Jewelry Business Articles & News

Wal-Mart to reduce lead levels in costume jewelry

Wal-Mart to reduce lead levels in costume jewelry
Bay City News Service
San Jose Mercury News, USA

Wal-Mart has been added to the group of retailers and distributors who have agreed to meet new standards for lead levels in costume jewelry as part of a legal settlement, according to California Attorney General Bill Lockyer.

A state civil court approved a settlement with Wal-Mart on Thursday, which adds the retail chain to the collection of 70 other U.S. retailers that must pay a total of $1.9 million, including $100,000 in civil penalties, as part of the settlement.

The settlement requires companies and their suppliers to meet new standards for lead-free and low-lead jewelry as soon as possible but no later than March 2008, the Attorney General’s office reported. After March 2008, retailers must cease selling any product that does not meet the new standards.

Out of the total $1.9 million to be paid by the defendants, $250,000 will go to a jewelry-testing fund and $329,000 will be earmarked to educate consumers about the health risks from exposure to lead and other heavy metals.

The lawsuit was filed against the retailers in June 2004, and the settlement was initially approved in February. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants violated Proposition 65, which requires that consumers be warned about exposure to materials known to cause cancer or pose a danger to reproductive health. Lockyer filed the suit because businesses were failing to inform consumers of the health risks involved with exposure to lead in jewelry.

Burlington Coat Factory, Claire’s Boutique, Express, Macy’s, Mervyn’s, Nordstrom, Ross, and Target are some of the companies that were part of the initial settlement.

The Gap, Saks Inc., Greenbrier International (Dollar Tree Stores), Reebok International, and QVC intend to voluntarily join the settlement, according to the Attorney General’s office.

Brain damage, kidney damage, hearing loss and impaired growth are some of the effects children and teenagers can experience if they are exposed to lead, according to the Attorney General’s office.

Copyright © 2006 by Bay City News, Inc. — republication, re-transmission or reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.

Add comment April 25th, 2006

(BW) Dian Malouf Jewelry to Offer Signature Ring Collection for Mother’s Day; The Dian Malouf Custom Ring to Top Mother’s Day Wish Lists

(BW) Dian Malouf Jewelry to Offer Signature Ring Collection for Mother’s Day; The Dian Malouf Custom Ring to Top Mother’s Day Wish Lists
Houston Chronicle, United States
By Business Editors
(c) 2006 Business Wire

DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–April 24, 2006–Dian Malouf Jewelry will offer their popular line of custom made rings just in time for Mother’s Day gift giving. Long known for her inspiring sterling silver and gold creations, jewelry designer Dian Malouf created a line of personalized rings that can be lovingly labeled with “Mama,” “Mimi,” “Madre” or “Mom.”

“Our Endearing Collection features a bold sterling setting and one sweet word that will mean the world to any Mom who receives it,” said designer Dian Malouf.
“There is nothing more special to a woman than becoming a mother and this ring is a great way to honor moms this Mother’s Day.”

The Endearing Collection is available with various terms such as “Nana” and “Princess” hand cast in sterling silver. The collection is well known for its inspiring “Go Girl” engraving which was created by Dian Malouf as a way to remind women to believe in themselves. It has become a symbol of strength for breast cancer survivors and their families and friends and has helped created a national fundraising effort that has earned $20,000 for breast cancer research.

“The ‘Mom’ ring is one of the most popular items during the shopping months leading up to Mother’s Day,” said Dian Malouf Jewelry Vice President, Brooke Malouf. “It is truly a fantastic gift that mothers will cherish for a lifetime for a price comparable to a bouquet of flowers.”

“Mom” rings are priced at $58 and are immediately available in sizes 5-8 by calling 214-520-3123.

Dian Malouf is a nationally recognized jewelry designer, author, photographer and mother. A visionary who has spent her life searching the globe for unusual objects, Malouf incorporates her intrepid artistry into gold and silver creations featuring exotic stones and boldly carved motifs. Her jewelry lines have previewed at Nordstrom and Saks. Malouf is the author of two books, “Cattle Kings of Texas” and “Seldom Heard” ($39.95 plus tax), which offer a rare look at the lives of Texas cattle ranchers. Additional information about Dian Malouf jewelry and her books is available at www.dian-malouf.com.

Add comment April 25th, 2006