The 925 stamp often appears on gold jewelry like bracelets and necklaces. However, 925 gold isn’t actually made of pure gold — it’s gold-plated sterling silver. You can determine the value of 925 gold jewelry using the spot price of sterling silver or similar silver items’ retail prices. We explain how to find the value of your 925 gold jewelry below, including how much particular pieces like bracelets and necklaces may be worth.
Meaning of the 925 Stamp on Jewelry
The 925 stamp is not a marker of gold purity but is instead a common hallmark for sterling silver — specifically, jewelry that is 92.5% silver (as previously reported). Gold-appearing jewelry stamped with 925 is typically gold-plated sterling silver. The most common 925 gold jewelry is gold vermeil, which is sterling silver plated with gold that’s at least 10 karats and 2.5 microns in thickness.[1]
The 925 hallmark isn’t used for white gold, which uses the standard gold karat hallmarks (8K to 24K).[2] Our related research has more information about the value of white gold. The 925 hallmark is also not used for platinum jewelry, which will include PLAT or PT with the hallmark numbers.[3] If your gold jewelry is stamped with 925, it’s most likely sterling silver.
The Value of “Gold” Stamped 925
Sterling silver, or 925 silver, is typically valued in one of two ways:
- The scrap cost of sterling silver (i.e., the price per ounce that jewelry stores, pawnshops, and other precious metal buyers will pay for silver items)
- The retail value of silver items like jewelry, tableware, musical instruments, and other items containing or using primarily silver
At the time of writing, the average scrap price of silver over the past year is about $20 per ounce,[4] though the silver market fluctuates daily. The highest price for sterling silver in 2020 was about $30 per ounce, while the lowest price was about $12 per ounce. You can find more information about historic silver scrap prices in our dedicated research on the value of 925 silver, or you can check the current spot price at JM Bullion.
Value of 925 “Gold” Jewelry
Retail prices for 925 silver jewelry items can vary based on several factors, including the size, weight, design, and brand of the piece, as well as the inclusion of gems or other precious materials.
Average retail prices for gold-plated sterling silver jewelry or gold vermeil are:
Necklaces and Chains
- Average weight: Three to 20 grams
- Average price: $7 to $50, though some pieces with gemstones can cost several hundred dollars
- Check prices on Amazon
Bracelets
- Average weight: Two to 15 grams
- Average price: $10 to $70, with some retailing at $200 and up depending on additional ornamentation
- Check prices on Amazon
Rings
- Average weight: Two to 10 grams
- Average price: $10 to $100, with some retailing at $200 and up depending on additional ornamentation
- Check prices on Amazon
Earrings
- Average weight: One to five grams
- Average price: $13 to $70, though some pieces with gemstones may cost several hundred dollars
- Check prices on Amazon