Sterling Silver , or 925 Silver , is the most prized material in high-end jewelry and indicates that the metal alloy is composed of 92.5% pure silver. This standard establishes the highest degree of purity to ensure the quality of jewelry made with it.

The term "Sterling Silver" was established in the 13th century by King Afonso II of Portugal when he enacted a law punishing anyone who made silver pieces with inferior alloys . This international standard remains in force today. In other words, the two names are synonymous and refer to the noblest alloy of the same precious metal.

Just like gold, silver jewelry pieces are made in alloy form (alloyed with other metals). Thus, the amount of silver present in a piece is indicated to the consumer through the hallmark (925‰, for example). In turn, silver bars correspond to 999‰ silver (thousandths), that is, silver not alloyed with other metals.