Birmingham Assay Office reopens gem lab amid Covid-19 pandemic

The Birmingham Assay Office has re-opened its gem lab and is now fully operational three days a week amid the Covid-19 crisis.

Like many other businesses, the Birmingham Assay Office temporarily closed its doors on Tuesday 24 March for three weeks as stipulated by the government, but last month hallmarking operations as well AnchorCert Pro testing resumed service to support the trade and “fulfil its statutory obligations”.

Based in and part of the Birmingham Assay Office, the gem lab offers diamond and tanzanite grading, as well as coloured gemstone and pearl identification. 

Doug Henry, CEO and Assay Master, said: “The safety of our staff and our customers are our priority, and as soon as we felt confident in our amended procedures and systems designed to protect our team, we made the decision to re-open three of our divisions with a skeleton staff whilst adhering to social distancing guidelines.

“We must work together to kick start the trade and to help to rebuild the economy. Together we create confidence.”