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 UKโs assay officesโBirmingham, London, Sheffield, and Edinburghโis 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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Jan- 2018 -17 JanuaryEconomy
Hallmarking figures drop by 7.4% for December
Hallmarking fell by an average of 7.4% in December 2017 compared to the same period in the previous year, according to figures compiled by the Birmingham Assay Office. The average volume of gold hallmarked in December fell by 6.9% to 322,033 compared with 346,082 the previous year. Silver fell by…
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Dec- 2017 -22 DecemberEconomy
Hallmarking figures drop by 11% in November
The volume of jewellery hallmarked by the four UK assay offices fell by an average of 11% in November compared with the same period the previous year, according to figures compiled by the Birmingham Assay Office. The average volume of gold pieces hallmarked fell by 12.1% to 492,537 compared with…
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Nov- 2017 -9 NovemberE-Commerce
Jewlr and Edinburgh Assay Office announce quality control partnership
North American online jewellery retailer Jewlr has announced its partnership with the Edinburgh Assay Office (EAO). The EAOโs hallmarking services will be combined with Jewlrโs craftsmanship and personalised styles, to bring fine jewellery of the highest quality to customers in the United Kingdom. Since 1457, the EAO has been verifying…
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1 NovemberDesigners
Make Your Mark Award winners announced
This yearโs winners of the Make Your Mark Awards were announced at a VIP drinks reception at Londonโs Goldsmithsโ Hall on Tuesday 31 October 2017. The winner of this yearโs Jewellery category was recent graduate Charelle Smith for her Unlock the Hallmark pendant. She was presented with an exclusive coaching…
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Sep- 2017 -26 SeptemberCelebrities
WB The Creative Jewellery Group welcomes a royal visitor
WB The Creative Jewellery Groupโs manufacturing facility was visited by his Royal Highness the Duke of Kent on 21 September. The Duke visited the company as part of a day-long visit to Birmingham. He was accompanied by Simon Topman The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Midlands, John Hudson, High Sheriff…
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15 SeptemberDesigners
‘Top prizes’ secured for this yearโs Make Your Mark Awards
This yearโs winners of this yearโs Make Your Mark Awards are set to receive โtop prizesโ donated from different companies in the jewellery and silversmithing industry. Prizes secured to date include a coaching session with jewellery house Garrard, which will include a tour of its historic London workshop. Also, jewellery…
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Jul- 2017 -20 JulyEconomy
Latest hallmarking figures released by Birmingham Assay Office
The Birmingham Assay Office has released the latest hallmarking figures.
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Jun- 2017 -22 JuneCurrent Affairs
Gold hallmarking continues to drop as silver remains strong
The number of gold articles hallmarked in the month of May reported a 14.1% drop when compared to last yearโs figures. Figures from the Birmingham Assay Office suggest that silver showed a growing strength with a 24.1% increase in hallmarked articles when compared to the same period last year. Platinum…
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13 JuneProduct Launches
Waterford Crystal expands into travel retail
Waterford Crystal has released its inaugural collection of fine jewellery, which will be released under a partnership with a number of travel companies. The collection is made with sterling silver and features the brandโs seahorse symbol. Each piece has been hallmarked by the Assay Office in Dublin Castle. The collection…
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May- 2017 -25 MayAppointments
Noel Hunter OBE appointed chairman of British Hallmarking Council
Noel Hunter OBE has been appointed as the new chairman for the British Hallmarking Council. Hunter said: โI am delighted to be elected to lead this prestigious and important body. Hallmarking verifies the integrity of some of the most precious items we possess, both on a personal and a monetary…
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