Silver
11 articles from the Journal
Sterling silver is a common starting point for men's fine jewellery, and one of the most misunderstood metals. These guides explain what 925 means, how sterling differs from pure and German silver, and how to check a silver hallmark in India. They cover why silver tarnishes and how to clean it safely, whether it suits sensitive skin, and whether it can hold a diamond. They also compare silver with gold, white gold and stainless steel so you can choose the metal that suits how you live.
Chandi Ka Kada, Ring and Chain for Men: Purity, Price and Checks
A chandi ka kada for men should be 925 sterling silver (92.5 per cent silver) for daily wear, solid rather than hollow, and sized to your hand, usually 2.8 to 2.12 (63.5 to 69.9 mm inside). Its price is silver weight at the day's rate, plus making charges, plus 3 per cent GST.
AXIOM Journal
Oct 10, 2026
Sterling Silver vs Pure Silver vs German Silver: The Difference
Sterling silver is real silver: 92.5 percent pure silver mixed with 7.5 percent other metal, usually copper, which makes it strong enough for jewellery. Pure or fine silver is 99.9 percent silver and too soft for most wear. German silver contains no silver at all; it is a copper, nickel and zinc alloy.
AXIOM Journal
Oct 10, 2026
Is Sterling Silver Hypoallergenic? Allergies and Green Skin Explained
Sterling silver is usually hypoallergenic for most people, because 925 silver is normally alloyed with copper rather than nickel, the metal behind most jewellery allergies. It is not guaranteed: some cheap or mislabelled alloys contain nickel. Green or black marks on skin are usually copper and tarnish reacting with sweat, not an allergy.
AXIOM Journal
Oct 10, 2026
Silver Hallmark in India: What 925 Means and How to Check It
A silver hallmark in India is a BIS mark certifying purity, and 925 means 92.5 percent pure silver, known as sterling. Silver hallmarking is voluntary, but silver BIS hallmarked since 1 September 2025 carries a six-character HUID that you can verify in the BIS Care app. A 925 stamp alone is only the maker's claim.
AXIOM Journal
Oct 10, 2026
Sterling Silver vs Stainless Steel Jewellery: Which Is Better?
Sterling silver vs stainless steel is a choice between a precious metal and a tough industrial one. Stainless steel is cheaper, harder and does not tarnish, which suits gym wear and trend pieces. Sterling silver is 92.5 percent silver, can be hallmarked, resized, repaired and set with real diamonds, and keeps metal value, but it tarnishes and scratches more easily.
AXIOM Journal
Oct 9, 2026
Sterling Silver vs White Gold: Differences, Price and Durability
Sterling silver vs white gold comes down to budget and upkeep. 925 sterling silver is 92.5 percent silver, costs far less and tarnishes but polishes back. 18K white gold is 75 percent gold, harder, heavier and far more expensive, and is usually rhodium plated, which wears and needs redoing. Both look similar when new.
AXIOM Journal
Oct 4, 2026
How to Clean Silver Jewellery at Home Without Damaging It
How to clean silver jewellery at home: rub it with a silver polishing cloth, then soak it for five to ten minutes in warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap, brush gently with a soft toothbrush, rinse and dry. For heavy black tarnish on plain silver, use a baking soda and aluminium foil bath. Keep foil baths, dips and pastes away from diamond-set or blackened pieces.
AXIOM Journal
Oct 4, 2026
Can Diamonds Be Set in Silver? How Durable Silver Settings Are
Yes, diamonds can be set in silver. A diamond in silver ring lasts for decades if the setting protects the stone: bezel, channel and flush settings hold best, because 925 sterling silver is softer than gold and claws wear faster. The metal costs less, so more of the budget goes into the diamonds and the design.
AXIOM Journal
Oct 1, 2026
Does 925 Sterling Silver Tarnish? Why It Happens and How to Stop It
Yes, 925 sterling silver tarnishes, and so does solid pure silver, because silver itself reacts with sulphur compounds in air and sweat to form a thin dark film of silver sulphide. Heat, humidity and perspiration speed it up. Tarnish is cosmetic, does not damage the metal, wipes off with a polishing cloth, and airtight dry storage slows it greatly.
AXIOM Journal
Sep 29, 2026
Is 925 Sterling Silver Good for Men's Jewellery?
Yes, 925 silver is good for men's jewellery and daily wear. It is 92.5% pure silver alloyed with 7.5% other metal, usually copper, which makes it hard enough for rings, chains and bracelets. It does tarnish and scratch over time, but both can be polished away, and a well-made piece lasts decades.
AXIOM Journal
Sep 29, 2026
Gold vs Sterling Silver for Men: Which Should You Buy?
For most men, 925 sterling silver is the better choice for everyday style pieces and 18K gold is the better choice for a ring or chain meant to last a lifetime with little upkeep. Gold holds its metal value and does not tarnish; silver costs far less, so the same budget buys more design and stones. Many men wear both.
AXIOM Journal
Feb 18, 2026