Costume jewelry has become a popular accessory for kids and adults alike, offering an affordable way to accessorize without breaking the bank. But many people don’t realize that those inexpensive earrings, necklaces, and bracelets might be hiding more than just a fashion statement—they could be harboring a toxic cocktail of chemicals that can pose serious health risks.

A 2012 study by the Ecology Center tested 99 pieces of costume jewelry from retailers like Walmart, Target, and Claire’s and found that over 50% of the items contained hazardous chemicals, including lead, cadmium, chromium, and nickel. These toxic materials are often used to manufacture cheaper jewelry to cut costs, but they come with significant risks, especially for children and those with sensitive skin.^[1]

What’s Lurking in Your Jewelry?

While it may seem hard to believe, the jewelry you or your child wears could contain dangerous levels of heavy metals and other toxic substances. Here’s a closer look at some of the key culprits:

1. Lead: Lead is one of the most well-known toxins, and its use in children’s products has been heavily regulated in recent years. However, it can still be found in some costume jewelry. Lead exposure can cause serious developmental problems in children, affecting their brains, nervous systems, and overall growth. In adults, long-term exposure can lead to kidney damage, memory issues, and even infertility.^[2]
2. Cadmium: Cadmium is another heavy metal commonly found in inexpensive jewelry. It’s a known carcinogen, meaning it can contribute to cancer development. It also poses a risk to the kidneys and bones. Children are especially vulnerable to cadmium exposure, as their bodies absorb more metal than adults.^[3]
3. Chromium: Chromium is often used to add a shiny finish to costume jewelry, but certain forms of this metal can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Prolonged exposure can also result in respiratory issues, especially for people with sensitivities.^[4]
4. Nickel: Nickel is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis, a type of skin rash that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an allergen.^[5] For those with a nickel allergy, wearing jewelry that contains this metal can lead to red, itchy, and inflamed skin. This issue is particularly concerning for children, as they may not realize that their jewelry is causing the reaction.

The bottom line is that these toxic materials can cause anything from minor skin irritation to more severe, long-term health issues. And while it’s tempting to grab those cute earrings or fun bracelets for your kids, it’s important to consider what you might be putting on their skin—and yours.

Health Risks for Kids and Adults Alike

Kids are often drawn to bright, fun, and inexpensive jewelry, but they are also the most vulnerable when it comes to the health risks associated with toxic metals. Children are more likely to put items in their mouths, which increases the chances of ingesting harmful chemicals from lead or cadmium-laden jewelry. Even small amounts of these metals can have serious health consequences over time, from learning disabilities to impaired growth and development.

But it’s not just kids who are at risk. Adults wearing costume jewelry regularly may also expose themselves to these toxins. Whether it’s through skin contact or accidental ingestion (think about adjusting an earring or putting a necklace clasp in your mouth), the cumulative effects of toxic exposure can add up over time.

How to Choose Safer Jewelry

The good news is that safer alternatives exist—you just need to know what to look for. Here are a few tips to help you make better choices when it comes to selecting non-toxic jewelry for you and your family:

1. Opt for Higher-Quality Materials: One of the best ways to avoid toxic metals is to choose jewelry made from high-quality materials. Look for pieces made from sterling silver, 14K or 18K gold, platinum, or titanium. These metals are generally safe and less likely to cause allergic reactions or contain harmful chemicals.
2. Consider Wood or Natural Materials: Wooden jewelry is another safe option, especially when unfinished or treated with natural oils. Wood is free from heavy metals in costume jewelry and can be a stylish, non-toxic alternative.
3. Check Certifications: Some companies are committed to producing non-toxic, safe jewelry. Look for brands that are certified as free from harmful substances. For example, certifications like OEKO-TEX Standard 100 or REACH Compliance indicate that the jewelry has been tested for toxic chemicals and meets strict safety standards.
4. Avoid Coatings and Plating: Many costume jewelry pieces are coated or plated with toxic metals. If you’re buying inexpensive jewelry, avoid anything plated with unknown metals, as these are often where toxic substances like nickel or cadmium are found. Solid metals (even less expensive options like brass or copper) are safer, but be cautious of coatings.
5. Test at Home: If you already have costume jewelry you’re concerned about, you can test for certain metals at home. For example, you can buy a lead or nickel test kit to check whether your jewelry contains these harmful substances. While these kits won’t test for every toxin, they can give you a clearer picture of what’s in your jewelry box.

Protecting Your Family’s Health

When protecting your family’s health, doing your due diligence is important. Jewelry might seem like a harmless fashion accessory, but the chemicals lurking in some of these pieces can have serious consequences. Fortunately, with some knowledge and a commitment to choosing safer options, you can ensure that the jewelry you and your kids wear is beautiful and non-toxic.

By opting for higher-quality materials, avoiding known toxins, and choosing certified products, you can enjoy knowing that you’re not exposing yourself or your family to harmful substances. Whether it’s a special pair of earrings or a simple bracelet, make sure the jewelry you buy is as safe as stylish.

Ultimately, it’s worth the extra time to research the materials in the jewelry you purchase. After all, what you wear on your skin should be as safe as the food you put in your body.

References:

1. Castillo, Michelle. Costume Jewelry Found to Have High Levels of Toxins and Carcinogens, Tests Show – CBS News. 15 Mar. 2012, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/costume-jewelry-found-to-have-high-levels-of-toxins-and-carcinogens-tests-show/.
2. Wani, Ab Latif, et al. “Lead Toxicity: A Review.” Interdisciplinary Toxicology, vol. 8, no. 2, June 2015, pp. 55–64. PubMed Central.
3. Genchi, Giuseppe, et al. “The Effects of Cadmium Toxicity.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 17, no. 11, June 2020, p. 3782. PubMed Central.
4. Sharma, Pooja, et al. “Health Hazards of Hexavalent Chromium (Cr (VI)) and Its Microbial Reduction.” Bioengineered, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 4923–38. PubMed Central.
5. Murphy, Patrick B., et al. “Allergic Contact Dermatitis.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 2024. PubMed.