They are stamped 925 and were sold to me as Sterling Silver that is the most honest answer I can give you, I don't want to say solid because I don't have verification of that; I have never gone and had them appraised or anything. Although I have been wearing one for nearly a year and I love it!! As far as shipping cost goes the maximum is $6.00 when you have that in cost and since I don't live near my post office and have to print my own labels and I provide tracking with all my shipments I have that cost in them when I can I list lower fees only if I can afford to cover the remaining cost out of pocket. I am Not able to do that on all of my auctions. I have pre budgeted this situation before I make my listings!! Thank you for your interest. Happy Bidding!!