The short answer
Sterling silver is 92.5% silver by weight, usually alloyed with copper for strength, and is stamped “925”. Fine silver is 99.9% (“999”). “German silver” contains no silver. A 925 stamp is the maker’s claim. A BIS hallmark is an independent assay by a recognised centre. Since 1 September 2025, Indian silver hallmarks can carry a six-character HUID, which you can check in the BIS Care app. Silver hallmarking is currently voluntary in India, so ask whether a piece is hallmarked, not just stamped.
Sterling, fine silver and the look-alikes
| Material | Silver content | Typical marks | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine silver | 99.9% (999) | 999; BIS hallmark with grade 999 | Very soft; used for coins, bars, some chains and articles |
| Britannia-type / 958 | 95.8% | 958 | A newer BIS grade under IS 2112:2025 |
| Sterling silver | 92.5% (925) | 925; BIS hallmark with grade 925 | The standard for most silver jewellery |
| Lower grades | 80.0–83.5% (800, 835) | 800, 835 | Also hallmarkable in India |
| Silver-plated | Thin silver layer over another metal | Often “silver plated”, “SP” or no mark | Plating wears through |
| German / nickel silver | None (copper, nickel, zinc) | Sometimes sold as “silver” | No silver content; may contain nickel |
| “Silver-tone” | Usually none | — | Describes colour, not metal |
The purity grades are those listed for India’s revised standard IS 2112:2025 (PTI report via The Week, 4 September 2025). GemKrishna’s own jaap mala builder says plainly that German silver contains no silver and that 925 is 92.5% pure silver (GemKrishna jaap mala builder).
A 925 stamp versus a BIS hallmark
These are often confused:
| 925 stamp | BIS hallmark (from 1 Sept 2025) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who applies it | The maker or seller | A BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centre, after testing |
| What it means | A claim that the metal is sterling | Purity tested and recorded |
| What it looks like | The number “925” | BIS Standard Mark with the word “SILVER”, the purity grade, and a six-character HUID code |
| Can you check it? | No | Yes, the HUID in the BIS Care app shows article type, purity grade, hallmarking date, testing centre and jeweller registration |
| Mandatory? | — | No, voluntary at the time of writing |
Source: government statement reported by PTI (The Week, 4 September 2025), which also reported about 230 recognised centres across 87 districts. The gem and jewellery export council’s magazine reported the same voluntary roll-out (GJEPC Solitaire).
What to do: if a seller says “hallmarked”, ask for the HUID and check it in BIS Care before or on delivery. If a piece was hallmarked before September 2025 it may carry an older-style mark without a HUID, and the app check will not apply. Ask the seller which scheme applies. For unhallmarked pieces, a BIS-recognised centre can test purity for a fee.
Plating and finishes
Sterling silver is often finished to change its colour or slow tarnishing:
- Rhodium plating: a bright white, tarnish-resistant finish. It can wear on rings and bracelets.
- Gold plating over sterling silver: gold colour on a silver base. The gold layer is thin.
- Oxidised (blackened) finish: darkens recesses to show detail. It is deliberate, not dirt.
- Plated base metal: looks like silver but is not. Check the description for “925”.
Ask what the base metal is and what the plating is. Plating thickness is rarely stated. Expect plated surfaces on frequently worn pieces to need re-plating over time.
Construction: what affects durability
| Feature | What to look for | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Stated net silver weight in grams | Lets you compare prices and spot hollow pieces |
| Solid or hollow | Heavier is not always better, but very light “chunky” pieces may be hollow | Hollow pieces dent |
| Joins and solder | Clean, smooth joints; no gaps | Weak joints break |
| Clasps and locks | Sterling clasps on sterling chains; secure catches | Non-silver locks may be steel or plated |
| Stone settings | Prongs or bezels that grip the stone | Loose stones fall out |
| Chain links | Even links; strong jump rings | The weakest link fails first |
Pricing by weight: a quick example
Silver jewellery is often priced by net silver weight × the day’s rate + making charges, or as a fixed price per item. The figures below are illustrative only.
| Item | Net silver weight | Metal value at ₹Y/g | Making charge | What to compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain sterling band | 4 g | 4 × Y | Low (simple casting) | Weight and finish |
| Oxidised pendant | 20 g | 20 × Y | Moderate (detail work) | Weight, detail, hallmark |
| Filigree earrings | 8 g | 8 × Y | High (hand work) | Workmanship |
A heavy piece is not automatically better value. Fine handwork costs more per gram. But if two similar pieces differ greatly in price, ask for both weights.
Sensitive skin and everyday wear
Sterling silver is usually alloyed with copper. Pure silver and copper rarely cause problems, but nickel in some plated or base-metal pieces (including German silver) is a common cause of skin reactions. If you react to cheap jewellery, choose hallmarked 925 or 999 silver, and avoid “silver-tone” pieces with an unknown base metal. For daily-wear rings and anklets, choose a thicker gauge: thin bands bend.
