What does the hallmark 850 mean?

The hallmark "850" indicates that a piece of metal, typically silver, contains 85% pure silver and 15% other metals, such as copper. This designation is often used in jewelry and silverware to denote a high-quality alloy that is more durable than pure silver, which is 99.9% silver (known as 999). The "850" hallmark is commonly found in various countries, particularly in Europe and Asia, and signifies a specific standard of silver craftsmanship.