Sheffield Assay Office Becomes a Member of the NAJ
Published: 30th August 2022
We are delighted to announce that Sheffield Assay Office have recently become official members of the NAJ (National Association of Jewellers) - the UK’s Trade Association which represents the whole jewellery sector.
There are many benefits to joining that we are able to take advantage of as a company, but it also enables us to engage more fully and effectively with the trade as a whole.
We are looking at a number of collaborations with other members which will be announced in due course and working with their team on raising the perception and awareness of the office.
The NAJ believe that the 4 UK Assay Offices are fundamental to the jewellery trade and as such, will be running a series of articles on each. They will also be hosting events open to members and non members over the coming months starting with ourselves in November. Stay tuned to find out more about this upcoming event!
We believe it is vital that the 4 Assay Offices continue to raise awareness of hallmarking and it’s importance as a form of confidence to the consumer when purchasing their jewellery. To see that the NAJ team are also promoting this as one of their objectives is great to see!
We will also work with the NAJ on the education side of the industry. At Sheffield Assay Office we have worked closely with Sheffield Hallam University for many years and are involved with the jewellery students in guiding them through each stage and helping where we can. The area of education is a large part of the NAJ initiative to ensure we maintain and grow the talent within the industry. They also raise awareness through lower levels of education that our industry offers great potential and that British Design and Manufacture is always important. We see that as key to ensure that our industry forms a significant part of our economy and skillset to demonstrate to the world and are keen to promote this where possible.
Ben Massey, the Principal Officer commented “We’re delighted to welcome Sheffield Assay Office into the NAJ membership community. The Association’s relationship with UK Assay Offices both individually and collectively is something we are looking forward to developing over the next 18 months to really champion hallmarking and associated services. NAJ’s strategy is focused on shaping professional excellence in jewellery businesses and their people, ensuring jewellery retailers, manufacturers and suppliers, valuers and designers are legally compliant, visible and profitable and also encouraging responsible behaviours.”
We are excited about our next steps in partnership with the NAJ and look forward to continually updating you on the initiatives and events that we are involved in to keep the industry moving forward.
Find out more about the NAJ here
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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