The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
CA Law Tightens Restrictions on Lead, Cadmium in Jewelry
They’re the country’s strictest limits of the toxic metals in jewelry.
Sacramento, Calif.—California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law a bill that places tighter restrictions on jewelry containing some toxic metals.
Senator Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) introduced SB 647 in February. It was co-sponsored by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, the Environmental Working Group and the Center for Environmental Health.
It strengthens California’s lead and cadmium jewelry laws by establishing science-backed standards.
Lead and cadmium are toxic metals that can cause severe and chronic health effects including neurological impairments, kidney damage, seizures, comas and death.
According to various online sources, lead and cadmium are sometimes used in jewelry components because they are cheaper, such as lead us in clasps or cadmium on the backing of stones in costume jewelry. Lead also can be found in some vintage and antique jewelry pieces, used as an alloy, in some enamel or because it also was once widely used in solder for jewelry repair.
The new law lowers the lead limits for jewelry marketed to adults and older teens from as much as 60,000 parts per million prior down to 500 ppm.
It also lowers the allowable lead level in children’s jewelry from up to 600 ppm allowed prior to 100 ppm and amends the standard to apply to jewelry intended for children 14 and under, instead of the current six and under.
Lastly, it adopts a cadmium standard for paint and surface coating of children’s jewelry to less than 75 ppm.
The law will go into effect in January.
It imposes the nation’s strictest limits on the amount of lead and cadmium allowed in jewelry sold, according to the Environmental Working Group.
Attorney General Becerra said: “California’s laws regulating toxic metals in jewelry are now the most comprehensive in the world. With this law, our state continues to lead the way with advanced standards that reflect current science and address the danger that these toxic metals pose to our communities.”
According to the Environmental Working Group, the federal government currently doesn’t impose a lead limit on jewelry made for people older than 12 years of age or restrict jewelry’s cadmium concentration.
It also noted that because California has the fifth-largest economy in the world, manufacturers often change production standards to comply with the state’s laws, which means this new one could, in effect, create a new national standard.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Oct. 10 to reflect the ways in which lead and cadmium
The Latest
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.