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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Mar- 2020 -19 MarchTrade Organisations
The Goldsmith’s Company announces contingency plans
The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office has said it will do its “utmost” to remain open amid the coronavirus outbreak. At the present moment, the group said it envisages two contingencies that may result in its closure: a staff member contracting the virus or a nationwide lockdown. It is now asking…
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4 MarchTips
Your Guide to Jewellery Hallmarks – What to Know
A piece of jewellery is one of the most priced possessions a person can have—they are precious and can be pretty expensive, with some even costing as much as a brand new car. It is only ideal that when you choose jewellery, whether for yourself or as a gift, you…
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Feb- 2020 -17 FebruaryEconomy
Gold and platinum up single digits in January hallmarking
The number of gold and platinum pieces hallmarked in January 2020 increased by 1.4% and 7.6% respectively, according to figures compiled by the Birmingham Assay Office. Gold hallmarked pieces increased from 281,752 to 285,647 and platinum items increased from 24,900 to 26794 during the month. However, this was offset slightly…
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Jan- 2020 -17 JanuaryEconomy
Gold and silver fall in December hallmarking
The number of gold and silver pieces hallmarked in December 2019 decreased by 7.1% and 12.7% respectively, according to figures compiled by the Birmingham Assay Office. Gold hallmarked pieces decreased from 312,281 to 290,186 and silver items decreased from 373,756 to 326,442 during the month. Additionally, palladium decreased by 37.7%…
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Dec- 2019 -9 DecemberAppointments
The Incorporation of Goldsmiths appoints Ebba Goring as new director
Ebba Goring has been appointed as the new director of The Incorporation of Goldsmiths, one of Scotland’s most ancient institutions. Goring succeeded Mary Michel, who joined the business in 2002 and became director in 2012, and will continue to promote ethical silversmithing. In her previous role as the Incorporation’s programmes…
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Nov- 2019 -12 NovemberMetal Prices
Platinum hallmarking increases 22.2% in October
Platinum hallmarking increased by 22.2% in October 2019 compared with the same period the previous year, according to figures compiled by the Birmingham Assay Office. The number of platinum pieces hallmarked increased from 28,652 in October 2018 to 35,026 in 2019. Despite overall volumes decreasing by 5.6% during the month,…
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12 NovemberFeatures
15 Minutes with Scott Walter, Edinburgh Assay Office CEO
Tell me about your appointment as chairman of the Convention on the Control & Marking of Articles of Precious Metals? On 1 November I will take up the Chair of the Convention. The Convention is an international treaty between contracting states. It’s purpose is to create a mechanism for cross…
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4 NovemberCurrent Affairs
Third of UK gold jewellery sold online suspected as fake, warns BHC
A third of “gold” jewellery being sold online is suspected to be unhallmarked and therefore may be fake, raising concerns that UK consumers are being duped by internet traders, according to data released today from the British Hallmarking Council (BHC). A 10-day internet sweep by WRi Group in partnership with…
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Oct- 2019 -15 OctoberMetal Prices
Silver and platinum up in September hallmarking
Both the number of silver and platinum pieces hallmarked in September 2019 increased by 4.5% and 14.4% respectively, according to figures compiled by the Birmingham Assay Office. Silver hallmarked pieces increased from 361,441 to 377,587 and platinum items increased from 23,055 to 26,383 during the month. However, this was offset…
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11 OctoberE-Commerce
E-Commerce Handbook Case Study: Ruby & Oscar
Give me a brief description of your business Ruby & Oscar was established in 2018. We offer lab created and natural, semi precious stones set within a selection of silver and gold designs. Operating solely online, we are able to pass on excellent savings directly to our customers. What is…
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