Latest News & Press

With over 1000 pieces of silver and silver plate in our collection, knowing how to care for our precious items is essential. Here we look at the science behind tarnishing and how to use, store and care for your silver.

Marion Wilson, in the Journal of Trading Standards, wrote the following article about the 2019 Touchstone Award, highlighting the importance of hallmarking for consumer protection.

Sheffield Assay Office were delighted to learn that long-standing Guardian, Mr Robert Grice, had been recognised in the 2020 New Year's Honours List for services to hallmarking law.

Each year, Sheffield Assay Office offers a commission opportunity to emerging silversmiths in their second year of the Starter Studio Programme for Designer Silversmiths and Jewellers at Yorkshire Artspace. Find out about the winning designers here...

The annual Mary Parsons Charity Service took place on the 27th December 2019 at The Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Paul, Sheffield, with the service being taken by the Dean, The Reverend Peter Bradley.

Sheffield Assay Office is delighted to welcome Dr Duncan Campbell as a member of the Guardian of the Standard of Wrought Plate, a diverse group of businessmen and women who help to guide the Office with advice on bullion, prices, law, trading standards and enforcement.

The UK Assay Offices processed over 9 million articles of precious metal jewellery last year, testing the content of gold, silver, platinum and palladium and applying the appropriate hallmarks. But did you know that there are other legal requirements which jewellery has to meet? 

The British Hallmarking Council, established by Parliament to oversee hallmarking in the UK, has recently released this press release advising people what to do if they become aware of others selling precious metal items without a UK hallmark.