By Ahmed Abdelsalam
A BBC Watchdog investigation has found that jewelry advertised as sterling silver on popular online marketplaces contains illegal levels of toxic chemicals, including cadmium and nickel. Laboratory analysis of 25 items purchased from Amazon, eBay, Temu, Etsy, and OnBuy revealed that eight pieces exceeded the legal cadmium limit of 0.01%, with some containing up to 10% cadmium. Only two items met the standard for genuine sterling silver.
Investigation Findings
The Sheffield Assay Office conducted preliminary testing on the jewelry, which included a bracelet priced at £1.55 and earrings at £1.99. Three items from Amazon, three from Temu, and one each from OnBuy and Etsy breached cadmium limits. One consumer, Meranda, purchased a necklace listed as handmade sterling silver on Etsy for £15; testing showed part of the chain contained only 8.9% silver and nickel concentrations as high as 11% in one section, causing skin irritation.
Health Risks
Cadmium is a known carcinogen linked to lung cancer and poses risks if inhaled or ingested, such as an earring falling into food. Nickel can cause allergic skin reactions. Sterling silver must contain at least 92.5% silver and typically does not include nickel. Selling fake sterling silver violates the Hallmarking Act and carries potential fines or imprisonment.
Platform Responses
Amazon, eBay, Temu, and OnBuy stated that misleading listings are prohibited and have removed the identified jewelry. Amazon issued recall notices for the unsafe products, while OnBuy offered refunds and initiated a recall. Temu said it arranged testing of similar products. Etsy did not respond to the BBC's inquiries. Meranda received a full refund after contacting the Etsy seller through Watchdog.
