Is STER the same as STERLING?

Yes. STER, STERLING, 925 all denote the same material — 92.5% silver. Different markets and eras stamp it differently, but the purity is identical.

How much is STER worth?

Its melt value is the silver spot price × 0.925 × the weight in grams. Buyers then deduct roughly 5–15% for refining and margin, so a quoted buy-back price sits a little below that theoretical figure.

How do I confirm a STER stamp is genuine?

Look at the mark under 10× magnification for crisp, even strikes, cross-check the weight-to-volume ratio against the expected density (10.36 g/cm³ for this alloy), scan it with the Jewelry Identifier app, and — when it matters — have an XRF test done by an assay office or gemological lab.

* Silver hallmark

The STER hallmark: meaning, purity & value

STER is a shortened sterling mark — 92.5% silver. Same as STERLING / 925.

Published May 30, 2026

Quick facts

Metal: Silver
Purity: 92.5%
Fineness: 925/1000
Common regions: United States
Density: 10.36 g/cm³
Standard: ISO 9202

Stamps that mean the same thing

This purity may be struck into jewelry as any of: STER / STERLING / 925. The mark differs by country and era, but the metal content is identical.

What STER tells you

STER is a shortened sterling mark — 92.5% silver. Same as STERLING / 925.

How to value it

The melt value of a STER piece is silver spot price × 0.925 × weight (g). A buyer typically deducts 5–15% for assay, refining, and margin, so the cash offer lands just under that figure. Stones and complex settings are usually excluded from the metal weight.

Live calculators: silver purity × weight · per-gram hub.

How to check it yourself

Examine the stamp under a 10× loupe — genuine marks are crisp and evenly struck, not doubled or smeared.
Confirm the mark reads STER or an equivalent such as STERLING.
Weigh the piece and estimate its volume — the density should land near 10.36 g/cm³ for this alloy.
Photograph it in the Jewelry Identifier app to read the metal, hallmark, and any gemstones from the image.
For a binding result, have an assay office or gemological lab run an XRF purity test.

Sources

ISO 9202
Trade hallmark references

* Frequently asked

FAQ

Q. Is STER the same as STERLING?: A. Yes. STER, STERLING, 925 all denote the same material — 92.5% silver. Different markets and eras stamp it differently, but the purity is identical.
Q. How much is STER worth?: A. Its melt value is the silver spot price × 0.925 × the weight in grams. Buyers then deduct roughly 5–15% for refining and margin, so a quoted buy-back price sits a little below that theoretical figure.
Q. How do I confirm a STER stamp is genuine?: A. Look at the mark under 10× magnification for crisp, even strikes, cross-check the weight-to-volume ratio against the expected density (10.36 g/cm³ for this alloy), scan it with the Jewelry Identifier app, and — when it matters — have an XRF test done by an assay office or gemological lab.

* Try it

Identify the jewelry in your hand, right now.

Just take a photo — AI reads the metal, gemstone, hallmark, era, and an estimated value range in seconds. First two scans free, no account required.

Identify your jewelry now — free App Store

* Related