SILVERWARE GUIDE / JUNKODO
Pure silver and sterling silver: understanding fineness
A clear guide to fineness marks including 999, 950 and 925 and what they mean for silverware.
What is silver fineness?
Fineness describes the proportion of silver in a material, usually expressed in parts per thousand. A mark of 925 means 92.5% silver; 999 indicates 99.9% silver. Japan Mint documentation lists recognised grades such as 999, 950 and 925.
A fineness number is not a complete measure of a finished item’s suitability. Craftsmanship, form, finish and intended use also matter.
High-purity silver and sterling silver
“Pure silver” generally refers to high-silver-content material. High-purity silver has a soft white lustre and is relatively malleable. Sterling silver, commonly marked 925, is an alloy containing 92.5% silver and is widely used in jewellery and decorative objects.
Neither material is inherently the right choice for every use. Consider both appearance and handling requirements.
What to check when buying a silver cup
Check whether a product is described as solid high-purity silver, sterling silver or silver plated: these are different constructions. Also check cup dimensions, weight, finish and care instructions.
Junkodo lists its cups as pure silver and publishes the minimum guaranteed cup weight, excluding boxes and packaging. Specific numerical fineness claims should be based on verified item information.
Choose from eight silver cup sizes
See sizes, minimum weights, tax-inclusive prices and current delivery conditions.
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Silver cups in Japan: names, uses and choosing a size →Why silver darkens, and how to care for your cup →Reference: Japan Mint: Silver fineness and hallmarks. This is a general material guide, not a verified fineness mark for any individual product.