The numbers stamped on silver, 800, 925, 935, 950 and 999, tell you how pure it is. 999 is 99.9% pure (fine silver), 950 is 95%, 935 is 93.5%, 925 is 92.5% (sterling silver) and 800 is 80%. Higher numbers mean more silver but a softer metal. For jewellery you will actually wear, 925 sterling silver is the sweet spot: high purity with the strength to last. Purer grades like 950 and 999 are better for investment or delicate, light-wear pieces.
Here is the full comparison, grade by grade, so you know exactly what each stamp means and which one to buy.
Silver purity chart: 800 vs 925 vs 935 vs 950 vs 999
| Stamp | Purity | Also called | Hardness | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 999 | 99.9% | Fine / pure silver | Very soft | Coins, bullion, investment |
| 950 | 95% | Britannia / Argentium style | Soft | Fine, tarnish-resistant pieces |
| 935 | 93.5% | High-grade sterling | Medium | Filigree and detailed work |
| 925 | 92.5% | Sterling silver | Hard, durable | Everyday and gifting jewellery |
| 800 | 80% | Continental / antique silver | Very hard | Older European and antique pieces |
This page is the quick comparison. For the full story on grades, hallmarks and buying, read our complete Sterling Silver 925 vs other silver types guide.
925 vs 999 silver: what is the difference?
925 silver is 92.5% pure and mixed with copper for strength. 999 silver is 99.9% pure, or fine silver, with almost no alloy. The trade-off is simple: 999 has more silver but is soft enough to bend, dent and scratch with normal wear, so it is used mainly for coins and bullion. 925 is harder and holds its shape, which is why nearly all wearable silver jewellery is 925, not 999. If you are buying a ring, chain or bracelet, 925 is the better choice.
92.5 sterling silver: the purity grade built for daily wear, not a display cabinet.
925 vs 950 silver: is 950 better?
950 silver is 95% pure, slightly higher than 925. It is a little more tarnish-resistant and has a brighter white look, and some premium and Argentium-style pieces use it. The downsides are that it is softer than 925 and usually costs more. For most buyers, 925 is the more practical and better-value choice, while 950 suits fine pieces where extra purity and tarnish resistance matter more than everyday toughness.
925 vs 935 silver: what changes?
935 silver is 93.5% pure, just one percentage point above 925. Because it is a touch softer and more workable, jewellers often use 935 for detailed filigree and intricate designs. For everyday jewellery, the practical difference between 925 and 935 is very small. Both are genuine sterling silver, both are hallmarked, and both last for years with basic care.
800 vs 925 silver: why the big gap?
800 silver is only 80% pure, with 20% other metals. That extra alloy makes it harder and more scratch-resistant, which is why it was popular for older European tableware and some antique jewellery. But it has noticeably less silver, a slightly warmer, less bright colour, and it can tarnish faster. For modern jewellery, 925 is the standard because it keeps a high silver content while still being durable. If a piece is stamped 800, it is real silver, just a lower grade than sterling.
Which silver purity should you buy?
- For everyday jewellery and gifts: choose 925 sterling silver. It is the global standard for the right reasons, high purity plus real durability.
- For investment or collecting: choose 999 fine silver coins or bars, where purity matters more than wearability.
- For fine, tarnish-resistant pieces: 950 is a nice upgrade if you do not mind the higher price and softer metal.
- For antiques: you may see 800; it is genuine silver, just a lower grade.
Not sure a piece is genuine? Read what does 925 mean on jewellery and how to tell if a silver necklace is real.
At Topco Silver, every piece is genuine 925 sterling silver, hallmarked and shipped with an authenticity card. Explore silver jewellery for women, for men, and for kids, or our ethical Fair 925 collection.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best silver purity for jewellery?
925 sterling silver. It balances high purity (92.5%) with the strength needed for daily wear. 999 fine silver is purer but too soft to hold up as everyday jewellery.
Is 999 silver better than 925?
For coins and investment, yes, because it is purer. For jewellery you actually wear, no: 999 is too soft, so 925 is the more durable, practical choice.
What is the difference between 925 and 935 silver?
Both are sterling silver. 935 is 93.5% pure versus 92.5% for 925, and slightly softer, so jewellers often use it for filigree. For everyday wear the difference is minimal.
Is 950 silver better than 925?
950 silver is purer (95%) and a little more tarnish-resistant, but softer and usually pricier. 925 is the more practical, better-value standard for most jewellery.
What does 800 silver mean?
800 silver is 80% pure, common in older European and antique pieces. It is durable but has less silver than sterling and can tarnish faster.