The Oakland-based Center for Environmental Health found that 16 pieces of jewelry bought at retail chains Rainbow and 579 stores contained lead in excess of state safety standards.
Among the pieces the environmental group says is in violation is a star necklace and earrings labeled lead free.
Most of the jewelry contained metal components with more than 80 percent lead.
Attorney General Jerry Brown has now sent the stores a notice of violation and called for an immediate response.
