Some costume jewelries consist of lead and can be very harmful because of its exposure to the skin. It is in close proximity to the skin enough to cause damage to internal organs. Lead tainted children’s jewelry is not allowed on the market because of the harm it can cause children who are exposed to it.

It is impossible to tell by looking at it or by brand name or retailer if a piece of jewelry has lead or not. So it is advised that parents try to avoid giving any child who is under the age of six, any type of jewelry made with metal or fake pearls because there are no guarantees that any of these products are lead free. However, below are some features to look for when purchasing any costume jewelry for yourself or your child. Look for metal jewelry that looks dull, contains plastic or vinyl cords and any fake pearls that has pearl coating.

Testing your costume jewelry is the key to finding out if it is good for you to wear or your child. There is a quick test that you can administer that only requires a hand-held kit for testing the lead. You can test your jewelry. The test kit can be found in any local hardware store. When you go to the local hardware store to purchase this lead test kit, look for any Pace brands or any LeadCheck brand. Those are the two suggested brands for testing for lead.

China is still under the retail microscope in providing children’ s jewelry that may contain lead. The CPSC has imposed restrictions on China for importing children’s jewelry into the United States and causing damage to children. Instead of banning the importation of metal jewelry, China is trying to negotiate with the United States in using a method of stick label to show which jewelry contains some lead in it.

In the year 2005, about one hundred and fifty million pieces of children’s metal jewelry were recalled by the United States due to its high level of lead. The manufacturers use lead fillers and coating on these jewelry and it posed a threat to children who might swallow or suck on them.

The CPSC works very hard to protect consumers from lead based jewelry. Deaths and injuries from lead exposure from jewelry cost the United States monetary damages in excess of $700 billion dollars per year according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).