Lead in Swarovski jewelry

Swarovski is the brand name for a range of precision-cut crystal and related luxury products produced by Swarovski AG of Wattens, Austria. For over 100 years, this name has stood for top-quality, full cut crystal,expertly faceted and polished to extract every spark of its fiery brilliance.

Swarovski crystal jewelry became popular in the mid 20th century and the man behind it, Daniel Swarovski, was responsible for bringing an exquisite crystals considered by many people to be the finest quality, full-lead crystals made today.  Swarovski crytal jewelry and products are optically very pure.  The crystal is faceted with tremendous precision, creating beautiful prisms.  Brilliant colors and coatings are added to these crystals to create pendants, stones, and beads of dazzling beauty and tremendous variety of shapes and sizes.  All these have made Swarovski Crystal jewelry unmatched in both quality and distinction.

However, recent media attention concerning lead in crystals has brought upon an increased concern on potential human exposure, especially children to lead from various consumer products, including Swarovski crystal jewelry. Below are some answers you may want to know about lead in Swarovski crystal jewelry:

Does Swarovski crystal jewelry contain lead?

Yes, Swarovski crystal jewelry does contain lead. It is estimated that Swarovski crystal jewelry contains 32% lead or lead oxide. The lead is used in Swarovski crystal jewelry to enhance its light reflection to give them the near-diamond like sparkling quality.

Is the lead in Swarovski crystal jewelry dangerous?

Generally no. Simply wearing and handling Swarovski crystal jewelry will not result in high level of lead in the body. Swarovski has made a statement that ensure that the lead in their crystals is not easily released and therefore wearing Swarovski crystal jewelry does not impose serious health threat.

Why the concern of Swarovski crystal jewelry worn by children?

Though just wearing Swarovski crystal jewelry will not cause your child to have a high level of lead in his/her blood, given the real possibility of children putting their crystal jewelry into their mouth, you may want to avoid the practice. In large doses, lead may cause serious health problem, especially in children who absorb lead more easily.  

As a conclusion, while you may want to be more cautious with the material you are putting on your children jewelry, Swarovski crystal jewelry is perfectly safe to be enjoyed and used in adult jewelry.