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. The following tables preserve our specified sequence and metal-plating thicknesses. A micrometer (µm) is a unit used to describe very thin layers.
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.
Sources and further reading
The two finishing sequences above follow Fugui's current material specification. General care guidance is supported by: