NICKEL
specified as “nickel compliant”
BS EN 1811:2011 - Reference test method for release of nickel from all post assemblies
which are inserted into pierced parts of the human body and articles intended to
come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin Limit.
Any post assemblies which are inserted into pierced ears and other pierced parts
of the human body 0.2 μg/cm2/week (migration limit)
Articles intended to come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin such as
: 0.5 μg/cm2/week - earrings, necklaces, bracelets and chains, anklets, finger rings.
In articles referred to in point (b) where these have a non-nickel coating 0.5 μg/cm2/week
for a period of at least two years of normal use of the article.
CADMIUM
In January 1988 the European Commission was requested to investigate methods of
combatting environmental pollution by Cadmium because it is regarded as a carcinogenic,
mutagenic or toxic for reproduction substance. According to the CLP Regulation (EC)
No 1272/2008 Annex VI it is a type 1B carcinogen (presumed to have carcinogenic
potential for humans, classification is largely based on animal evidence), a category
2 mutagen (substances which cause concern for humans owing to the possibility that
they may induce heritable mutations in the germ cells of humans) and reproductive
toxicant (suspected human reproductive toxicant).
Cadmium may be present in jewellery as (a) part of the main jewellery alloy, (b)
in a solder, (c) in gold coatings (electroforming/electroplating), or (d) as a pigment
or stabiliser in non-metal components of a jewellery article : specified as LESS
THAN 100 parts per million.
CHROMIUM
No specific legislation regarding the use of lead in jewellery in the UK.
LEAD
No specific legislation regarding the use of lead in jewellery in the UK. But there
are regulations in relation to lead, and other toxic elements, in toys (i.e. Safety
of Toys – BS EN 71-3:1995 – Migration of certain elements).
USA legislation defines a safe limit of 0.06% (600ppm) lead.specified as “lead free”
TheBirmingham Assay Office offers its customers two options; the first is testing
by ICP- OES to establish lead content by weight. In this case USA legislation defines
a safe limit of 0.06% (600ppm) lead. This test is particularly appropriate for checking
a product which has been specified as “lead free” to ensure that there are only
trace levels of lead present. Alternatively products may be tested for release of
lead.
In Europe the closest parallel legislation is the Toy Safety Regulations which require
items to be tested by BS EN 71.3 to establish the level of migration of lead and
other dangerous elements from toys. This is obviously intended to ensure that articles
which may be sucked or chewed by a child are safe and the permitted level is defined
as less than 90 mg/Kg (equivalent to 0.009%, or 90ppm) leach able lead.