How to Tell If Your Silver Nursing Cups Are Genuine 925 Sterling Silver
By Anh, mum and Silverette® user since 2014, bringing Silverette® to mums across Asia.
Not all "silver" nursing cups are made of silver. As silver nursing cups have become more popular, many similar-looking cups have appeared, and some contain very little real silver, or none at all. Because these cups sit against your skin for hours every day while you're breastfeeding, it's worth knowing exactly what you're buying. Here's how to check.
The Quick Answer
A genuine 925 sterling silver nursing cup should be able to answer yes to three questions:
- Does it state its silver purity? Look for "925" or "sterling silver," and a 925 hallmark stamped on the cup.
- Is it registered as a medical device? In Australia, check for TGA registration.
- Has it been clinically tested? Look for published research, not just marketing claims.
Silverette® answers yes to all three.
What Does "925 Sterling Silver" Actually Mean?
"925" means the metal is 92.5% pure silver, with the remaining 7.5% usually copper for strength. It's the international standard for sterling silver. Genuine Silverette® cups are made from solid 925 sterling silver, the same all the way through, and are certified free from nickel and lead.
Solid Silver vs Silver-Plated vs Other Metals
| Type | What it is | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Solid 925 sterling silver | 92.5% silver throughout | The material Silverette® is made from. Lasts for years and can be reused for every baby. |
| Silver-plated or "trilaminated" | A thin layer of silver over a cheaper core metal | The coating can wear away over time, exposing the metal underneath. |
| Stainless steel or aluminium | Silver-coloured metal, but not silver | May look similar, but contains no silver at all. |
5 Ways to Check Your Silver Nursing Cups
1. Look for the 925 hallmark
Genuine sterling silver is stamped with a 925 mark. Every Silverette® cup carries this hallmark. If a cup has no purity mark at all, that's worth questioning.
2. Check the medical device registration
Nursing cups sold as breastfeeding products in Australia can be registered with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Silverette® is registered with the TGA (ARTG 236106), as well as with the FDA (USA), HSA (Singapore) and under CE marking (Europe). You can search the ARTG number on the TGA website to check.
3. Ask for clinical evidence
Silverette® was clinically tested over two years at the University Hospital of Padua, with the study published in the journal Breastfeeding Medicine (Volume 10, Number 5, 2015). Genuine claims should be backed by published research you can look up, not just marketing words like "medical grade."
4. Consider the price
925 silver is a precious metal with a real market value. If a "silver" nursing cup is priced far below others, the saving usually comes from using less silver, or none.
5. Buy from an official stockist
The simplest way to be sure is to buy directly one of our official stockist.
Watch: How to Check Your Silver Nursing Cups
See what to look for when choosing genuine 925 sterling silver nursing cups.
Why It Matters
Nursing cups sit against delicate skin for many hours a day, often in the very first weeks of breastfeeding. Knowing what your cups are made of, and that they're nickel-free and clinically tested, gives you real peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all silver nursing cups made of real silver?
No. Some are silver-plated, trilaminated or made from other silver-coloured metals. Check for a 925 purity mark and
