Sonya BatemanThe 925 stamp often appears on gold jewelry like bracelets and necklaces. Interestingly, though, 925 gold is not actually gold jewelry — it is gold-plated sterling silver. You can determine the value of 925 gold jewelry by first determining the spot price of sterling silver or the retail price of silver items. For more about the 925 stamp on gold jewelry, as well as how much these pieces may be worth, see below.
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What the 925 Stamp on Jewelry Means
Some people assume that gold jewelry stamped with 925 is 92.5% gold. However, the 925 stamp is not actually used for gold jewelry. Instead, it is a common hallmark for sterling silver — specifically, jewelry that is 92.5% silver.
Gold-appearing jewelry stamped with 925 is typically gold-plated sterling silver. The most common 925 gold jewelry is gold vermeil, which is sterling silver plated with gold that’s at least 10 karats and 2.5 microns in thickness.[1]
The 925 hallmark is not used for white gold, which may be silver in appearance and uses the standard gold karat hallmarks (8K to 24K). Our related research as more information about the value of white gold. The 925 hallmark is also not used for platinum jewelry, which will include PLAT or PT with the hallmark numbers. If your gold jewelry is stamped with 925, it’s most likely sterling silver.
The Value of “Gold” Stamped 925
Sterling silver, or 925 silver, is typically valued in one of two ways:
- The scrap cost of sterling silver (i.e., the price per ounce that jewelry stores, pawn shops, and other precious metal buyers will pay for silver items)
- The retail value of silver items like jewelry, tableware, musical instruments, and other items containing or using primarily silver
In 2019, the average scrap price of silver was about $16.53 per ounce,[2] though the silver market fluctuates daily. The highest price for sterling silver in 2019 was $19.08 per ounce, while the lowest price was $14.28 per ounce. You can find more information about historic silver scrap prices in our article detailing the value of 925 silver, or you can check the current spot price at JM Bullion.
How Much “Gold” Stamped 925 Is Worth
The retail prices for 925 silver jewelry items can vary based on a number of factors, including the size, weight, and design of the piece, as well as the inclusion of gems or other precious materials. Here’s a look at the average retail prices for gold-plated sterling silver jewelry, or gold vermeil:
Necklaces and Chains
- Average weight: Three to 20 grams
- Average price: $7 to $50, though some pieces with gemstones can cost several hundred dollars
- Check prices on Amazon
Bracelets
- Average weight: Two to 15 grams
- Average price: $10 to $70, with some retailing at $200 and up depending on additional ornamentation
- Check prices on Amazon
Rings
- Average weight: Two to 10 grams
- Average price: $10 to $100, with some retailing at $200 and up depending on additional ornamentation
- Check prices on Amazon
Earrings
- Average weight: One to five grams
- Average price: $13 to $70, though some pieces with gemstones may cost several hundred dollars
- Check prices on Amazon
Do you have any jewelry with the mysterious “BNZ” inscribed on it? See our related article to find out what BNZ means on jewelry.
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