Laboratory
Birmingham Assay Office
Birmingham, United Kingdom
Precious metal testing and hallmarking; jewellery compliance testing
Birmingham Assay Office was founded by Act of Parliament in 1773 and is one of the UK's four assay offices. Its anchor mark appears on precious metal articles hallmarked there.
What it does
Testing and hallmarking of gold, silver, platinum and palladium; laser marking; and jewellery compliance testing (for example nickel and lead release).
Using any laboratory
- Ask what the report will state (identity, treatment, origin, grade) and how long it takes; turnaround and fees change.
- Check a report online with the laboratory's own report-check service, and match the stone to the report.
- Reports from different laboratories can differ, especially on colour grades, treatment and origin. A report is an opinion based on the tests made, not a valuation.
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