Standardization News

A new ASTM International standard will be used by the jewelry industry to establish a harmonized guideline for manufacturing children's jewelry products. The new standard, ASTM F2923, Specification for Consumer Product Safety for Children's Jewelry, was developed by Subcommittee F15.24 on Children's Jewelry, which is part of ASTM International Committee F15 on Consumer Products.

Brent Cleaveland, executive director, Fashion Jewelry and Accessories Trade Association, notes that ASTM F2923 addresses the lack of a nationally recognized requirement for cadmium in children's jewelry, and the standard provides guidance in identifying and mitigating other known hazards.

"ASTM F2923 is the cornerstone for assuring consumers that children's jewelry has been tested and proven to conform to safe manufacturing standards," says Brent Cleaveland, Fashion Jewelry and Accessories Trade Association, who is the chairman of F15.24. "The next step is to educate our state and federal legislators that this standard exists and should be used to promote harmonization."

The new specification establishes requirements and test methods for specified elements and certain mechanical hazards in children's jewelry. It also includes recommendations for age labeling and warnings, and guidelines for identifying the primary intended users of the jewelry (children or adults). The standard addresses numerous possible hazards posed by children's jewelry, and includes specifications regarding magnets, batteries, nickel, lead in paint and substrate layers, and other heavy metals in surface coatings. It applies to jewelry that is designed or intended primarily for children age 12 and under and that is principally designed and intended to be worn as an ornament.

All interested parties are invited to join in the standards development activities of F15.24.

CONTACT Technical Information: Brent Cleaveland, Fashion Jewelry and Accessories Trade Association • North Kingstown, R.I. • Phone: 401-667-0520 O ASTM Staff: Leonard Morrissey • Phone: 610-832-9719