SilverQuestions

Silver purity and 999 silver explained

Silver purity describes how much silver is present in the item, often expressed as fineness such as 999.

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Last reviewed: 2026-05-23

999 silver

999 silver means the item is commonly described as 99.9% silver. Many bullion products use this purity or higher.

Sterling silver is usually 925 parts silver per 1,000. It is common in jewellery and household items, but it is different from many bullion products.

This guide is educational only and is not financial, investment, tax, legal, or personal advice.

Is sterling silver bullion?

Usually no. Sterling items may have silver value, but bullion products are normally sold primarily for metal content.

Does purity affect value?

Yes. Metal value calculations depend on weight and purity.

Is 999 silver pure?

It is very high purity, though everyday descriptions and technical standards can differ.