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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May- 2022 -24 MayRetailers
Deakin & Francis launches silver cufflink for Queenโs anniversary
Deakin and Francis has launched a new regal sterling silver cufflink to commemorate Queen Elizabethโs 70 years of service. The new exclusive piece will feature a limited-edition hallmark designed by Thomas Fattorini and will also be available for all existing Deakin and Francisโ pieces on request. The new pieces will…
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13 MayNews
Hallmarking surges 26% in April
The total number of hallmarked pieces climbed 26.3% to 660,006 in April 2022, up from 522,390 for the same period in 2021. According to the Birmingham Assay Office, Gold hallmarked pieces increased 18.6% to 280,067, against last yearโs 236,089. Silver saw an increase of 30% year-on-year, from 268,993 to 349,654.…
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Apr- 2022 -13 AprilRetailers
Number of hallmarked pieces reaches 11-year high in Q1
The total number of pieces hallmarked in 2022 Q1 is the highest in 11 years, with total pieces climbing 109.1% to 2,597,104 total pieces from 1,242,326 seen in the same period in 2021, according to the latest figures from the Birmingham Assay office. It comes after the total number of…
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Mar- 2022 -14 MarchRetailers
Hallmarking surges 127% in February
The total number of hallmarked pieces climbed 127.3% to 852,725 February 2022, up from 375,183 for the same period in 2021. According to the Birmingham Assay Office, Gold hallmarked pieces increased 72.8% to 304,854, against last yearโs 176, 420. Silver saw the largest increase in hallmarked pieces, jumping 180.8% year-on-year.…
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Feb- 2022 -28 FebruaryRetailers
Bradleyโs Jewellers launches York Daffodil collection
Bradleyโs Jewellers has launched its new York Daffodil jewellery collection inspired by the golden blooms of spring flowers along the historic cityโs walls around York minster and at cliffordโs tower. Designed by Kay Bradley, owner of Bradleyโs Jewellers York, the range of fine jewellery comprises radiant yellow sapphires and burnt…
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11 FebruaryRetailers
Hallmarking surges 119.9% in January
The total number of hallmarked pieces climbed 199.9% year-on-year in January to 821,734, compared to 373,720 in 2021. According to the Birmingham Assay Office, gold increased by 84.2% to 310,986 compared to 168,815 last January. Silver saw the highest increase, jumping 152.8% from 190,522 to 481,683. However, palladium fell 62.9%…
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Jan- 2022 -20 JanuaryRetailers
Hallmarking climbs 46.8% in December
The total number of hallmarked pieces climbed 46.8% to 863,843 in December 2021, up from 588,575 for the same period in 2020.According to the Birmingham Assay Office, gold went up 26.5% to 370,853 in December, against last yearโs 293,269. Silver saw the largest increase in hallmarked pieces, jumping 69.4% year-on-year.…
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Nov- 2021 -9 NovemberRetailers
Hallmarking climbs 35.8% in October
The total number of hallmarked pieces climbed 35.8% to 1,133,920 in October 2021, up from 835,049 for the same period in 2020. According to the Birmingham Assay Office, silver saw the largest increase in hallmarked pieces, jumping 59.8% year-on-year. While the 625,889 hallmarked silver pieces in October 2021 represented the…
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3 NovemberTrade Organisations
Birmingham Assay Office strikes first mark for Queenโs Platinum Jubilee
The Birmingham Assay Office welcomed Dan Higgs from local manufacturer F G H Products Ltd to witness the first commemorative mark struck on the Queenโs Platinum Jubilee. Their silver ingots are the first items to be struck with the Queenโs Platinum Jubilee Mark. Designed by Thomas Fattorini Ltd, the mark…
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Oct- 2021 -19 OctoberEconomy
Hallmarking climbs 64.4% in September
The total number of hallmarked pieces climbed 64.4% to 1,009,071 in September 2021, up from 613,679 for the same period in 2020. According to the Birmingham Assay Office, silver saw the largest increase in hallmarked pieces, jumping 104.1% year-on-year. While the 584,551 hallmarked silver pieces in September 2021 represented the…
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