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History of FJTA
At this time the issue of lead content in jewelry is under legislative consideration in New York, California, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Legislation has been introduced in the cities of Chicago and Baltimore. The issue is under review in several other states. The U.S. Consumer product Safety Commission is researching lead content in jewelry as well.
Many industry suppliers banded together to negotiate the lead issue with the California Attorney General and consumer groups in California. They successfully negotiated standards that will allow the continued sale of costume jewelry in California. As it was proposed, the Minnesota legislation would have imposed standards so strict that if fully implemented, costume jewelry could not be legally sold in that State.
The members of the Joint Jewelry Defense Group have formed a successor, not for profit corporation. It is the Fashion Jewelry Trade Association. Lobbyists have been retained in New York, California, Illinois and Minnesota to present the industry’s concerns and suggestions. These efforts are expensive.
Only through joint efforts will our industry protect itself as well as the public. The expense of these efforts involve administration, hiring of lobbyists and scientific specialists, travel to State legislatures and various costs to effectively represent the industry. The cost to negotiate the California legislation alone approached two million dollars.
This lead issue affects each and every fashion jewelry company’s business future. The lead content in metal is not the only part of these legislations. Stones and beads made of glass, crystal and plastic are included. Epoxy, glues, paints and surface coatings are also covered.
Michael Gale, an industry consultant with extensive costume jewelry manufacturing and sales experience, has been appointed executive director of the association. His contact information is fjta@aol.com or 401-295-4564.
Many industry suppliers banded together to negotiate the lead issue with the California Attorney General and consumer groups in California. They successfully negotiated standards that will allow the continued sale of costume jewelry in California. As it was proposed, the Minnesota legislation would have imposed standards so strict that if fully implemented, costume jewelry could not be legally sold in that State.
The members of the Joint Jewelry Defense Group have formed a successor, not for profit corporation. It is the Fashion Jewelry Trade Association. Lobbyists have been retained in New York, California, Illinois and Minnesota to present the industry’s concerns and suggestions. These efforts are expensive.
Only through joint efforts will our industry protect itself as well as the public. The expense of these efforts involve administration, hiring of lobbyists and scientific specialists, travel to State legislatures and various costs to effectively represent the industry. The cost to negotiate the California legislation alone approached two million dollars.
This lead issue affects each and every fashion jewelry company’s business future. The lead content in metal is not the only part of these legislations. Stones and beads made of glass, crystal and plastic are included. Epoxy, glues, paints and surface coatings are also covered.
Michael Gale, an industry consultant with extensive costume jewelry manufacturing and sales experience, has been appointed executive director of the association. His contact information is fjta@aol.com or 401-295-4564.