Useful links
Birmingham Assay Office is the largest Assay office in the World and has been testing and hallmarking precious metal items since 1773. It is a reputed international centre of excellence and independent expert opinion for hallmarking, precious and non precious metals testing, diamond and gemstone certification, as well as jewellery,watches and silverware.
Edinburgh Assay Office (Assay Office Scotland) is home to the world famous castle hallmark which has been applied to Jewellery and silverware since 1457. Edinburgh Assay Office provides a fast, high quality and easy to use hallmarking service always with a clear focus on customers.
Assay Office London is part of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, one of twelve great livery companies of the City of London. Hallmarking began in London in the 1300s, and the word 'hallmark' originates from when craftsmen were required to bring their artefacts to Goldsmiths' Hall for assaying and marking.
Today Assay Office London provides a comprehensive range of hallmarking and related services across three key London sites - Goldsmiths' Hall, Hatton Garden and Heathrow.
After more than 235 years in business, Sheffield Assay Office is still going from strength to strength, providing a number of services such as Hallmarking, Laser Etching, Mark Identification and Analytical Services.
The British Hallmarking Council reports in to the The National Measurement Office (NMO) which is an Executive Agency of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
Trading Standards Authorities are responsible for enforcing the Hallmarking Act and work closely with the Assay Offices in their endeavours to achieve this. The website above is for Trading Standards professionals and business affected by issues relating to trading standards.
Trading Standards Consumer advice can be found at the above website.
