Our Analytical Services division offers a wide range of testing for jewellery and related articles including;
- REACH - Determination of total contents of lead and cadmium, and nickel elution
- Determination of precious metal fineness by XRF and/or traditional methods
- Tarnishing of metal articles and the effect of packaging
- Heavy metals content (e.g. for California Proposition 65)
- Determination of chemical composition for costume jewellery
- Metals content of packaging
REACH
The UK and EU REACH Regulations (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) restrict the use of elements such as nickel, lead and cadmium.
Jewellery articles must not contain lead (Pb) or cadmium (Cd) above a certain concentration. Any articles which come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin, for example, earrings, wristwatches, rivets and zips, must also not release nickel (Ni) at more than a specific rate.
Determination of fineness by XRF and/or traditional methods
Samples of jewellery may be submitted for testing to ensure the precious metal content is above the required standards. This can be done non-destructively by XRF, or by using the reference methods of fire assay, potentiometric titration and ICP-OES analysis.
Tarnishing of articles and effects of packaging
Metal products often tarnish due to environmental conditions, which can be unsightly.
We offer a tarnish testing method whereby articles are subjected to accelerated conditions to test whether they will tarnish over time. Results can be compared to standard materials.
Packaging may also affect the tarnish process, and we offer testing to determine whether materials accelerate the process.
Heavy metals content (e.g. California Proposition 65)
Certain legislation around the world prohibits the content of heavy metals in jewellery and related materials. Our test methods are able to determine the content of these elements by acid dissolution and analysis by ICP-OES.
Determination of chemical composition for costume jewellery
Costume jewellery is increasing in popularity as the price of precious metals continues to climb, making traditional jewellery (gold, silver, platinum and palladium) less accessible.
We offer various test methods which can be used to measure and verify the elemental composition of non-precious metals. Examples include copper / brass alloys, steels, titanium and aluminium.
Metals content of packaging
We can offer testing to determine the metals content of certain packaging, in order to confirm that it is safe to dispose of at the end of its life. This is useful for customers in order to comply with waste regulations.
Further information is available from:
Telephone +44 (0)114 231 2121
Click here to download the Analytical Services application form.
