What does 925 ITALY mean on a gold chain necklace?

925 ITALY on a gold chain necklace does not indicate that it is made of gold. It refers to the purity of the silver content in the item and the country of origin or assay office. Here's what it means:

1. 925 Silver: The number "925" indicates that the necklace is composed of 92.5% pure silver. It is a common mark for sterling silver, which is an alloy of silver with a very small amount (usually 7.5%) of other metals, typically copper, to increase its durability.

2. ITALY: The word "ITALY" stamped on the necklace indicates that the item was either manufactured in Italy or bears an Italian hallmark, which certifies the silver purity and compliance with Italian precious metals regulations. Hallmarking is an official verification process to ensure that the item meets the standard of fineness declared by the manufacturer.

So, while 925 ITALY on a chain necklace does not denote gold, it signifies a chain made of sterling silver with a high silver content and likely of Italian origin or manufacture.