Assay Office
Assay offices are central to the UK jewellery trade, ensuring the integrity of precious metal goods through hallmarking and quality assurance. For jewellers, manufacturers, and suppliers, staying informed about the activities and developments of the UK’s assay offices—Birmingham, London, Sheffield, and Edinburgh—is vital. Jewellery Focus provides comprehensive coverage on hallmarking standards, regulatory updates, innovations in testing and certification, and the broader role assay offices play in supporting the trade.
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Sep- 2025 -3 SeptemberProduct Launches
Edinburgh Assay Office launches ‘Hallmarking 2.0’ digital pilot
The Edinburgh Assay Office (EAO) has launched Hallmarking 2.0, a proof-of-concept project to bring hallmarking into the digital era by linking it with blockchain technology and Digital Product Passports. The new scheme creates a unique physical and digital identifier at the point of hallmarking, allowing each item to be tied…
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Jul- 2025 -29 JulyRetailers
Antique Jewellers launches free hallmark identification tool
UK-based antique ring specialist Antique Jewellers has launched Hallmark Finder, a new online tool that helps identify British jewellery hallmarks. The free-to-use Hallmark Finder allows collectors, dealers, valuers and jewellery professionals to quickly decode the small symbols stamped on antique and vintage pieces. It identifies metal purity, assay office and…
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21 JulyDesigners
WJ Shaw Jewellers to launch Yorkshire Rose collection on Yorkshire Day
Independent family business WJ Shaw Jewellers will unveil its first official jewellery collection on 1 August to coincide with Yorkshire Day. The Yorkshire Rose collection is based on one of the earliest designs created by founders William and Julia Shaw, who began their jewellery-making business in Barnsley in 1988. The…
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Jun- 2025 -4 JuneTrade Organisations
Birmingham awarded World Craft City status
Birmingham has officially been recognised as a World Craft City, making it one of just eight in Europe to receive the designation from the World Crafts Council. Led by the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT) and co-applicants Birmingham City University, a bid for World Craft City status was supported by…
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May- 2025 -27 MayAppointments
The Goldsmiths’ Company appoints new prime warden
The Goldsmiths’ Company has announced the appointment of brigadier Ed Butler CBE DSO as its new prime warden, in succession to Richard Reid. His priorities for the year ahead include further diversifying the Goldsmiths’ Company community, demonstrating social impact – from its charitable grant giving of £4m each year to…
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Jan- 2025 -20 JanuaryDesigners
Allied Gold Group unveils in-house Assay Office
Allied Gold Group has marked the opening of its in-house assay office during an official ribbon cutting ceremony by Ashley Carson, Assay Master and CEO of the Sheffield Assay Office. The occasion was also attended by members of the British Hallmarking Council. The first hallmark struck at the new facility…
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Dec- 2024 -10 DecemberFeatures
Welcome to the future of hallmarking
Complete In-House Services Enhanced By State-Of-The-Art Laser Technology Discover By Appointment’s Heathrow Assay Office, created in partnership with the prestigious Edinburgh Assay Office and Ferrari Express Ltd, making your hallmarking experience effortless. Our unique in-house service means you can avoid unnecessary travel, saving time and simplifying the entire process. From…
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Oct- 2024 -29 OctoberManufacturers
AG Group announces in-house assay office
Allied Gold and Brown and Newirth owner AG Group has announced that it has opened an in-house assay office at its group headquarters. The move follows a historic agreement with the Sheffield Assay Office, marking the first-ever fine jewellery manufacturing Sheffield sub-office. The partnership has received full approval from the…
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Sep- 2024 -5 SeptemberRetailers
Lylie achieves B Corp status
British jewellery brand Lylie has achieved B Corp certification following two years of dedicated work towards the accreditation by founder and creative director Eliza Walter. By becoming B Corp certified, Lylie is reinforcing its ongoing commitment to environmental and social actions, transparency and accountability. Lylie has achieved a B Impact…
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Aug- 2024 -15 AugustAuctions
Certified natural diamond single stone rings up for auction
Richard Winterton Auctioneers has revealed jewellery including two natural diamond rings expected to exceed £6,000 is to be sold next month. This includes a 3.78 carat single stone diamond ring, now estimated at £4,000 to £6,000, and a 1.46ct diamond solitaire, estimated at £2,000 to £3,000. The larger stone is…
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