Goldsmiths' Company Prime Warden Visits Sheffield Assay Office
Published: 10th June 2026
Sheffield Assay Office was delighted to welcome Sir Edward Braham, Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths' Company, and Lady Isobel Braham for a tour of the Office on Friday, followed by lunch hosted by Chairman Charles Turner MBE DL.
As Prime Warden, Sir Edward serves as the elected head of the Goldsmiths' Company, one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London and an organisation that has played a central role in the UK's hallmarking system for almost 700 years.
During the visit, Sir Edward and Lady Isobel toured the Office's hallmarking, analytical and melt and assay facilities, gaining an insight into the wide range of services delivered in Sheffield and the important role Assay Offices continue to play in protecting consumers and supporting the precious metals industry.
Lunch provided an opportunity to discuss the future of hallmarking, education, industry challenges and opportunities for collaboration, reinforcing the longstanding relationship between Sheffield Assay Office and the Goldsmiths' Company.
Ashley Carson, Assay Master and CEO of Sheffield Assay Office, said:
"It was a pleasure to welcome Sir Edward and Lady Isobel to Sheffield. The Goldsmiths' Company and the Assay Offices share a long history and common purpose, making this a valuable opportunity to showcase the work we do and discuss the future of our industry."
We would like to thank Sir Edward and Lady Isobel for taking the time to visit and look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the Goldsmiths' Company in the years ahead.
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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