Silver purity refers to the amount of pure silver in an alloy. It’s commonly measured in parts per thousand, indicating how many parts of silver are in the total composition of the metal.

Silver purity is often expressed in terms of “fineness” or “karats.” The higher the number, the purer the silver. Common purities include 925 (92.5% silver) and 999 (99.9% silver).

925 silver, also known as sterling silver, is an alloy made up of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper. This is the standard for most high-quality silver jewelry.

999 silver (also called fine silver) is 99.9% pure silver, while 925 silver (sterling silver) is 92.5% silver. Fine silver is softer and more prone to tarnishing, while sterling silver is more durable and resistant to scratches and wear.

It’s rare for silver to be 100% pure because pure silver is too soft for practical use, especially in jewelry and household items. However, 999 silver is considered nearly pure.

Silver purity can be determined by looking for a hallmark or stamp on the item. Common stamps include “925” for sterling silver or “999” for fine silver. A jeweler can also perform a test, such as a chemical assay or magnet test, to determine purity.

Yes, the higher the purity, the more valuable the silver. Fine silver (999) is generally worth more than sterling silver (925) due to its higher silver content.

Yes, silver tarnishes over time due to exposure to air and moisture, especially sterling silver (925). Fine silver (999) tarnishes less but can still accumulate a patina.

Tarnished silver can be cleaned using silver polish cloths, mild soap and water, or silver-specific cleaning solutions. Avoid abrasive methods that can scratch the surface.

Mexican Silver generally refers to silver that is at least 92.5% pure, similar to sterling silver. The term can sometimes be used to describe jewelry or objects made primarily from silver, but always check for a purity stamp to confirm.