How Much Is 925 Silver Worth? Sterling Silver Value Explained

a silver coin stamped with 925

Short Answer — You can buy or sell collectible 925 silver items (also known as sterling silver), such as jewelry and flatware, for anywhere from under $10 to several hundred dollars. As scrap, silver is worth around $21 per ounce, but 925 silver is worth somewhat less (about $19) since it only contains 92.5% silver.

How Much Is 925 Silver Worth?

Sterling silver is marked as 925 silver when it contains 92.5% silver, combined with another metal (usually copper) for added strength.[1][2]

It’s less expensive than some other metals, such as white gold, but that doesn’t mean it lacks value.

Some 925 silver pieces are more valuable in their original form since they may be considered fine/luxury items, and some are antiques. You can also sell silver as scrap.

Collectible Value

Sterling silver is found in common but finely-crafted items.

Some examples include:

  • Jewelry (necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets)[3]
  • Watches[3]
  • Tableware (cutlery, serving trays, napkin rings, etc.)[3]
  • Picture frames[3]
  • Flutes[4]
  • International coins[3]

Depending on the type of item you have or wish to buy, the value can range from less than $10 to several hundred dollars.[5][6][7]

The collectible value of sterling silver varies depending on silver’s current spot price, as well as the weight, age, design, other included metals or stones, maker, and whether you have one item or a set (such as a complete flatware set).[8][9][7]

Some sterling silver is notable for its material content, while other pieces are notable for their brand/manufacturer or antique quality.

Preserving Silver Value

Sterling silver is relatively durable and somewhat resistant to tarnishing. However, proper care can help keep your sterling silver in excellent condition and help retain its value.

Keep the following tips in mind to properly maintain your 925 silver pieces:[10][11]

  • Store it in a dry, cool place. Sterling silver can tarnish when exposed to humidity, sweat, cosmetics, household cleaning products, chlorine, sulfur, and chemicals. Be sure to take jewelry off and store it when doing things like showering, swimming, or washing dishes.
  • Keep pieces separated. It’s best to store each piece in an individual pouch or case, so they don’t rub together and become scratched.
  • Polish it regularly with a soft cloth. This will help your silver maintain its shine. Be sure not to use rough materials like paper or polyester.

Scrap Prices

Like most metals, sterling silver is scrapable. The dealer may pay per ounce, gram, or troy ounce.

The price of silver fluctuates daily; at the time of writing, the average over the past year has been about $21 per ounce.[12] You can check the current spot price of silver by visiting JM Bullion’s pricing index.

One ounce equals about 0.9 troy ounces and 28 grams; keep these conversions in mind so you can be sure you’re getting a fair deal.

Note, as well, that weight isn’t the only thing that determines the price you get. Since 925 silver only contains 92.5% silver, you’ll receive around 92.5% of the silver spot price before fees.

The dealer’s fee may be smaller if you sell a large amount of silver. For example, on a small transaction, you might pay up to 20% to the dealer, whereas for a larger transaction, you might only pay 2%.

Testing for Authenticity

Before buying or selling 925 silver, you’ll want to be sure it’s genuinely 925 silver. It can be easy to mistake sterling silver for other types of metal, such as silver plating.

If a piece is plated, over time, the silver plating will chip away and expose whatever metal is underneath it.

Since it’s difficult to tell real sterling silver from something that is silver-plated by appearance alone, here are a few things you can do to test for authenticity:[1]

  • Look for the “925” or sterling silver stamp. Real sterling silver will include a “925,” “Ster,” or “Sterling Silver” mark somewhere discreet, such as inside the band of a ring.
  • Wipe the jewelry with a soft, light-colored cloth. If it leaves black marks on the fabric, it’s real silver; silver oxidizes when exposed to air.
  • Test it with a magnet. Silver isn’t magnetic, so if the magnet is attracted to the piece, you’ll know it’s a different metal.
  • Test it with nitric acid. Nitric acid won’t affect sterling silver but will change the color of non-silver jewelry.
  • Use your sense of smell. Real sterling silver doesn’t have a strong scent; it shouldn’t give off a metallic smell (like the smell of a penny).
  1. https://prjewel.com/blogs/quality-cheap-jewelry/19197715-what-is-real-925-sterling-silver-jewelry-and-how-to-identify-it[][]
  2. https://www.rings-things.com/Learn/Sterling-Silver/[]
  3. https://www.gainesvillecoins.com/blog/what-is-sterling-silver[][][][][]
  4. https://www.powellflutes.com/en/instruments/handmade-custom/sterling-silver/[]
  5. https://www.collectorsweekly.com/silver/overview[]
  6. https://www.ebay.com/b/Antique-Sterling-Silver-Jewelry/12595/bn_7023351657?rt=nc&_sop=12[]
  7. https://www.silverqueen.com/store/antique-vintage-sterling-silver-[][]
  8. https://www.sellyourgold.com/sterling-silver-value[]
  9. https://www.jewelrynotes.com/selling-silver-jewelry/[]
  10. https://www.silvergallery.com/sterling-silver-cleaning-tips/[]
  11. https://www.tiffany.com/care-and-repair/sterling-silver-jewelry-care/[]
  12. https://www.macrotrends.net/1470/historical-silver-prices-100-year-chart[]

