Cadmium in Jewellery: The Hidden Danger Lurking in Some "Sterling Silver" Pieces
When most people purchase a piece of sterling silver jewellery, they assume it is safe to wear. After all, 925 Sterling Silver is one of the most recognised jewellery standards in the world.
Unfortunately, that isn't always the whole story.
Recently, a customer visited our store after developing a severe skin reaction beneath a sterling silver ring they had purchased from a fashion jewellery retailer. What began as mild irritation quickly progressed to blistering, peeling skin and significant discomfort.
Using our in-store Thermo Scientific XRF analyser, we tested the ring to determine its metal composition.
The results were surprising.
92.5% Sterling Silver
7.0% Cadmium
0.5% Copper
Although the ring technically met the minimum silver content required to be sold as sterling silver, it also contained a significant amount of cadmium—a toxic heavy metal that has no place in quality jewellery.
A Real-Life Example
Our customer initially believed they were simply developing a silver allergy.
Instead, the XRF analysis revealed the ring contained 7% cadmium, an unusually high concentration for jewellery intended to be worn against the skin.
After wearing the ring, they experienced:
Severe skin irritation
Blistering beneath the ring
Peeling skin
Ongoing discomfort
While it's impossible to say with absolute certainty that cadmium alone caused the reaction, the presence of such a high concentration of cadmium is concerning and should never be ignored. Other factors, including individual sensitivities and prolonged skin contact, may also contribute to reactions.
What is Cadmium?
Cadmium is a naturally occurring heavy metal.
In industry it has been used in:
Batteries
Pigments
Metal coatings
Solders
Low-cost metal alloys
Historically, cadmium has also been added to some jewellery alloys because it:
Lowers manufacturing costs
Improves castability
Allows intricate components to be produced more easily
Reduces melting temperatures during manufacture
While these properties may benefit manufacturers, they do not benefit the person wearing the jewellery.
Why is Cadmium Dangerous?
Cadmium is recognised internationally as a toxic heavy metal.
Long-term exposure has been associated with serious health concerns, including:
Kidney damage
Bone demineralisation
Lung damage (particularly when inhaled during manufacturing)
It is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is sufficient evidence that cadmium can cause cancer in humans under certain exposure conditions.
Although simply wearing cadmium-containing jewellery is different from occupational exposure, prolonged skin contact—particularly where plating wears away or the metal is present in the alloy—raises legitimate concerns.
Is Cadmium Allowed in Jewellery?
Many countries have introduced strict regulations limiting cadmium in jewellery, particularly products intended for children.
However, imported fashion jewellery and products purchased through overseas online marketplaces may not always meet Australian expectations or international safety standards.
This is one reason why buying from a reputable jeweller matters.
How Can You Tell if Jewellery Contains Cadmium?
Unfortunately, you can't tell by looking at it.
Cadmium looks similar to many other white metals and is often hidden within an alloy.
The only reliable way to determine whether it is present is through XRF (X-ray Fluorescence) testing.
Our Thermo Scientific XRF analyser provides a fast, non-destructive analysis of the elemental composition of jewellery without causing any damage to the piece.
Should You Be Concerned About Skin Reactions?
If you experience:
Persistent itching
Redness
Blistering
Peeling skin
Burning beneath a ring
don't simply assume you're allergic to silver.
The issue may instead be another metal contained within the alloy, such as nickel or cadmium.
Having the jewellery professionally analysed can help identify what you're actually wearing.
Our Recommendation
Quality jewellery should be made from quality materials.
At Nowlans, we believe customers deserve complete transparency about the metals they're wearing.
If you have concerns about a piece of jewellery—or you're experiencing an unexplained skin reaction—we can perform non-destructive XRF testing to identify its metal composition and help you make informed decisions about your jewellery.
Know What's Really in Your Jewellery
Not all jewellery labelled "sterling silver" is created equal.
Our recent customer's experience highlights why understanding the composition of your jewellery is so important. While sterling silver should contain at least 92.5% silver, the remaining alloy metals matter too.
If you'd like peace of mind about what's in your jewellery, visit us in-store to learn more about our professional XRF testing service.
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you experience a severe or persistent skin reaction, consult a qualified medical professional.