LONDON — Budget jewellery marketed as sterling silver on popular online shopping platforms has been found to contain dangerous levels of toxic metals, according to a recent investigation.
The BBC's Watchdog programme tested 25 items purchased across several major online marketplaces, including Amazon, Temu, eBay, Etsy, and OnBuy. Laboratory analysis revealed that items advertised as sterling silver actually contained hazardous substances exceeding safe legal limits, posing potential health risks to consumers.
The findings have raised urgent safety concerns regarding regulatory oversight for third-party sellers operating on global e-commerce platforms. Representatives from the affected marketplaces stated they are reviewing the findings and have begun removing non-compliant listings.
Consumers who purchased inexpensive silver jewellery from these platforms are advised to stop wearing the items while investigations continue.
