The fineness of a metal is a representation of the amount of alloy and pure metal in a piece of metal or jewellery. 925 is the representation of sterling silver or 92.5% silver. It means that the item has 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% alloy added. The alloy is added to reach a desired strength and durability. However, just because an item is only stamped with the numbers 925 does not mean it is hallmarked. For a piece to be hallmarked it should not only have the metal fineness but also the stamp of maker, an assay office mark and date/year it was hallmarked in. Please note that 925 is only used for silver. Gold jewellery’s fineness is never represented by the term 925.