In a ruling jewelry organizations hailed as a victory, precious metal and gemstone jewelry have been exempted from new laws on lead use.

"This is really good news," says Peggy Jo Donahue, acting spokeswoman for Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America. "Previous metal jewelry needed to be exempted because lead is rarely used in it, since it distorts the manufacturing process."

Jewelers who sell children’s jewelry with base metals still need to follow the new laws. That includes gold-plated materials, Donahue says.

Jewelers of America advises retailers to ask suppliers whether any jewelry they currently carry is within the new legal lead content limits, and to provide certification of any lead content.