A BRIEF HISTORY
Assay Office London is part of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, one of the twelve great livery companies of the City of London. Founded to regulate the craft or trade of the goldsmith, and responsible since 1300 for testing the quality of gold, silver and, latterly, platinum and palladium articles, the word 'hallmark' originates from the fifteenth century when London craftsmen were first required to bring their artefacts to Goldsmiths' Hall for assaying and marking. This requirement continues unchanged today.
The techniques of sampling, testing (assaying) of the precious metal content (fineness) and marking have altered over the centuries, but the principle of providing a guarantee for manufacturers, importers, retailers, and the eventual purchaser, remains the same. It is one of the oldest forms of consumer protection.
WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:
YOU WILL FIND US IN STATE-OF-THE-ART PREMISES AT THREE LOCATIONS ACROSS THE CAPITAL:
Use of the Heathrow office for hallmarking is by special arrangement for items that are to be imported or exported.
Assay Office London
Open Monday-Friday.
8.00am-5.00pm.
Closed on Bank Holidays.
Greville Street
Open Monday-Friday
9.00am-5.00pm.
Closed on Bank Holidays.
Enquiries and Contact Information
For further information please go to the Download Centre.
