Online jewelry contains toxic chemicals, BBC investigation finds

Researchers purchased 25 pieces of jewelry, ranging in price from £1.55 to £1.99, from Amazon, eBay, Temu, Etsy, and Onbuy. Experts analyzing the items found that eight contained illegal amounts of cadmium, a known carcinogen. Only two of the pieces could be classified as genuine sterling silver.

Cadmium, classified as a category one carcinogen by the UK Health Security Agency, has a legal limit of 0.01 per cent. Some of the jewelry tested contained up to 10 per cent of the substance. The problematic items were sourced from Amazon (three), Temu (three), Onbuy (one), and Etsy (one).

One consumer’s Etsy necklace, purchased as handmade sterling silver, caused skin irritation. Analysis revealed traces of nickel, with concentrations reaching as high as 11 per cent in one section of the chain.

Amazon responded by contacting customers who purchased the flagged products, advising them to dispose of the items and offering refunds. An Amazon spokesperson stated, “We take safety extremely seriously, and we immediately removed these products.” They added that sellers must adhere to company policies and UK regulations, and that customers can utilize the A-to-Z Guarantee.

Temu stated that sellers must comply with safety requirements and accurately describe materials. The company claims to have proactively removed the products and is conducting additional testing.

An eBay spokesperson emphasized the platform’s policy against misleading listings and the eBay Money Back Guarantee for buyers. They confirmed that none of the items purchased by the BBC contained illegal cadmium levels and that sellers were reminded of their responsibilities.

Sterling silver is typically an alloy of 92.5 per cent pure silver and 7.5 per cent other metals. UK law requires independent testing via X-ray fluorescence to verify the silver content before items can be hallmarked.

The Independent has reached out to Etsy and Onbuy for comment.