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What goes around comes around? High levels of cadmium in low cost jewelry

Low-cost silver jewelry is sold for example in European open-air markets and in specialized shops for traditional handicrafts. While analyzing the material composition of such jewelry, high levels of cadmium were detected. The material composition of 21 samples was analyzed. 12 samples contained 20 percent of cadmium or higher levels (the highest value being 43.9 percent). Lower levels of nickel, copper, zinc and lead were also found. All samples were analyzed for metal migration into artificial sweat solution and 0.07 M hydrochloric acid. Due to the lack of threshold values for cadmium migration in Swiss law, the results were compared to nickel migration (artificial sweat solution) and lead (gastric acid). Compared to this threshold, the measured values for metal migration were excessively high. The vast majority of produced cadmium is used in Nickel/Cadmium cells and other components or substances used in electronic industries. It is out of the question that the observed levels of cadmium could originate from natural cadmium sources (ores). Therefore, it is very likely that inappropriate recycling techniques of electronics and/or nickel/cadmium cells account for the cadmium found in jewelry. A further analysis of cadmium isotopes will equally not clarify the origin of cadmium, as the isotopic fractionation of specific processes or cadmium ores is not accurate enough. In the end, evidence can only be found by describing the production chain of such low cost jewelry.