Hallmarking arrangements during temporary closure of Assay Offices

Press Release from the British Hallmarking Council:

The pandemic has caused many disruptions to business across the U.K. The UK Assay Offices have of course been similarly affected and from the end of today all four Offices will be closed for at least three weeks.

Any business that requires product hallmarking or needs advice should contact the Assay Office they usually use and guidance will be provided.

The British Hallmarking Council is maintaining an overview of the situation and further information will be issued when Government restrictions are lifted.

Please email the Goldsmiths' Company Assay Office on unhallmarked@assayofficelondon.co.uk 

Date Published: 25 March 2020

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In the Workshop - Kheni Priest

Kheni is a hand marker for the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office in Hatton Garden on Greville Street - Goldsmiths' Company Director of Communications Sarah Jurado went to speak to her about what it’s like being a woman in the workshop.

Date Published: 23 March 2020

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Corona Virus Contingencies

We ask that customers do not send work into Assay if the items have come into contact with anyone who has, or is showing symptoms of, Covid-19. Government guidelines state that the virus can live up to around 72 hours when it is felt the risk from any contaminated surface would significantly decrease. Therefore please wait for this period to lapse before sending items that could potentially be contaminated.
 
Staff members are at high risk with numerous packets transferred to us every day. As a precautionary measure for our staff, we will no longer accept cash from Monday (16^th March.)

Date Published: 13 March 2020

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Philip and James Kydd, Create the World's Most Expensive Piggy Bank

Multi award-winning father and son duo Philip and James Kydd of Philip Kydd Ltd, both Freeman of the Goldsmiths’ Company, are set to make the world’s most expensive piggy bank – an 18-carat gold handmade design costing £100,000, as part of a range of piggy banks called ‘Minty’. 

Date Published: 11 March 2020

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Price Adjustment 2020

The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office is committed to providing a premium quality hallmark and a premium quality service to match.  

Prices for standard hallmarking have not increased since 2018 for customers using the online hallnote.  Two years on we need to make some increases. 

Date Published: 09 March 2020

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Women and the Goldsmiths’ Company

For International Women’s Day, the Goldsmiths’ Company has published a story about the history of women at the Company, featuring pioneering women throughout the centuries and reflecting on the role women have played in shaping the Company today.

Date Published: 08 March 2020

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Current Online Payment Issue

Worldpay, the system which processes online payments for packets is currently down. 

As we can only release packets once payment has been made please note the following procedure.  This will be in place until Worldpay is back up and running:

• If you have sent a packet to us by post, our Accounts team will phone you to take payment
• If a courier is collecting your packet, please call us to make a payment on 0207 606 8971
• If you collect your packet at the counter you can pay for your packet in person

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused whilst we work to resolve this issue. We will update you via email with the latest information.

Date Published: 05 March 2020

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Dr Robert Organ Exhibits Photographs

The Assay Office's very own Deputy Warden, Dr Robert Organ, has an exhibition of his documentary photography at Torfaen Museum, Pontypool, Wales. 

"Surreal" runs until 17 May 2020.  The pictures highlight a love of documentary photography focusing on recording of human situations and the environment in which they live and shape.

Date Published: 04 March 2020

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Hallmarking of Garrard's Saudi Cup

Last month we hallmarked the Saudi Cup by Garrard - it was awarded at ‘The World’s Most Valuable Horse Race’ at the King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh on February 29th. Watch video. 

Date Published: 03 March 2020

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