California’s Lead Jewelry Law that I referred to in an earlier post has raised more questions than it has answered for jewelry artists.
One of the most confusing questions is how this law affects the use of Swarovski crystals in jewelry that’s sold in California, or to California residents.
Swarovski crystals are currently “lead crystal” that allegedly test at 21% lead.
Mary Alexander of Dreamweaver Designs, Inc. wrote to the Swarovski company about the lead content in their crystals.
Mary was very kind in sending me the full text of the Swarovski company’s reply, which is useful information for anyone who uses Swarovski crystals in jewelry for sale online from anywhere in the country, or via a retail store in the state of California.
Here is the reply she received from a Swarovski representative:
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From: “Customer_relations US”
Thank you for your message and interest in Swarovski.
Swarovski is the world leader in the manufacture of crystal for industrial and consumer applications, including figurines and jewelry. Our proprietary formulas and processes are based on years of experience, and the quality of our products is recognized throughout the world.
Recently, there has been an increased regulatory focus on potential human exposure to lead from various consumer products, including jewelry. In 2006, the California Attorney General settled a lawsuit brought in his state alleging exposure to lead from jewelry. The court approved settlement agreement as well as the later legislatively enacted Californian AB 1681 established limits for lead in metals and several other components, with stricter standards for jewelry intended for children 6 and younger. Significantly, in recognition of the limited risk of availability of lead from crystal, the settlement agreement standards as incorporated under California AB 1681 allows the continued use of crystal without limitation in jewelry not intended for children. For children 6 or younger, up to 1 gram of crystal may be used in such jewelry. Swarovski crystals also meet the ASTM F963-03 standard on lead availability for toys.
[The following paragraph is in italics in Swarovski's email:]
Crystal has unique properties. While made with lead, the crystal manufacturing process creates a matrix which greatly retards the mobility of lead. By contrast, lead in other materials such as unplated metal containing lead may be available for surface exposures. Swarovski believes that the use of their products poses no significant risk to human health.
[end italics]
Several states have passed or are proposing laws to ban materials containing lead in various consumer products including jewelry. Swarovski is working closely with industry trade groups, regulators, and legislators to develop enforceable standards with consistent lead limits and which take into account the low accessibility of lead from crystal.
Hoping to have been of service, I am
Sincerely yours,
Karyn Sweeney
Customer Relations US
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Thanks again to Mary Alexander of Dreamweaver Designs, Inc. for sharing this helpful information!
Update January 7, 2008: See the new Lead Jewelry Law FAQ.
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Thanks for sharing this Rena!
I’m seeing more and more about this and the other “dangerous” substances that can be mixed in with the beads and findings that are available – thanks for joining other blogs that are keeping this in the public eye. It’s important, as most people don’t even know or think about this. We’ve got huge problems trying to source suppliers who can 100% guarantee their products do not contain lead or nickel, and it makes us liable if were to accidentally supply something that would cause people problems – leaving us with the default stance of “if we aren’t completely sure, don’t sell it”.
Thanks again
Hi There! My name is Glenna Ritt and I own Heaven’s Garden Jewelry Design in California. I just wanted to let you know that I spoke with a representative named Ann at the California State level, and she has told me that Swarovski crystals are find to be used in any jewelry for adults…without limits…as also stated by the Swarovski rep in this post. She mentioned that they will be updating their FAQ section of the government site for AB 1681 in the next few days because they have received SO many questions about Swarovski crystals in general. This was good news to me, so I wanted to pass it along. Happy beading! =) Glenna
Hi There,
Does anybody know the amount of lead in the Pure Allure/Crystal Innovations Butterfly sliders?I have contacted a company that sells it on the internet and they told me the metal part is made of Zinc and then Silver plated ,but they did not mention the crystal.I want to know the amount of lead in the crystal.
Is there any email available to contact a Swarovski rep?
If anyone know,please let me know.
Thank you
@Lili,
You should be able to contact Swarovski here:
Phone: 1-800-426-3088
eMail: customer_relations.us@swarovski.com
Hi, everyone. I am trying very hard to manufacture a product that is lead-safe. The company I chose in India has assured me that, with an extra small charge, my rosary would be absolutely safe. Although they are a good company, I am having the rosary tested here in the US.
My question: I need a referral for packaging and am unsure how much lead would be present in clamshell packaging and blister packs. Does anyone know of a company who could design some packaging with the thought of it being lead free?
Thanks for any help.
Pat
Excellent and very informative. I was always told that these crystals were LEAD FREE, when in fact there is some content of lead. I personally am not freaked out by the lead content…this is a huge part of making beautiful crystal. I’ll be passing on this article to my friends in crafting. It’s good knowledge.
Fair Winds and Calm Seas,
Deborah Leon http://www.mermaidspurseseaglass.com