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Silver Purity Testing & Volhard Titration: Demystifying 925 Sterling vs 999 Fine Silver

Ganesh Deshmukh(Lead Metallurgist & Assayer, RTL)
•September 28, 2026•5 min read
Silver Purity Testing & Volhard Titration: Demystifying 925 Sterling vs 999 Fine Silver
Silver items—from silverware and pooja articles to investment bullion bars and jewelry—vary widely in fineness. Understanding the difference between 999 Fine Silver and 925 Sterling Silver is crucial before buying or selling.

Fineness Standards in Silver

999 Fine Silver contains 99.9% pure silver and is too soft for everyday jewelry, making it standard for coins and bullion bars. In contrast, 925 Sterling Silver contains 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper or other alloys to impart durability and shine.

How Volhard Titration Works

Volhard titration is the certified chemical test for silver purity. A silver sample is dissolved in dilute nitric acid and titrated against standard ammonium thiocyanate solution using ferric alum as an indicator. The precise endpoint determines the exact silver fineness down to 0.05% accuracy.

Key Takeaways for Buyers & Jewellers

Essential Rules of Thumb

  • Sterling silver must test at 92.5% or higher to be certified as true 925 grade.
  • Volhard titration gives dependable purity proof for bulk silver lots and bullion.
  • Rajendra Touch Lab provides both instant XRF silver scans and certified titration reports.
Have Questions or Need an Immediate Test?

Visit Rajendra Touch Lab in Kalyan (W)

Prakash Tower, Shop 11/A, Opp. Raja Hotel, Ahilyabai Chowk, Kalyan (W)

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