An investigation by BBC Watchdog has uncovered that jewelry marketed as sterling silver on popular online marketplaces was found to contain toxic chemicals, including cadmium and nickel. Out of 25 items purchased from Amazon, eBay, Temu, Etsy, and OnBuy, laboratory analysis revealed that eight items contained illegal levels of cadmium, a known carcinogen. Only two of the tested items met the standards for sterling silver.
One consumer, Meranda, reported experiencing skin irritation from a necklace purchased on Etsy, advertised as handmade sterling silver. Subsequent testing found her necklace contained nickel, with concentrations as high as 11% in one part of the chain. While sterling silver does not typically contain nickel, it is often found in less expensive jewelry. Legal limits exist for the amount of nickel allowed in jewelry due to its potential to cause skin irritation.
Cadmium, which poses risks if inhaled or ingested, was present in some items at levels significantly exceeding the legal limit of 0.01%. Three items purchased from Amazon, three from Temu, and one each from OnBuy and Etsy were found to have breached cadmium limits. Rob Chilcott, a retired professor of toxicology, noted that ingesting something containing cadmium is a serious health concern.
Meranda's necklace, though hallmarked with '925' indicating sterling silver, was found to contain only 8.9% silver in one section. Selling fake sterling silver violates the Hallmarking Act and can result in fines or imprisonment.
In response to the findings, Amazon, eBay, and Temu stated that misleading listings are prohibited and that they have removed the identified jewelry. Amazon has issued recall notices for the unsafe products. OnBuy has offered refunds and initiated recalls for affected items. Etsy did not respond to the BBC's inquiry. Meranda eventually received a full refund for the necklace that caused her irritation.