Lead Free Hand-made for Kids..

In the last few years there have been so many recalls on kids' jewelry for lead content, and even some charms sold by Hobby Lobby were recalled several months ago that would have been great for kids' jewelry.

Understandably, most of the lead recalls are based on low levels of lead and would have to be ingested to become a problem, and who eats their jewelry? Well, since jewelry pieces such as earrings get put through or into the body where it's in constant contact with enzymes and fluids that go back into the body, potentially taking contaminates with it, I have to wonder. Also, some of these recalls come out months after these items have been purchased and put into use. My daughter typically wears a piece of jewelry every day for while if she loves it, which would increase her risk. But lead isn't the only problem.

Most base metal jewelry contains higher amounts of nickel, which can cause irritation for many people who have metal sensitivities. While nickel isn't toxic in these amounts, it can cause itchy rashes and painful red, irritated ear lobes.

How do you decide what jewelry is safe for your kids?

My daughter made it easy for me. She has a metal sensitivity, as do I, and we both wear only sterling silver or gold. With sterling silver, there isn't a lead problem, and luckily it's pretty easy to come by. In most cases it'll cost a few more dollars than less expensive base metals, but you can feel more secure with the content... also, most any type of jewelry you can find in base metals, you can find in sterling.

I'm listing several pairs of 'kid perfect' sterling earrings on Etsy. These are all just about an inch long, with stones such as garnet or citrine. My daughter loves these earrings, and the hooks are just the right size for her ears, too! I hate buying her earrings, and having to trim the hooks because they're too long and poke in behind the ears.

Little girls love jewelry. With as many smiles as mine bring me, I'm glad to know they're wearing some of the best.

Another thing to keep in mind that there are many styles of hypo-allergenic nickel free jewelry pieces on the market, available at low cost. This may be a great option for you, also!

Now off topic - I've decide to post about something that tickles me every time I put up a new post. This one brings a smile to my face every time I see check her shop out.

Please check out BUTTFRECKLE on Etsy. Her premise is to run around, snatching buttfreckles off from what and whomever she sees fit, and what you see is the buttfreckle she skillfully snuck away with. She takes them to her lab, and *poofs* them bigger.