As part of the EU REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) Regulations, the lead content of jewellery and other associated items such as watches, hair accessories and their components is restricted. However, it is understood that there are no suitable alternatives for some materials which have a high lead content. This includes vitreous enamels, semi-precious and precious stones and crystal glass; these substances are therefore exempt from the regulation. To ensure jewellery pieces containing lead glass crystal are fit for sale within the EU, testing will be required to verify that all glass components fall within the recognised definition of crystal glass. Given the lack of test method available to mimic the release of lead under mouthing action, it is accepted that each individual part must contain less than 500 parts per million (0.05%) lead in comparison to their weight to comply as described in EU 836/2012:63. This will apply from the 9th of October 2013 to all jewellery articles placed on the market in the European Union. What must be tested? In order for this exemption to apply, crystal glass must fall in to one of four categories. Full Lead Crystal = Lead Oxide content equal to or greater than 30%; Lead Crystal = Lead Oxide content equal to or greater than 24%; Crystal Glass (crystallin) = Lead Oxide/Barium Oxide/Zinc Oxide/Potassium Oxide equal to or greater than 10%; Crystal Glass (crystallin) = Lead Oxide/Barium Oxide/Potassium Oxide equal to or greater than 10%. Jewellery articles are defined in the Regulation as jewellery, imitation jewellery articles, hair accessories, bracelets, necklaces, ring, piercing jewellery, wrist watches and wrist-wear, brooches, cufflinks, and any individual part which include materials from which the jewellery is made and also includes the individual components of the jewellery articles.
