CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
EditorsOct 18, 2010
Safe alternatives to toxic metals in jewelry
(Editor's Note: This post was written and supplied to us by Jack Gindi, CEO of FuFoo & Disney Precious Collection. You can find more information at www.fufoo.com or www.preciousjewelrycollections.com.) Bad news: Toxic metals have been found in children's jewelry from...
(Editor's Note: This post was written and supplied to us by Jack Gindi, CEO of FuFoo & Disney Precious Collection. You can find more information at www.fufoo.com or www.preciousjewelrycollections.com.)
Bad news: Toxic metals have been found in children's jewelry from China. Good news: There are safe, high-quality alternatives available
By Jack Gindi
For a precious little girl, there is nothing more special than a gift of fine jewelry. It is the simplest, most timeless way to mark a special occasion, to give as a flower girl gift, or just as a gift of love. But that special gift may carry a hidden danger. Unfortunately, in this day and age, product safety cannot be taken for granted. Not every manufacturer cares about your child’s health. For example, Chinese jewelry manufacturers are getting a lot of negative press these days, and deservedly so. China ships out a mind-boggling million or more pounds of jewelry annually. There have been numerous recalls of products shipped to the United States that have been made with dangerous, toxic heavy metals. These poisonous alloys present serious, long-term health consequences for children.
Consumer Reports estimates that about 20% of children’s metal jewelry contains high levels of lead. Even with federal legislation limiting levels of lead, recalls from lead-tainted imported products are still all too common. Coatings that are not evenly applied, dull, scraped, or chipped are a warning sign of inferior jewelry. An enamel coating should have a rich, lustrous appearance and feel smooth and glossy to the touch. The Fufoo collection, for example, which is handcrafted in Italy, uses champlevé enameling with the highest-quality enameling compounds that are free from toxic metals. For quality jewelry manufacturers, the use of toxic metals in the production process as a cost-saving measure is unacceptable and a violation of customer trust.
Now, in addition to toxic lead, our children are facing a new health threat from Chinese jewelry manufacturers, poisoning from cadmium, an even more toxic heavy metal. Yes, cadmium, that metal found in rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries. According to the CDC, cadmium is one of the most toxic heavy metals in existence and has the dubious honor of being ranked as the seventh most hazardous substance on earth. Cadmium-laced jewelry is especially dangerous for children because the metal can be ingested just from sucking or biting the jewelry; it need not be swallowed. It is a
known carcinogen that can interfere with brain development in the very young.
Why would someone use cadmium alloys in jewelry given the health risks? For China’s jewelry makers, it’s a cheap metal and easy to use. Investigative reporters have found that raw-materials suppliers in China sell jewelry manufacturers zinc-cadmium alloys containing up to 90% cadmium. These deadly toxic alloys wind up in the hands and mouths of our children. There is pending federal legislation addressing toxic metals in children’s jewelry such as the Senate’s Safe Kids’ Jewelry Act, and a similar bill, the Children’s Toxic Metals Act, introduced in the House of Representatives.
Those parents who demand safe jewelry for their children are becoming more engaged and more vocal. They are proactively seeking alternatives to potentially dangerous Chinese-imported jewelry. Jewelry should be safe, well made, age-appropriate, and beautiful. Consumers are discovering the benefits, peace of mind, and pride that comes from purchasing high-quality children’s jewelry through admired and trusted brands like FuFoo.
For more information about Fufoo Fine Jewelry for Children, visit www.fufoo.com.
More on Editors
The Latest
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
SourcingApr 25, 2025
De Beers Sales, Production Fall in Q1 Amid UncertaintyThe company said it expects sightholders to remain “cautious” with their purchasing due to all the unknowns around the U.S. tariffs.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
SourcingApr 24, 2025
Young Diamantaires Transition to NonprofitThe organization also announced its board of directors.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
