The 925 sterling silver stamp isn't always true...

Just because there is an 'industry standard' for .925 sterling doesn't mean that if a piece of jewelry is stamped 925 it's the genuine article. Many countries don't have the same 'industry standard' as we do in the United States. Out of curiosity I purchased several pieces from overseas sellers and took them to my local jeweler (a personal friend) to have him check them out. Every piece purchased from a seller in an Asian country, advertised as 925 and stamped 925, end up being silver plating over what he described as 'mystery metal'. If you want genuine 925 sterling silver, buy items made in the USA or other countries known for their quality silver (i.e. Ireland, Scotland, Australia).If you just want some inexpensive jewelry that will look okay for awhile, help yourself to the .99 cent specials!