Swarovski Elements do contain minute amounts of lead. However, while the brand is historically known for its impeccable “lead-crystal,” which, by European Union legal requirement, contained at least 24% lead oxide, in September of 2012, Swarovski adopted their patented Advanced Crystal Standard. This patented and innovative standard guarantees that all Swarovski Elements products bearing that label are considered lead-free crystal, containing no more than 0.009% lead oxide. Swarovski Crystals are not safe for children 12 and under due to accidental ingestion. Swarovski has since retired, but we are still selling them.