Over the past few years millions of rings, necklaces and other jewelry have been recalled because of lead content or paint. Yet a recent study by the Center for Environmental Health finds that much of that still on the shelves is still tainted with lead.

New regulations to limit lead content in children’s products, including jewelry, goes into effect in February. At that time, manufacturers will have to certify that the product has been tested by an independent third party laboratory and is free of lead (or under 600ppm at least).

But in the meantime, as the CEH study shows, it is likely that jewelry currently for sale may still contain lead. Perhaps books would make a better gift this holiday season….