Editor’s Note
**Editor’s Note:** Recent undercover reports and random inspections by CCTV and quality agencies reveal that some online “S925 Silver” jewelry, priced as low as 9.9 RMB, contains no silver at all. This raises serious concerns about consumer protection and product authenticity.
According to previous undercover reports by CCTV and random inspections by multiple quality inspection agencies in mainland China, some “S925 Silver” jewelry sold online is priced as low as 9.9 RMB, with some products showing no trace of silver. (Image source: CCTV)
Recently, following the release of multiple cases of substandard jewelry and phone case testing by CCTV and market regulatory authorities across mainland China, issues such as heavy metals in low-quality jewelry and excessive plasticizers in phone cases have sparked renewed discussion.
Multiple random inspections have shown that some low-priced jewelry and plastic phone cases use materials of unknown origin, contain excessive heavy metals, and have non-compliant plasticizer levels. Prolonged contact may increase the risk of skin irritation. Experts remind consumers to be particularly cautious when purchasing such products.
According to previous undercover reports by CCTV and random inspections by multiple quality inspection agencies in mainland China, some “S925 Silver” jewelry sold online is priced as low as 9.9 RMB (approximately 45 New Taiwan Dollars). Some products showed no trace of silver, instead using cheap alloys as substitutes, with individual items containing cadmium levels far exceeding national standards.
Medical experts remind that not all metal jewelry causes poisoning, but vigilance is needed if redness or allergic reactions occur after contact.
Shockingly, a sample of earrings from a jewelry wholesale market in Guangzhou, although clearly labeled as S925 silver, was found upon testing to have a surface composition that had nothing to do with silver. Moreover, the cadmium content exceeded the limit by over 9,000 times. Cadmium is a Class 1 carcinogen.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that cadmium is a Class 1 carcinogen. Long-term skin contact may stimulate allergies, and significant accumulation is linked to health risks such as kidney damage and bone changes.
Medical experts remind that not all metal jewelry causes poisoning, but vigilance is needed if redness or allergic reactions occur after contact with metals of unknown origin.
According to a random inspection of phone cases by the Zhejiang Market Supervision Bureau, among 20 low-priced phone cases tested, 13 were found to have excessive levels of phthalates (DEHP, DBP, etc.), with some samples exceeding relevant standards.
The products themselves are not necessarily “toxic,” but if the source is unknown, the odor is pungent, the colors are overly bright, and the price is too low, the consumption risk increases.
Both Beijing Union Medical College Hospital and the Taiwan Dermatological Association share similar views: metal contact dermatitis is commonly associated with low-quality metals, nickel allergy, and chromium allergy. While there is a correlation with “cheap goods,” not all low-priced items are necessarily dangerous. If symptoms such as rash, peeling, itching, or stinging occur after wearing, use should be stopped immediately and medical attention sought.