Sterling Silver is the most common form of silver used for jewellery in western countries. It is an alloy of 92.5% silver metal and 7.5% other metal(s), generally copper. It is alloyed because fine silver (99.9%) is too soft be be used for most jewellery.

Sterling silver is usually stamped with 925, although legally jewellery is not required for items weighing less than 7.88g.

Sterling silver should not be confused with silver plating. Silver plating is fine silver which is added using electroplating. These do not require any hallmarks stamp, and it is illegal for them to bear the hallmark for other metals, such as sterling silver.