Does your ring have to say 925 on it to be real?

No, a ring doesn't necessarily have to say "925" to be made of real silver; it simply indicates that the piece is made of 92.5% silver, which is the standard for sterling silver. Some genuine silver items may be marked differently or not at all, especially if they are handmade or from certain regions. However, if a ring is labeled "925," it is a good indication that it is sterling silver. Always consider additional testing methods if authenticity is in question.