance.

In which situations do you prefer to take off stainless steel pieces?

Showering and swimming are not an issue with stainless steel, but other everyday moments are less so. Chlorine and salt water are not an issue for stainless steel, but for coatings and glued stones they are. This takes care of most of what is later perceived as a material defect.

How can you recognize well-made stainless steel pieces?

With stainless steel pieces, the weight in your hand often says more about the craftsmanship than any product description. Check the bails for a visible gap, inspect the soldered seams for unevenness, and test whether the clasp closes audibly. This check takes no more than ten seconds and saves you the disappointment after the third wear.

Is the surcharge for stainless steel pieces worth it?

The price range for stainless steel pieces is wide, and the surcharge does not always go into quality. For under twenty euros, you get solid basic pieces; between twenty and forty-five euros, more elaborate designs and combinability are added. For everyday wear, what matters is that you do not have to take care of the piece, and that is available here at an affordable price.

What do buyers regularly fall for with stainless steel pieces?

With stainless steel pieces, the mistakes repeat so reliably that a short list is worth it. Buying too cheaply usually means glued instead of set; buying too expensively often means paying for a name instead of substance. Those who clarify these three points beforehand save themselves the exchange and actually wear the piece.

Material, dimensions, and prices at a glance

Showering, swimming, and sports do not affect stainless steel; it does not tarnish. Here are the values from the Corelune range for reference.

Frequently asked questions

Which length is the safest choice for a necklace?

Without more specific information, 45 cm reliably achieves the goal.

What do I need to consider when wearing chains over each other?

Yes, if the lengths are far enough apart. Five centimeters is the practical lower limit.

What helps if the spring ring no longer opens?

Usually, the mechanism is glued. A bath in warm water with dish soap and a soft toothbrush is sufficient.

This is how it looks in the range: Braided stainless steel chain and Stainless steel clover pendant chain. You can find more bestsellers in the category our bestsellers.

What helps against dull chain links?

Warm water with a drop of dish soap, a soft toothbrush for the links, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

Why is my pendant not hanging centered?

Usually, the pendant is heavier than the chain can support, or the clasp slides forward. A slightly sturdier chain link solves both.

About the author

Phil runs Corelune Jewellery in Düsseldorf and has been working daily with stainless steel jewelry since 2024: sample testing, complaints, wear tests in everyday life. The information in this article comes from the in-house range and from what customers report. Where Corelune does not offer something, this is also stated here.

Which categories fit this topic?

Matching pieces:

• Women's silver jewelry
• Pendant chains and long chains
• Women's necklaces

The volume discount is 20% for two pieces, 25% for three, 30% for four, and 35% for five. Free shipping from 59 euros. A combination of two pieces covers more occasions than a single piece.

View women's silver jewelry at Corelune

At Corelune: Free shipping from €59, 14-day returns, shipping from the Netherlands.

→ View women's silver jewelry at Corelune