Imitation jewellery workshops mostly use two-part epoxy, cyanoacrylate instant glue and, increasingly, UV-curing adhesives to fix stones. Once fully cured, these are generally considered low-risk on jewellery, but uncured residue can irritate skin and some adhesives contain substances that are restricted or must be declared in certain markets.
The glue also decides how long stones stay in place, so it is a quality question as well as a safety one.
Common adhesives
- Two-part epoxy: strong and gap-filling, good for larger stones and uneven cups. It needs time to cure fully.
- Cyanoacrylate (instant glue): fast and cheap, widely used for small stones. It can turn brittle and may leave a white haze on stones.
- UV-curing adhesive: cures in seconds under UV light, clear and neat, but needs light to reach the glue line.
- Hot-melt and other adhesives: used in some lower-priced or non-metal pieces.
Safety points
The main risk to wearers is incomplete curing. Uncured epoxy and acrylate adhesives can cause skin irritation or allergy in some people. Proper mixing, enough curing time and no excess glue on skin-contact surfaces reduce the risk.
Chemical content is the other point. In the EU, REACH requires information on substances of very high concern above certain levels in articles, and restricted substances apply to jewellery. For children's jewellery, stricter rules apply in several markets. Ask the maker for the adhesive's product name and safety data sheet, and include glued areas in your lab testing if you sell in regulated markets.
Workshop safety matters too. Adhesive fumes in a poorly ventilated room affect workers, which is worth noting on an audit.
Quality points
- The glue should match the materials: metal to glass, metal to CZ, or metal to acrylic.
- Glue lines should be thin and hidden, with no smears on stone faces.
- Cured glue should not yellow, crack or go cloudy over time.
- Pieces should pass shake, tap and warm-humidity tests without stones loosening.
Questions to ask the maker
- Which adhesive do you use for this design, and can you share its safety data sheet?
- How long do pieces cure before packing?
- Do you use the same adhesive for bulk as for the approved sample?
- How do you clean excess glue from skin-contact surfaces?
What this means for a buyer
Treat glue as a named material on your order, not a workshop detail. Our workshop audit guide shows where to look on a visit.
Creston & Co works for buyers only, for a fixed fee agreed in writing. We record the adhesives used in Rajkot workshops, arrange tests at NABL-accredited labs and supervise packing. Ask for a free sourcing review.