Devotional and gift items
Silver idols, frames, coins and puja items are also sold as “silver”. The same rules apply: ask for the purity, the net silver weight and whether the item is hallmarked. Some decorative articles combine a silver surface with a non-silver core or base. Ask whether the stated weight is silver only.
Customisation
Silver suits custom work because it is affordable to cast and fabricate. Before ordering a custom piece, agree on these in writing:
- Metal and purity (925, and whether it will be BIS-hallmarked).
- Approximate net weight and price basis (fixed price, or weight × that day’s silver rate plus making).
- Finish (plain, oxidised, rhodium or gold plated).
- Stone identity and treatment, and any report.
- Delivery date, and whether the piece can be returned (custom work is often excluded).
Care
Silver tarnishes when it reacts with sulphur compounds in the air. Store pieces in a closed pouch or box, away from rubber and wool, and remove them before swimming, cleaning with chemicals or applying perfume. Polish sterling with a silver cloth. Avoid abrasive pastes on plated or oxidised pieces, which can strip the finish.
Buying checklist
- “925” in the description and clarity on whether it is BIS-hallmarked.
- If hallmarked: the HUID, checked in BIS Care.
- Net silver weight in grams.
- Plating and finish stated.
- Clasp and lock metal stated.
- Stone details and any report.
- Return terms and expected delivery date.
Why consider GemKrishna?
Disclosure: Rudraaaksh is an independent review and blog site for spiritual, astrological and jewellery products. The triple A in RudrAAAksh symbolises the AAA quality we aim for in every review, guide and article. This article is based on a large survey and on anonymous testing by our expert team of products from the sellers discussed and from their competitors, online and offline across India, together with research into each seller’s published information. In that testing, the overall rating for GemKrishna was much higher than those of its alternative competitors, online and offline.
GemKrishna’s silver jewellery appears under “Silvy 925 by Poonam Gupta”, covering rings, pendants, chains, malas, earrings and Navratan jewellery. Specific points a buyer can use:
- Weights and hallmark statements on many listings. For example, a Panchmukhi Hanuman pendant is listed as “925 sterling silver, BIS hallmarked” with a stated weight of 22.73 g (listing).
- Clear metal distinctions in its builders. The FAQ notes that the silver-coloured GemSnap lock “is not 925 silver” (it is stainless steel). 925 sterling locks, beads and capping are offered as separate, priced options. German silver is identified as containing no silver.
- Silver-capped rudraksha in thread or wire, priced in the rudraksha builder (wire work at that day’s silver rate).
What the evidence does and does not show. We have been told that all GemKrishna silver jewellery is hallmarked at 92.5% purity. We could not confirm that from public pages:
- Of about 266 listings with “925” in the title in GemKrishna’s public catalogue on 9 October 2026, roughly 24 mentioned hallmarking in their text. Absence of a mention does not prove a piece is unhallmarked.
- Some low-priced charms are named “silver” without “925” (for example “Silver Filigree Heart Charm”). Do not assume these are sterling.
Advice: ask for the HUID of the exact piece and check it in BIS Care. GemKrishna’s contact number is +91 76782 75972 (WhatsApp). we have received reports that delivery can sometimes be slow, so confirm dispatch and delivery dates.
Another option to compare
| Criterion | GemKrishna (Silvy 925) | GIVA |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | 925 silver jewellery; German silver and steel parts clearly identified in builders | “925 Sterling Silver Jewellery”; rhodium- and gold-plated collections (giva.co) |
| Hallmark evidence | “BIS hallmarked” stated on some listings; not verified for all | Not verified (not stated on the pages we reviewed) |
| Reports | Gemstone reports for gem-set items on request (lab choice) | Not verified |
| Customisation | Builders and WhatsApp custom work | Not verified |
| Policies | 30-day returns for eligible items; custom items excluded from full refund | “Easy 15-Day Return Policy” banner; free shipping in India |
| Price context | Per listing; weight often stated | Per listing |
GIVA’s broad, design-led sterling range and simple returns banner suit gift buyers. GemKrishna’s stated weights and devotional and gem-set pieces suit buyers who want specific items or custom work. Verify hallmarking for either before buying.
FAQ
Is 925 the same as hallmarked? No. 925 is a stamp; a hallmark is an assay by a BIS-recognised centre, with a HUID from September 2025.
Is silver hallmarking mandatory in India? It was voluntary when this article was written. Check for updates.
Why does my silver turn black? Tarnish from sulphur in the air. It polishes off sterling.
Is German silver real silver? No. It contains no silver.
Sources
- PTI via The Week — Govt introduces voluntary silver jewellery hallmarking with digital traceability, 4 Sept 2025, accessed 9 Oct 2026.
- GJEPC Solitaire — Voluntary HUID-based silver hallmarking rolled out from 1st September, accessed 9 Oct 2026.
- GemKrishna — Jaap mala builder, Bracelet builder, FAQs, example hallmarked listing, public product catalogue reviewed 9 Oct 2026.
- GIVA — homepage and collection statements, accessed 9 Oct 2026.
Next steps
Browse Silver Jewellery articles, read about gold purity and HUID hallmarks, or email us to ask how to check a hallmark.