What “325 Mexico” Means on Silver Jewelry (Spoiler: It’s Not Sterling)

See “325 Mexico” stamped on a silver piece? It’s not sterling. Here’s the decode.

The Math

• 325 = 32.5% pure silver
• 67.5% = other metals (usually copper)
• Standard sterling = 925 (92.5% Ag)

What It Is

• Low-grade silver alloy — sometimes called “coin silver” (though true coin silver = 900).
• Common in vintage Mexican tourist jewelry (1930s–1970s) — lightweight, affordable, decorative.
• “Mexico” mark indicates origin, not purity standard.

Value & Wear

• Tarnishes faster (more copper).
• Softer, bends easier than sterling.
• Lower intrinsic value — melt value ~⅓ of sterling.
• Collectible? Yes — mid-century Taxco pieces (Spratling, Castillo, etc.) in 325 can be valuable for design, not metal.

How to Tell If It’s Real

• Acid test (325 turns distinct color vs. 925).
• Weight — feels light for size.
• Maker’s mark + “Mexico” + “325” = likely authentic period piece.

Bottom line: 325 Mexico = vintage Mexican silver, 32.5% pure. Beautiful, historic, but not sterling.