Toxic Metals in Jewellery
Toxic Metals in Jewellery – What You Need to Know
Jewellery containing Toxic and Heavy Metal found Online.
Last year I wrote a couple of blog posts (February 2025 and June 2025) in relation to toxic metals in silver costume jewellery from unscrupulous online suppliers. These metals often feature exotic names and cheap prices but rarely contain any real silver.
Some pieces even contain lead, arsenic, cadmium or other harmful metals. In fact, in 2025, even eBay issued a warning about faux silver after their testing revealed:
🚨 1.3% arsenic in some pieces
🚨 54% lead in others – far beyond safe levels
Some Common Metal Names used in Jewellery
- Tibetan silver
- Tribal silver
- Nepalese silver
- White metal
- Lead-free pewter
- Base metal
- Tin alloy
- Alpaca silver
- German silver
- Nickel silver
Not all that says silver is Sterling or Fine Silver and although many of the above metals can be safe for limited wear, many of them may contain nickel which has its own issues!
🚫 Always buy from trusted jewellers who can verify the metal content.
Cadmium found in Jewellery sold through Amazon and TikTok Shop
Recently, July 2026, The Times and The Sunday Times in the UK reported that sellers on Amazon and TikTok Shop had sold jewellery containing illegal amounts of a toxic metal, cadmium.
Reports a £2.99 ring bought on Amazon, that was advertised as 925 Silver, contained more than 9,000 times the maximum allowance and was estimated to be made of 92.3% cadmium.
The legal limit for the heavy metal in jewellery in the U.K. is 0.01%—which means the piece was 9,000 times the legal limit.
In the United States, currently there are no federal rules on cadmium in jewellery, although States have imposed their own restrictions. For instance, under California law, children’s jewellery items must not contain more than 0.3% cadmium.
Toxic metals like cadmium are silver-coloured and abundant in e-waste, so corrupt, immoral jewellery manufacturers use it as its cheap and may be easy to source.
Mercury is really bad, Cadmium is worse!
Christer Hogstrand, a professor in molecular ecotoxicology at King’s College London, is credited to have told The Times. “It’s one of the most potent metals to cause toxicity. “You should minimize any cadmium exposure. We’re avoiding mercury at the moment, aren’t we? Mercury is really bad, cadmium is worse.”
Sterling Silver must comprise of at least 92.5% Silver
To be called “Sterling Silver or stamped 925 Silver”, an item must comprise of at least 92.5% Silver. Fine Silver is 99.9% pure and stamped with .999. With today’s (26.07.2026) price in Australia of Silver sitting at approximately $83.29AUD per troy ounce, translating to roughly $2.74 AUD per gram, I find it incredulous for anyone to think a £2.00UK (approx. $3.64 AUD) would be made of Sterling Silver.
Recycled & Upcycled Silver may contain Toxic Metals
Cadmium was commonly used in silver solder in the USA until it was phased out in the 1970s & 1980s and even later in places like Mexico. As Silver is often simply recycled, as opposed to refined, trace amounts of heavy metals can find its way into new jewellery from older stock – particularly in third-world countries.
Because low quality or faux silver is often made in countries with different metal regulations, always ask the retailer about its composition. Some pieces may include other toxic metals, making them unsafe for long-term wear – especially in piercings and other areas with broken skin.
Jewellery containing cadmium, and other toxic metals, should not be given to children or placed in your mouth.
Toxic Metals – How to Stay Safe
This faux silver is popular due to its low price and easy accessibility, but don’t be fooled most of these metal alloys contain little to no real silver and may contain toxic metals!
- Used in costume jewellery for its unique, rustic look
- Often contains no actual silver – but is a mix of various metals
- Some pieces may contain lead, arsenic, cadmium or other harmful metals
- Typically a silver-coloured alloy made from copper, tin, or nickel
- Some items may be plated to look like real silver
- Can contain harmful levels of lead or arsenic, making it unsafe for pregnant women and children.
Avoid cheap, unverified jewellery from unknown sources
Ask sellers for metal composition details
Check for hallmark stamps (genuine silver should have a purity stamp like .925), although some small items may still be Sterling Silver but not have room for a hallmark.
While some faux silver items can look stunning, continually be cautious about what you’re wearing!
Always check with the seller about the metal content before buying!
