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Two necklaces can look identical in a photo one solid 92.5 sterling silver, the other a thin coating over base metal yet only one will still look like silver a year from now. Knowing the difference protects both your money and your skin. This guide explains what “925” actually means, how silver-plated jewellery is made, the practical differences between the two, how to verify what you're buying, and how a genuine MOHA sterling silver necklace fits your face shape, your wardrobe, and your care routine.
A silver necklace is a neckpiece made from silver metal, worn for daily, festive, or statement occasions. At MOHA, every necklace is crafted from certified 92.5 sterling silver across styles that include chain-and-pendant necklaces, chokers, oxidised pieces, and traditional Maharashtrian haars you can browse the full range on our silver necklace collection page. Understanding what “925” means is the first step to buying any of them with confidence.
Pure silver (99.9%) is too soft to hold its shape in everyday jewellery, so it's alloyed with 7.5% of another metal, usually copper, for strength. The result is 92.5% pure silver hence “925.” Every genuine piece is tested and stamped with a BIS hallmark, which is the official confirmation that the purity claim is real, not just a marketing label.
Silver-plated jewellery starts with a base metal often brass, copper, or a nickel alloy and adds a thin layer of silver on top through electroplating. Fresh out of the box, it can look almost identical to solid sterling silver. But the silver is only a surface layer, sometimes just a few microns thick, sitting over a completely different metal underneath.
| Value |
925 Sterling Silver |
Silver-Plated |
|---|---|---|
|
Composition |
92.5% pure silver + 7.5% alloy, solid throughout |
Base metal (brass/copper) with a thin silver coating on top |
|
Purity mark |
BIS hallmark / "925" stamp, independently tested |
No hallmark — purity can't be verified |
|
Durability |
Holds its structure for years with basic care |
Coating wears thin and flakes off with regular use |
|
Skin safety |
Nickel-free, suits sensitive skin |
Base metal can surface as coating wears, may irritate skin |
|
Tarnish & repair |
Tarnishes evenly; polishes back to a full shine |
Once the coating wears, polishing exposes the base metal |
|
Long-term value |
Genuine precious metal, holds value |
Decorative only; coating is not recoverable once gone |
MOHA sells only certified 92.5 sterling silver no silver-plated or imitation necklaces so every style in the comparison above applies to the full collection, not a select few pieces.
Check for a "925" stamp or BIS hallmark, usually near the clasp this is the single most reliable sign.
Genuine sterling silver feels slightly heavier and cooler to the touch than plated pieces of a similar size.
Ask the seller for a purity certificate; a legitimate brand will have one for every piece.
Watch how it tarnishes: solid silver darkens evenly and polishes back to a shine, while plated jewellery flakes or shows a different-coloured metal underneath.
A jeweller can also confirm purity with a simple acid or electronic test if you want independent verification see the BIS hallmarking overview for what certification covers.
Once you've confirmed a necklace is real sterling silver, the next question is which style suits you chain-and-pendant, choker, statement haar, or oxidised. This depends largely on your face shape: for example, longer pendants elongate a round face, while chokers add width for a long or heart-shaped one. Our full guide to choosing a silver necklace for every face shape walks through each shape in detail.
Solid sterling silver holds its finish through repeated wear, which matters if you're switching a necklace between sarees and western dresses in the same week. Statement haars and oxidised pieces pair naturally with ethnic wear, while chain-and-pendant necklaces and chokers move easily between kurtas and round-neck western tops. Browse by occasion: Daily & Office Wear, Festive & Ceremonial, and Wedding & Bridal.
This is where the difference between the two really shows up over time. A solid sterling silver necklace that tarnishes can always be polished back to its original shine, because the silver runs all the way through. A silver-plated piece can only be polished until the coating wears through after that, there's no silver left to restore.
Put jewellery on last, after perfume and lotion, and take it off first when you get home.
Remove it before showering, swimming, or exercising.
Store it airtight in a zip-lock bag or closed box, with a silica gel packet to absorb moisture.
Wipe with a soft microfiber cloth only never tissue, which can scratch the surface.
For the full routine, see our silver necklace care guide.
MOHA was founded in 2014 by Geetanjali Gondhale, who brings over 10 years of design experience and research into Indian jewellery craftsmanship to every collection. Every necklace is handcrafted by skilled artisans in India using certified 92.5 sterling silver and is BIS-hallmarked, so the purity is independently verifiable never silver-plated, never imitation.
Designs draw on authentic Indian references Ashtamangal symbols, Harappan seals, traditional Maharashtrian jewellery, architecture, and folk art. MOHA now serves customers across India and internationally, with a community of more than 176,000 followers, and offers free shipping over ₹3,500, cash on delivery above ₹3,500, and simple returns.
What does "925" mean on a silver necklace?
It means the piece is 92.5% pure silver, alloyed with 7.5% other metal (usually copper) for strength. It's the standard mark of genuine sterling silver.
Is silver-plated jewellery bad for your skin?
It can be. As the thin silver layer wears off, the base metal underneath often containing nickel can be exposed and may irritate sensitive skin.
Can a silver-plated necklace be polished back to shine once it fades?
Only partially, and only until the plating wears through completely. After that, polishing exposes the base metal rather than restoring silver.
How long does silver plating typically last?
It varies with wear and coating thickness, but plating commonly starts fading within months of regular use, unlike solid sterling silver, which lasts for years with basic care.
Does MOHA sell silver-plated necklaces?
No. Every MOHA necklace is certified 92.5 sterling silver and BIS-hallmarked. Gold-look pieces are gold plating over a genuine sterling silver base, not a different or lower-purity metal.
How can I tell real silver from fake at home?
Look for a "925" stamp or BIS hallmark near the clasp, compare the weight and coolness to a known plated piece, and watch how it tarnishes solid silver darkens evenly and polishes clean.
The difference between 925 sterling silver and silver-plated jewellery isn't visible in a photo, but it shows up within months of wear. Choosing certified sterling silver means your necklace holds its shine, suits sensitive skin, and can always be restored rather than replaced. Explore MOHA's full silver necklace collection, every piece certified 92.5 sterling silver and handcrafted with Indian heritage at its core.
