Are Clay Earrings Safe?

Clay earrings are jewelry made from clay that has been shaped or molded and then cured through drying, firing, baking or a combination of those techniques. There has been some debate around whether clay earrings are safe to wear, mainly centered around potential skin irritation, toxicity from materials in the clay, and exposure to heavy metals.

While clay is generally considered non-toxic, some types of clay may contain trace amounts of heavy metals like lead, arsenic or cadmium that could leach out and be absorbed through the skin. There are also concerns around nickel leaching if clay isn’t properly cured. Additionally, some people may have skin sensitivities or allergies to certain clays.

Types of Clay Used

There are a few main types of clay used to make clay earrings:

Polymer clay – This type of clay is made from PVC, plasticizers, and pigments. It can be molded when raw and then cured in a regular oven to harden it. Polymer clay doesn’t dry out when exposed to air like some other clays. Popular brands are Sculpey and Fimo.

Air-dry clay – As the name suggests, this type of clay air dries. It’s made from natural materials like cellulose fibers. Air-dry clay is very accessible and easy to work with. Brands like Crayola Model Magic are common.

Fired clay – Fired clay requires high temperatures to permanently harden, usually by placing it in a kiln. The firing process strengthens the clay through sintering. Earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain are all types of fired clay used for jewelry.

Potential Skin Irritation

Some people may experience skin irritation from wearing clay earrings. This is often due to sensitivity to ingredients commonly found in clay.

Nickel is one ingredient that can trigger skin reactions. While pure clay does not contain nickel, many clay bodies include trace amounts absorbed from the soil or from nickel-containing glazes and coatings.

Those with nickel allergies may react when wearing clay jewelry containing even small amounts of nickel. The reaction appears as red, itchy skin in areas where the jewelry rubs against the skin.

In addition to nickel, ingredients like sand, grog, and mineral oxides present in clay can also irritate sensitive skin. The textures and surfaces of unfinished clay can be abrasive. Glazes and paints added to clay may also introduce irritants.

Testing earrings on a small area of skin for a few hours can identify potential irritation before wearing for longer periods. Seeking medical help at the first sign of skin reaction is recommended.

Toxicity Concerns

One of the key toxicity concerns with clay earrings is the potential for leaching of heavy metals like lead and cadmium. Clays naturally contain trace amounts of heavy metals, which can potentially leach out of the finished earring, especially when in prolonged contact with skin.

Lead is a neurotoxin that can accumulate in the body and cause health effects even at low exposure levels. Young children are especially vulnerable. Cadmium is a carcinogen and toxic to kidneys, lungs, and bones with chronic exposure.

Another toxicity issue is the potential release of formaldehyde from clay earrings. Some polymer clays and clay composite materials can off-gas residual formaldehyde, which is a known human carcinogen. Individual sensitivity to formaldehyde fumes may vary.

To minimize risks, it’s important to select high-quality clays from reputable suppliers that have been tested for lead, cadmium, and formaldehyde release. Proper curing and sealing of the finished earrings is also essential.

Proper Curing

Properly curing the clay is crucial for ensuring the earrings are safe to wear. The manufacturer’s instructions should always be followed closely regarding recommended curing temperatures and times. Firing the clay at the correct temperature for the specified duration is necessary to completely harden the clay and drive off any moisture. If underfired, the clay can remain weakly bonded and prone to breakage or leaching of components. Overfired clay can become brittle and cracked. Carefully monitoring kiln temperatures and using a kiln thermometer is advised to ensure the optimal firing temperature is consistently reached. Timers should be used to guarantee the clay is fired for the full recommended time period. Rushing the curing risks incomplete hardening or chemical changes in the clay that could later cause skin irritation. Taking the time to properly cure the earrings makes them stronger and safer to wear.

Coatings

Many clay earrings have a clear coating applied to help protect the clay and create a smooth, polished look. There are two main options for coatings:

Clear Finishes

A simple clear finish like polyurethane can be brushed or sprayed onto cured clay earrings. This helps seal and harden the surface. Clear finishes are easy to apply but may give a plasticky look.

Lacquer or Resin

Higher quality clay earrings often have multiple coats of lacquer or resin applied. This gives a glassy surface that really makes the colors pop. Lacquer coatings provide more durability and an attractive sheen. Resins like UV resin can be poured over clay and cured under UV light for a flawless finish.

Heavy Metals Testing

Third-party lab testing is crucial when it comes to evaluating heavy metals content in clay jewelry and earrings. Reputable clay jewelry brands will have their products tested by accredited laboratories to ensure they meet safety standards and do not contain concerning levels of heavy metals like lead, nickel, cadmium or chromium.

These third-party lab results should be easily accessible to customers, often published directly on the brand’s website. Responsible brands strive for full transparency when it comes to the materials and safety of their products. If a clay jewelry company does not make third-party testing results readily available, it should give pause on the quality and safety of their products.

In addition to initial product testing, responsible brands conduct ongoing batch testing to confirm consistency and detect any issues early. Rigorous testing processes and published results are a key indicator that a brand prioritizes their customer’s health and safety.

Allergies

Some people may experience allergic reactions to the metals and materials used to make clay earrings. Nickel is a common allergen found in many earring posts and wires. The nickel can cause redness, itching, swelling, and discomfort in those with a nickel allergy. Many earring makers now offer nickel-free and hypoallergenic earring components made from materials like surgical steel, titanium, and sterling silver to avoid this reaction.

Clay earrings can also prompt allergy symptoms in those with sensitivities to the clay itself. Some clay types contain trace amounts of metals that can leach out over time with wear. People prone to metal allergies may react even to these small exposures. Using properly cured and sealed clay is important. Those concerned about metal exposure from their clay earrings should choose lead-free and metal-free polymer clay or porcelain clay for the safest hypoallergenic option.

Who Should Avoid

When it comes to clay earrings, there are certain groups that may be more vulnerable to potential risks. Two key groups that should exercise caution with clay earrings are children and pregnant women.

For children, their skin is more sensitive and their bodies are still developing. This means they may experience irritation or allergic reactions more easily from materials like clay in earrings. Additionally, children often play with their earrings or put them in their mouths, increasing their exposure. If earrings have any lead or other heavy metals, children absorb a higher percentage into their bodies.

Pregnant women also have reason to be cautious. Any compounds absorbed into the body from clay earrings will pass through the placenta to the developing fetus. Lead and other heavy metals can impair development, even in small amounts. While occasional, light exposure is unlikely to cause problems, it’s recommended for pregnant women to avoid unnecessary exposures as a precaution.

For both children and pregnant women, if concerned about potential risks from clay earrings, it may be prudent to choose alternative materials until any safety issues are resolved. Their health is the top priority.

Conclusion

Clay earrings have some potential safety issues that should be considered before wearing them. The clay type and any coatings or paints used can irritate sensitive skin or contain toxic heavy metals. Proper curing is important to avoid leeching chemicals. However, most clays and coatings used in quality jewelry today are non-toxic when properly cured and create no major allergy risks. Those with metal or chemical allergies/sensitivities should probably avoid or proceed cautiously with clay earrings unless they can verify the exact materials used. For most people, high-quality clay earrings that are properly cured and sealed are likely safe to wear without health concerns.

Recommendations for safe use of clay earrings include: ensure earrings are from a reputable maker, ask questions about the clay and coatings used and if they have been tested for metals, inspect earrings and avoid any with cracks/chips/flaking as this can expose unsealed clay, take care to keep quality earrings away from water/moisture, and discontinue use if any skin irritation develops.