S925 Silver, Plated Finishes and Jewelry Care
Fugui's S925 moissanite range pairs a sterling silver base with a layered plated finish. The base metal and the outer finish do different jobs: the silver forms the jewelry, while the surface layers provide its finish and color.
This guide explains the two finishing recipes used for the relevant S925 pieces, followed by simple care for the stone, setting and plated surface.
What S925 means
S925 denotes sterling silver with a silver fineness of 925 parts per thousand, or 92.5% silver. It describes the base metal. A reference to 18K gold plating describes a surface layer; it does not mean that the whole piece is solid 18K gold.
White gold is a gold alloy. It is a different material from platinum. In the white-gold color recipe below, the outer metal layer is 18K white gold plating over the silver base and intermediate plating layers.
The finish, from base to surface
The layer order depends on the selected color finish. These tables record the material specification provided to FUGUI. Confirm the current specification, available test documents and batch coverage for the selected product and finish. A micrometer (µm) is one millionth of a meter.
White-gold color finish
| Order | Material | Metal-plating thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | S925 sterling silver base | — |
| 2 | Silver plating | 3 µm |
| 3 | Palladium plating | 0.03 µm |
| 4 | Rhodium plating | 0.03 µm |
| 5 | 18K white gold plating | 0.03 µm |
Other color finishes
| Order | Material | Metal-plating thickness |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | S925 sterling silver base | — |
| 2 | Silver plating | 3 µm |
| 3 | Palladium plating | 0.03 µm |
| 4 | 18K gold plating | 0.03 µm |
| 5 | Protective electrophoretic lacquer (e-coating) | — |
The e-coating is an additional protective lacquer. The thickness column describes the metal-plating layers. Follow the finish identified for the color option you select.
Clean gently
For pieces suitable for wet cleaning, use lukewarm water and a little mild soap. Clean gently with a soft cloth; a soft brush can help reach small spaces around a secure setting. Rinse carefully and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Follow any care notes for additional decorative materials on the piece.
On plated surfaces, avoid abrasive cleaners, silver dips and chemical polishing compounds unless the product is specifically suitable for that finish. An untreated, non-abrasive cloth is the gentler choice. Ask for professional advice before using ultrasonic or steam cleaning.
Protect the finish during wear
Remove jewelry before swimming, bathing, exercise and contact with household cleaning chemicals. Limit direct contact with perfume, lotions and cosmetics. Put jewelry on after those products have dried.
Plated surfaces can wear gradually, particularly where a ring rubs against other objects. The rate depends on use and care. Gentle cleaning and reducing friction help care for the surface, while the setting and clasp also need attention.
Store dry and check the setting
Dry jewelry fully before storage. Keep pieces in individual soft pouches or separate lined compartments so that they do not rub against one another. Sterling silver can tarnish, so avoid damp storage and exposure to chlorine or bleach.
Before wearing, check for a loose stone, bent prong or damaged clasp. If a setting is loose, set the piece aside and have it assessed before continuing to wear it.
For choosing fit and visual size, see the ring-size and stone-size guide. For the gemstone's composition and testing, read What is moissanite?
Optional S925 silver material testing
S925 silver material testing is optional. Available on request; fees and turnaround time quoted separately. Contact us with the product and option you want tested.
Materials, settings and documents
How should I read the plating specifications?
The coating tables record the material specification provided to FUGUI. Confirm the current specification, available test documents and batch coverage for the product and finish you intend to order. The supplied specification leaves the e-coating thickness unspecified.
Is 925 silver suitable for a moissanite setting?
S925 means 92.5% silver. Sterling silver is used for gemstone jewelry, and its setting needs gentle handling and regular checks. Silver can scratch or dent during wear. The setting's design, workmanship and condition also affect stone retention. Remove your jewelry for activities that could catch or bend the setting. FTC silver definitions and GIA silver durability guidance.
Can sterling silver tarnish or leave a skin mark?
Sterling silver can tarnish over time. Skin marks depend on the composition of the finished item, surface condition and contact during wear. Follow the care instructions for its actual finish. If you notice a surface change, send us the product link and a clear photo before applying a polish or chemical cleaner. GIA cleaning guidance.
Does S925 mean nickel-free or hypoallergenic?
The 925 designation specifies silver fineness. A nickel-free or skin-sensitivity claim needs evidence for the finished item, including its remaining alloy, solder, ear posts and plating. Tell us your known metal sensitivities and the exact item before ordering so we can confirm what product-specific information is available. If a piece causes irritation, stop wearing it and seek appropriate medical advice. American Academy of Dermatology guidance on nickel allergy.
How do gold-plated silver, gold-filled and solid gold differ?
Gold-plated silver has a silver base with a gold or gold-alloy surface layer. Gold-filled construction uses mechanically applied gold alloy, with the US jewelry guides describing a gold-layer weight of at least 1/20 of the article's total metal weight for that term. A solid karat-gold piece uses the stated gold alloy throughout and has no hollow interior. FUGUI's current S925 range is described by its silver base and selected plated finish. US jewelry guidance on gold descriptions.
Should I choose prongs or a bezel?
A full bezel surrounds the stone's edge and can reduce snagging. Prongs expose more of the stone and need checking for bending or looseness. The workmanship, condition and fit of the individual setting determine its security. Ask about the specific piece and your intended wear. GIA guide to ring settings.
What does the included GRA document cover?
Our shipment includes GRA moissanite grading documentation at no extra charge, with one report per pair of earrings. Read it for the issuing body's name, report number and the stone details it states. The issuer's methods and the match between an individual report, supplied stone and SKU need to be confirmed for the order. Sample report images illustrate the document format. S925 material testing is a separate optional paid service, with scope, fee and timing confirmed before ordering. Ask about the documents for your item.
What should I verify before a wholesale order?
Compare the same product and finish across quotes. Check the selling unit, measurements, metal and coating specification, document issuer and sample correspondence, delivery terms and written return policy. Ask which claims have finished-item test evidence. FUGUI reviews dealer quotes individually using your business details, destination and quantities. Request a dealer quote and read the FTC's jewelry buying advice.
Sources and further reading
The two finishing sequences above follow Fugui's current material specification. General care guidance is supported by: