Silver Grades: How to Choose the Best Quality for Your Jewelry

Not all metals that look like silver are truly silver. At Noqoosh, we specialize in handmade, oriental, oxidized, and 925 silver jewelry, and we want you to make informed choices when buying silver pieces. Understanding silver grades ensures you get jewelry that’s not only beautiful but also durable and valuable.

Many people assume all shiny silver is the same—but that’s far from true. Just as gold comes in yellow, white, and rose varieties, silver also has different grades, each with its own value, durability, and suitability for jewelry. Knowing these grades will help you choose the right silver, whether you’re collecting, gifting, or investing.


What Does “Silver Grade” Mean?

When we talk about silver grade, we’re referring to its purity and quality. Silver is measured in parts per thousand. For example:

• 925 silver means 925 parts out of 1,000 are pure silver.

• 999 silver is almost entirely pure, with just 0.1% other metals.

Higher numbers indicate higher purity, which often comes with greater value and softer metal.

Factors Affecting Silver Purity

1. Fineness Levels:

   • Fine Silver (99.9%)

   • Sterling Silver (92.5%)

   • Coin Silver (90%)

2. Alloy Composition: Pure silver is soft. Adding metals like copper makes it stronger but reduces purity.

3. Usage: Jewelry often uses slightly lower grades for durability, while coins or bars may use higher-purity silver.
   
   

Why Understanding Silver Grades Matters

For collectors and investors:

• Collectors can select pieces that retain value and resist wear.

• Investors can buy high-quality silver that holds its market worth.

At Noqoosh, we focus on 925 sterling silver jewelry and other high-quality pieces that combine durability with traditional craftsmanship.

11 Types of Silver Grades

1. Fine Silver (999)

The purest silver, 99.9% pure. Soft and highly tarnish-resistant, ideal for delicate jewelry like earrings and pendants.

Pros: High purity, tarnish-resistant
Cons: Soft, prone to scratches, expensive

2. Sterling Silver (925)

The most common jewelry silver, made of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Stronger and more durable, perfect for rings, bracelets, and necklaces.

Pros: Durable, hypoallergenic, affordable
Cons: May tarnish over time

3. Non-Tarnish Silver

Special alloys like Argentium replace copper with metals such as germanium, making it more resistant to tarnishing.

Pros: Low maintenance, long-lasting shine
Cons: Slightly higher price

4. Britannia Silver (958)

Contains 95.8% silver, mostly used for silverware or collector’s pieces. Rare but historically significant.

5. Coin Silver (900)

Made of 90% silver, originally from melted coins. Strong but more prone to tarnish. Mostly found in vintage jewelry.

6. European Silver (800–850)

Traditional European alloys, representing local heritage and craftsmanship. Less common today.

7. Silver-Filled

A thick layer of sterling silver bonded to base metal. Looks like solid silver but more affordable.

8. Silver-Plated

A thin silver coating over base metal. Trendy and budget-friendly but wears faster.

9–11. Imitation Silver Types

Tibetan, Tribal, and Nickel Silver often contain no real silver and can include metals like nickel, copper, or tin. While they are decorative, they do not hold the value of genuine silver.

How to Identify Genuine Silver

Look for purity stamps:

• .999 → Fine Silver

• .958 → Britannia Silver

• .925 → Sterling Silver

• .900 → Coin Silver

• .800 → European Silver

When in doubt, a jeweler can test your silver professionally.

Which Silver Is Right for You?

• Investors: Choose 999 fine silver for value retention and trade.

• Jewelry lovers: Go for 925 sterling silver for durability, craftsmanship, and style.

At Noqoosh, we offer an exquisite collection of handmade oriental, oxidized, and 925 silver jewelry across Qatar and the GCC. Each piece is carefully crafted to combine traditional designs with lasting quality.

Explore our collection online and choose pieces that reflect elegance, heritage, and timeless beauty.