TRUST & EDUCATION 8 MINS READ EVERGREEN
Walk through any jewellery market in India — Chandni Chowk, Colaba Causeway, Lajpat Nagar — and you'll hear vendors use the word 'silver' loosely. Very loosely. Shiny white metal gets called silver whether it's worth ₹500 or ₹5,000. If you've ever bought a piece only to find it turning black or green within weeks, you've experienced this firsthand.
Let's cut through the confusion once and for all.
"Not all silver is created equal. Understanding the difference could save you thousands — and help you build a collection that actually lasts."
What is 925 Sterling Silver?
Sterling silver — marked as 925 — is an alloy composed of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper or zinc. The addition of other metals is necessary because pure silver (99.9%) is too soft to hold its shape in jewellery. The 92.5% formulation gives you the beauty of silver with the durability you need.
In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulates silver hallmarking. A genuine 925 piece will carry the hallmark — a small stamp that certifies its silver content. Every Chandesa piece carries this stamp, along with a Certificate of Authenticity.
How to identify real 925 Silver?
• Look for the '925' or '92.5' stamp, usually on a discreet part of the piece (clasp, inside band, back of pendant)
• A real 925 piece will not turn your skin green or black after regular wear
• Ask for a Certificate of Authenticity — reputable sellers always provide one
What is German Silver?
Despite the name, German Silver contains zero silver. It is a nickel-copper-zinc alloy that mimics the appearance of silver. It's commonly used in fashion jewellery and sold at very low price points. While it looks similar to sterling silver, it behaves very differently — it tarnishes faster, can trigger nickel allergies, and offers no investment value whatsoever.
German Silver is not inherently 'bad' — it serves a purpose in costume jewellery. But it should never be sold at sterling silver prices, and it should never be called silver.
What is Imitation or Fashion Jewellery?
Imitation jewellery uses base metals (often iron, brass, or aluminium) coated in a thin layer of silver-coloured finish. It looks the part for a few weeks, but the coating wears off quickly, especially with sweat, perfume, or water contact. The underlying metal can cause skin reactions.
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92.5 Silver White Pearl Classic Hanging Earrings
Hallmarked and certified. A pair that will outlast every fashion trend — because real silver is an investment, not just a purchase.
The Price-Quality Reality
A real 925 silver piece costs more upfront — but consider this: a ₹500 imitation earring that turns green in two weeks costs more per wear than a ₹3,500 Chandesa piece you'll wear for years. Authentic silver is a smarter long-term spend.
Silver also holds a degree of intrinsic value. While you shouldn't buy jewellery primarily as an investment, real sterling silver retains value in a way that imitation simply doesn't.
Quick Comparison
Sterling Silver (925): 92.5% pure silver, hallmarked, durable, safe for sensitive skin, holds value.
German Silver: 0% silver, nickel alloy, may cause allergies, tarnishes fast, no resale value.
Imitation / Fashion: Base metal with coating, coating wears off quickly, may irritate skin.
The Chandesa Promise
Every Chandesa piece is crafted in hallmarked 925 sterling silver and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. You're not just buying jewellery — you're buying certainty.
All Chandesa pieces are hallmarked & come with a Certificate of Authenticity. Free shipping across India. COD available.
Shop Authentic 925 Silver
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