Analysis was carried out by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (SpectrAA 220 FS equipped with the sample introduction pump system SIPS-20; Varian, Walnut Creek, CA, USA). Analytical conditions for Pb were 217.0 nm using an air-acetylene flame. Quality assurance and quality
control were tested by processing blank samples and fortified laboratory blanks. In addition, a duplicate was run for every tenth jewelry sample during screening of samples, and for all samples found to be leaded as detailed above.