In an effort to comply with the European Union directive on GPSR, I provide the information below that is necessary in light of this directive. Although I am an individual artist, a creator of works that can be perceived as art, I will do my best to respond honestly and to the best of my ability to the obligation imposed on me by the EU.

1. Who is the producer, address, telephone, e-mail, correspondence address

 The “producer” – the creator, is me: Iwona Tamborska, operating in my family company “Rękami Stworzy Zdzisława Mrugała”, registered at the address: os. Sikorskiego 13/44, 28-100 Busko-Zdrój, Poland; tel.: +48 698732497; mail: info@rekamistworzone.com and rekamistworzone@gmail.com

 

2. Product identification and description:

Although nothing hurts me more than calling my works “products”, they are usually sculptures made of 925 silver, that can be worn on the body and can therefore be described as jewelry. Each work that is available for purchase (and is not just a photo in the portfolio presented on the website) has a detailed description of the materials used in it and its history. They are listed on the website in the Shop tab https://rekamistworzy.com/sklep/

Works that have already found buyers also have the above features, but the lack of a price next to them means that they can no longer be purchased or repeated.

The cases in which the works are placed are either made by me from wood or purchased ready-made from Polish companies that make them especially for me (wood or cardboard).

I will certainly receive the relevant technical data regarding the safety of the materials they use from December 13, 2024 (the date of entry into force of the GPSR Act).

 

3. Warning about hazards, allergies:

 – The 925 silver alloy contains a small amount of copper and other metals (because it consists of 92.5% silver).

Therefore, someone who is drastically allergic to copper may experience an allergic reaction when in contact with this alloy, e.g. swelling of the ears while wearing earrings. This is a very rare reaction. Most silver available on the market is marked as 925. Even the use of pure silver (99.9%) when soldering a pin to the entire earring disqualifies it from being marked by the Assay Office as a product made of pure silver and must be marked with the 925 hallmark.

– Other hazards may include improper use and carelessness – stabbing yourself in the eye with a large ring or pricking yourself with a pin from a brooch.

Please wear my work with care and respect.

– In jewelry, acids are used to clean metal during the production process.

I only use citric acid (the same one used in the kitchen). Although the cleaning process takes a little longer, I am sure that it is safe. Some of my works are dimensional or empty inside and despite intensive rinsing, the acid could get stuck in some crevice to a minimal extent. That is why I chose citric acid, which does not pose a health risk. In addition, just before finishing, each work is put into a solution of baking soda, which eliminates the acidic PH. If, despite this, crystallized citric acid (green coating) appears somewhere on the work, it is enough to rinse it in warm water. Please avoid contact of this coating with open wounds, because it can probably sting a little.

– Jewelry is not suitable for children to play with, because it often contains small elements or finishes made of small beads, which a child can tear off, destroy and choke on.

 

4. Instructions for use (simplified) and handling, storage, cleaning:

Please store my works in the case in which the sculptures/jewelry were packed.

They are safe there, the case is specially adapted to them. In the case of the natural process of blackening silver, you can ask me to refresh it or use a submerged silver cleaner, e.g. from Conneseurs, after reading the leaflet for this product. This product cannot be used on pieces containing pearls, amber, coral or other stones with an organic or simply porous structure.

Please do not use rough cleaning products (such as toothpaste) as they may change the texture of the sculpted or mirror-smooth surface.

Please do not use cleaning cloths on surfaces other than shiny-smooth surfaces as they are abrasive and may remove the specially created matte-white surface of the silver.

 

1. Test reports: Comprehensive test reports are essential to demonstrate compliance with EU standards.

Typical tests include:

Nickel release test (EN 1811): Ensures that the jewellery does not exceed the permitted levels of nickel release, preventing allergic reactions (Article 9(2)(a)).

Lead and cadmium testing (REACH compliance): Confirms that the levels of these metals in the jewellery are safe, reducing the risk of toxicity.

List of applicable standards and regulations: GPSR requires reference to relevant standards such as EN 1811 for nickel release and ISO standards for material safety (Article 7).

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS): Where applicable, MSDSs detail the composition of the materials used in the jewellery and describe safety measures (Article 9(2)).

 

Each of my works, in accordance with applicable Polish law, undergoes Assay Office testing.

 

NICKEL (Ni) and its compounds

Based on: Annex XVII item

27 – may not be used if the nickel release rate (migration limit) is exceeded:

• 0.2 μg/cm2 per week for pins that are inserted into pierced ears and other pierced parts of the human body;
• 0.5 μg/cm2 per week for products that are in prolonged and direct contact with the skin during use (earrings, bracelets, necklaces, chains, rings, rings and watch cases, bracelets and clasps).

IN PRACTICE: Products with a nickel coating may not be placed on the market.

If it is detected, the District Assay Office issues a certificate that the product has been reported to the Office for examination and marking, but does not meet the requirements referred to above.

 

CADMIUM (Cd) and its compounds

Based on: Annex XVII item

23 – may not be used in concentrations of 0.01% by weight or higher in:

• solder;
• metal beads and other elements used to make jewellery, bracelets, necklaces, rings, piercing jewellery, watches and other products worn on the wrists and in brooches and cufflinks.

IN PRACTICE: Since 2012, it has been prohibited to introduce soldering materials into circulation if they do not meet the above conditions.

For the purpose of implementing the regulations, it has been assumed that solder means a joining technique using alloys at a temperature above 450 °C. In the event of detection of cadmium in the quantities referred to in the regulation, the District Assay Office in Kraków issues a certificate that the product has been reported to the Office for examination and marking, but does not meet the requirements referred to above. The procedure does not apply to products introduced to the market before 10 January 2012 or to jewellery that is at least 50 years old on 10 January 2012. This may be confirmed, among others, by a marking on the product indicating the period of production or introduction to the market. 3 District Assay Office tel.: 12 430 35 32 in Krakow fax: 12 422 65 71 ul. Rakowicka 3 e-mail: oup.krakow.krakow@ 31-511 Krakow poczta.gum.gov.pl

 

LEAD (Pb) and its compounds

Based on: Annex XVII item 23 – may not be used if its quantity is equal to or greater than 0.05% by weight in jewellery or its parts such as: bracelets, necklaces and rings, piercing jewellery, wristwatches and other articles worn on the wrist and brooches and cufflinks.

IN PRACTICE: In the event of detection of lead in quantities referred to in the regulation, the District Assay Office in Kraków issues a certificate that the product has been reported to the Office for examination and marking, but does not meet the requirements referred to above. The procedure does not apply to products introduced to the market before 9 October 2013 and jewellery manufactured before 10 December 1961. Confirmation of this may be, among others, a marking applied to the product indicating the period of manufacture or introduction to the market.

 

2. Traceability records: For high-risk products, GPSR requires economic operators to collect and maintain traceability data throughout the supply chain (Article 18(2)).

 

The chain is very short – but yes, I have such records for the silver I use and where it was purchased from.

Also for the cases for my works.