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Analytical Services Division Advances Further

 

The services now offered by the specialist department are undoubtedly very different to the Office’s origins in hallmarking, but the same values of independence and honesty underpin everything we do.
 
The scope of our analytical services has developed from being simply a complimentary service to the main activity of hallmarking precious metals, into a modern and highly advanced analytical laboratory providing testing solutions to a wide range of business sectors. Customers have come to rely on the highly technical and accurate skills of our chemists and technicians and we are now working in various areas of the market including with bullion, consumer jewellery testing, automotive, material characterisation for 3D manufacturing, environmental and medical.
 
2018 marked a significant anniversary for the Assay Office, with Chief Executive, Ashley Carson, celebrating his 25th anniversary in the prestigious role of Assay Master. A glittering event, held at the organisation’s impressive premises in Hillsbrough, Sheffield was attended by the Queen’s Assay Master, Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Lord Mayor, Master Cutler and many other senior members of the business community. 
 
On being presented with a silver goblet, designed and made by celebrated local silversmith, Kurt Calow, the Assay Master expressed his pride in having led such a distinguished organisation and raised a toast saying “it’s exciting to think what the next 25 years will bring”.
 
One of only four Assay Offices in the UK, Sheffield was recently honoured to be accepted as a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council, a standards-setting organisation established to advance responsible ethical, human rights, social and environmental practices through the jewellery supply chain, and is currently working towards full certification.