Cadmium in jewelry - more to think about
Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 12:24PM If you're concerned about cadmium and other toxic metals making their way into your jewelry components, here's an Associated Press article that you may want to read. Its author, William Foreman, points out that small, independent buyers who purchase jewelry supplies from China for resale are often in a particularly poor position to ensure that they're safe.
Notice the reference to a tool called an XRF gun that can be used to test metals for cadmium and lead - and costs about $35,000 to $50,000. At that price, it's definitely not something most small resellers can afford.
What do you think? Should suppliers be held accountable for the safety of their metal goods, or is that asking too much? Is it even possible to hold international manufacturers accountable for the safety of their products? If not, or until then, should we shun Chinese made components entirely?
cadmium, lead in jewelry, metals in News, Supplies 
Reader Comments (8)
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EA JEWELRY
http://emcecile08.ecrater.com
EM.CECILE SPEAKS
http://emcecilespeaks.blogspot.com
Based on a research,"Cadmium has no constructive purpose in the human body. Cadmium and its compounds are extremely toxic even in low concentrations and will bioaccumulate in organisms and ecosystems."
I must say that this is very much informative post i have ever read, thanks for sharing this useful information with us.
I think you made some good points.
I would love to know which items tested free of cadmium.
Glass Of Venice
Lead was long the favored metal for cheap jewelry; now that federal law tightly restricts how much lead can be used in children jewelry, some manufacturers are using cadmium.
Zoppini Charms
Good thing to be aware of. I'm glad I make mostly my own jewelry, and buy local and handmade as much as I can. Organic materials and materials from suppliers I trust help keep my customers and me healthy!
Thanks for the informative post. Well, we should be more careful in everything that we buy. I was surprised that cadmium is in jewelries too. The last time I heard about this toxic chemical was when it was found in some toys. It's really important that you know what you buy. If it's possible, go ahead and just make your own jewelry. I don't think that all resellers can afford the XRF gun to detect cadmium on their products.
Shirley Lake
Vintage Jewelry