What 999, 925 and other silver numbers mean, why the silver rate is quoted per kg, and how to work out the price of a silver item.
Silver is bought in India for coins, utensils, pooja items, anklets, toe rings and gifts. Like gold, silver is mixed with other metals to make it stronger, and the mix is shown as a number. Here is what those numbers mean and how silver prices work.
Silver purity numbers
| Mark | Silver in it | Common name | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 999 | 99.9% | Fine silver | Coins, bars, some pooja items |
| 990 / 970 / 958 | 95.8–99% | High-purity silver | Utensils, idols |
| 925 | 92.5% | Sterling silver | Jewellery, gift items |
| 835 / 800 | 83.5% / 80% | Lower-purity silver | Anklets, older items |
The rate shown on our silver rate pages is for fine (999) silver. Items with lower purity are worth proportionally less.
Why the silver rate is quoted per kilogram
Silver costs far less per gram than gold, so traders quote it per kg to make the numbers easier to compare. ₹2,10,000 per kg is the same as ₹210 per gram. To find the price per gram, divide the kg rate by 1,000.
Working out the price of a silver item
- Weight of the item in grams × (kg rate ÷ 1,000) = value of fine silver
- × purity (for example 0.925 for sterling) = value of the silver it contains
- + making charges (silver work can have high making charges compared with the metal value)
- + 3% GST
Example: a 50 g sterling silver anklet pair at ₹210 per gram of fine silver: 50 × 210 × 0.925 = ₹9,712 of silver, plus making charges and GST.
Why silver moves more than gold
Silver is a precious metal and an industrial metal. A large share of it goes into electronics, solar panels and other factory uses. So its price reacts both to the things that move gold (see why gold prices change) and to how busy factories are around the world. That is why silver often rises and falls faster than gold, in percentage terms.
Hallmarks on silver
Since 1 September 2025, BIS runs a HUID-based hallmarking scheme for silver under its revised standard, IS 2112:2025. It is voluntary for jewellers, but every hallmarked silver item carries the BIS mark with the word SILVER, the purity grade and a 6-character HUID. You can check that HUID on the BIS Care app, just like gold. Ask whether a silver item is hallmarked, and make sure the purity is written on the bill.
Plated and "German silver"
- Silver-plated items have only a thin silver coat over another metal. They have almost no silver value.
- German silver contains no silver at all; it is a mix of copper, nickel and zinc that looks silver-coloured.
Both are fine for decoration, but should be priced as such, not by the silver rate.
Keeping silver bright
Silver turns dark when it reacts with sulphur in the air. Our care guide explains how to clean it safely and slow this down.
Buying silver coins and bars
- Coins and bars are usually 999 fine silver and come sealed with the weight and purity printed.
- Small coins (10–20 grams) carry a higher making charge per gram than large bars, so a 1 kg bar is closest to the daily silver rate.
- Keep the packaging and bill; they make resale easier.
Common questions
Why does my silver anklet cost much more than the silver rate?
Making charges on silver jewellery are often a large share of the price, because the metal is cheaper but the work is similar to gold. A design-heavy piece can cost twice its metal value or more.
What will a shop pay for old silver?
Shops test the purity and pay for the silver content, minus a deduction. Like gold, making charges are not paid back.
Does the silver rate include GST?
No. 3% GST is added on the bill.
This guide is general information for buyers. Rules and tax rates can change; check with your jeweller, bank or a qualified adviser before big decisions.