Sheffield Assay Office continues to work in close partnership with Trading Standards authorities through Operation Tudor Rose, a coordinated initiative designed to support compliance with the Hallmarking Act 1973, protect consumers, and promote fair trading across the precious metals sector.
To date, the operation has been delivered alongside Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Rochdale and Hull Trading Standards, with officers visiting more than 120 retailers trading in precious metal items. These visits have focused primarily on education, advice and engagement, helping retailers better understand their legal responsibilities and encouraging best practice across the sector.
The majority of retailers visited were found to be broadly compliant. The most frequently identified issue was the non-display of a Dealers Notice, which was addressed during visits through advice and guidance.
However, a recurring area of concern was identified among some second-hand dealers relating to the use of the terms “yellow metal” and “white metal” in product descriptions. In some cases, these terms were being used in an attempt to avoid hallmarking requirements for items that were, in fact, gold or silver. Many of these items bore a fineness mark, which constitutes a description of the precious metal. Where such items exceed the statutory minimum weight thresholds, they must be hallmarked in accordance with the legislation.
Operation Tudor Rose has worked proactively with retailers in this sector to review and improve their trading practices and internal policies. This approach has been key to ensuring consumers are adequately protected and that compliant, legitimate businesses are able to operate on a level playing field.
During the course of the operation, nine retailers trading in high-value 22ct gold were identified as advertising and selling thousands of un-hallmarked items. These cases are now subject to investigation and review by Trading Standards and Sheffield Assay Office, with the aim of bringing those businesses fully into compliance.
What This Means for Retailers
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Describing items as “yellow metal” or “white metal” does not remove hallmarking requirements where items are gold or silver.
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Items bearing a fineness mark are legally described as precious metal articles and, if above the minimum weight, must be hallmarked.
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Dealers Notices must be displayed, as required by law.
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Second-hand precious metal items are not exempt from hallmarking legislation.
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Retailers trading in high-value or high-carat gold should ensure full compliance to avoid investigation.
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Sheffield Assay Office and Trading Standards continue to offer support and guidance to help retailers meet their legal obligations.
Sheffield Assay Office remains committed to collaborative working, education and proportionate enforcement to uphold the integrity of the UK hallmarking system and maintain confidence in precious metal goods.
Retailers who are unsure about their hallmarking obligations, product descriptions, or display requirements are encouraged to contact Sheffield Assay Office for advice and guidance. Early engagement can help prevent non-compliance, protect consumers, and support fair trading across the sector.
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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