Behind the Hallmark: York Students Experience Assaying in Action
Published: 3rd March 2026
The visit formed part of the students’ continued learning within their A Level and degree programmes, offering valuable insight into professional practice within the jewellery and silversmithing industry. Head of Art and Design, Phil Simpson, and Laura Masheder Brown, Learning Assistant (Fine Metal Workshop) and Tutor of Jewellery & Metalsmithing, were particularly keen for students to develop a deeper understanding of the assaying and hallmarking process, as well as the legal framework that underpins it.
The talk and tour were led by Emma Paragreen, Curator, Librarian and Archivist at the Sheffield Assay Office, who was pleased to see how engaged the students were throughout the afternoon. Drawing on the Office’s rich history and collections, Emma was able to provide valuable context around the development of hallmarking, alongside explaining its modern-day relevance and application.
“The students were really engaged and our staff were able to share their knowledge in a working environment rather than in a classroom. They learnt a great deal from seeing the process first-hand and having the opportunity to ask questions.”
Experiencing the hallmarking process in situ enables students to connect technical knowledge with practical application — from understanding the role of an Assay Office to seeing how precious metal articles are independently tested and marked in accordance with UK law.
York School of Jewellery are registered customers of Sheffield Assay Office and have a punch lodged with the Office. Students are now looking forward to creating silver articles and submitting them for assay and hallmarking over the coming year. Staff at Sheffield Assay Office look forward to continuing to support their development as they progress in their art and design practice.
Strengthening relationships with education providers remains an important part of the Office’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of jewellers and silversmiths — ensuring they understand not only creative practice, but also the professional standards and legal responsibilities that define the trade.
The Sheffield Assay Office was established in 1773, under an Act of Parliament and today the company assays and hallmarks the precious metals - silver, gold, platinum and palladium. Sheffield Assay Office is one of only four UK assay offices who all work to uphold the Hallmarking Act of 1973 and continue to ensure consumer protection for customers purchasing precious metals.
To find out more about the whole range of services offered by Sheffield Assay Office, such as our hallmarking and analytical services, please email us at info@assayoffice.co.uk or complete the contact form on our website at http://www.assayoffice.co.uk/contact-us ,
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