16 comments


  • grace

    Hie..l have a 925 brecelat and 925 ring..l wanted to ask if l may able to sell it?thank you..

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi Grace,

      You can probably sell them, you’ll just need to find a buyer. Check sties like eBay and Amazon for similar items, to get an idea what if might be worth. Right now, silver is worth about 55 cents per gram. You can weigh you items and see how many grams they are to estimate the scrap price.

  • Brenda Arellano

    Hello, I am looking forward to purchasing a sterling silver ring with a 3 carat diamond. Approximately how much will it be worth?

    I’m very nervous first buyer

  • LESLY

    I have a 925 ring with crystal on it.
    but theres is something that I can’t find in my ring it says
    925 GM 139.
    what does GM 139 mean?
    I tried to search in google but I can’t find the meaning of GM 139

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi Lesly

      I think it might be a style number used by the jewelry maker. For example, this necklace has something similar. If you know the brand or jewelry maker, try looking the number up on their site.

  • Robert Anderson

    Hi I have a locket weighing 6.93 grams .it has a gold covering and I thought it was gold till I seen the 925 on it .can u tell me how much it’s worth

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Rebecca Turley

      Hi Robert,

      Silver price per gram is current $.53, making the value of your locket about $3.67. Very little gold is usually used to plate silver, so it is unlikely it would add much value to the piece.

  • Patricia

    Hi
    I bought 2 silver rings that both have the 925 in them…
    I didnt pay alot but both have turned a copper color…
    I havent cleaned them yet…
    What does this mean???

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Rebecca Turley

      Hi Patricia,

      Sterling silver jewelry isn’t pure silver because it would be too soft and scratch easily. Instead, it is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. The color you see is a chemical reaction to your skin, which happens in a small percentage of those who wear silver. You should be able to wipe it clean with a silver polishing cloth or soak it in equal parts ammonia and water.

  • Nayjah

    Hey I was just wondering how much would one ring cost with the 925 on it mines has 4 gemstones and 6 diamonds I’m just wondering please and thank you ☆☆☆

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Rebecca Turley

      Hi Nayjah,

      I am unable to give you any kind of accurate value for your ring because I don’t know the weight of the ring, the size of the diamonds, the type of gemstones, etc. Your best bet is to have it appraised at a reputable jeweler. Thanks!

  • Melanie

    I have an 11 ” plate that is made by Alvin. It says H1008 is this worth its weight in silver as opposed to .925?
    Waiting for you reply, thankyou

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Rebecca Turley

      Hi Melanie,

      It looks like most Alvin plates are sterling silver. I wouldn’t look at it in terms of its silver value, as Alvin is a popular name among collectors. I did a search and found two different auctions where an Alvin dinner plate sold for about $100. I would recommend having it appraised. Good luck!

  • Joshua

    How much would my chain be worth if I brought it in James and sons for trade or money it’s diamond cut ovel cross links weighs on scale at 84.1 thank you for any advice I just bought gold chain it was to heavy thank you

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Sarah Quinn

      Joshua,

      Your sterling silver chain will definitely be of more value to a buyer as an item of jewelry than as scrap metal. I contacted the Chicago location for James and Sons to get an estimate of what they might be willing to offer you in trade, and as of today, James ad Sons is offering 22 cents per gram, or about $18.48 for a 84.1 gram sterling silver chain. The only caveat is that the chain would have had to have been purchased at James and Sons. If you live near the Orland Park or Schererville areas, you may also be interested to know that James and Sons will be hosting a Buying and Appraisal Fair later this month. They’ll evaluate your valuables at no cost, no matter where you acquired them, and make no-obligation cash offers. I hope this helps in selling or trading in your chain to James and Sons.

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