CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry StoreAuthorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.
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
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in EnglishLotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ RingThe ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ OutlookThe Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand AmbassadorThe Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent JewelerThe family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco WatchesThe “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New PresidentAlex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.
AuctionsMar 25, 2025
Christie’s To Auction 35-Carat Sapphire, 13-Carat RubyThe ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.
CrimeMar 25, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Earrings Swallowed Following Grab-and-Run Theft RecoveredThe two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.
ColumnistsMar 25, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Short-Form Videos to Sell More JewelryThe time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.
CollectionsMar 24, 2025
Pomellato’s Latest ‘Nudo’ Collections Revamp its Classic DesignFrom striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.
MajorsMar 24, 2025
4 Top Executives to Depart Signet Jewelers Amid TurnaroundThe jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.
WatchesMar 24, 2025
Sotheby's Now Offers Watch Repair ServicesThe auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.
SourcingMar 21, 2025
BrankoGems To Hold Conference in MontanaThe event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.
TrendsMar 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marrow Fine’s ‘Til Death’ RingAfter the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.
IndependentsMar 20, 2025
Korman Fine Jewelry’s New Store Is Double the Size The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2025
JCK Rocks to Feature Snoop Dogg, Jason DeruloThe rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.
TechnologyMar 20, 2025
Chris Ploof, Severine Ferrari Launch YouTube Video Series“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.
Lab-GrownMar 20, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond SectorAs lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.
FinancialsMar 19, 2025
Signet Jewelers to Close Stores, Cut Staff Amid Declining SalesThe moves are part of the retailer’s new turnaround plan, “Grow Brand Love,” which also includes emphasizing brand loyalty over store banners.
