Jewellery Under Scrutiny: Sheffield Assay Office Supports BBC Watchdog

Sheffield Assay Office has supported a BBC investigation into toxic jewellery, featured on Morning Live on Thursday 22nd October 2026, bringing the importance of independent testing into the national spotlight.

Jewellery is often chosen for its appearance, but understanding what it contains requires a closer examination. The investigation raises an important question for consumers and the jewellery trade alike: how much do we really know about the products we buy and sell?

Sheffield Assay Office’s involvement reflects its commitment to consumer protection and to helping businesses understand the materials in their products.

Confidence through independent testing

Through its Analytical Services laboratory, Sheffield Assay Office offers jewellery testing for lead and cadmium, alongside nickel release testing. These services help manufacturers, importers and retailers assess their products against applicable chemical safety requirements.

The laboratory also provides plating thickness and composition testing, giving businesses further insight into product specifications and quality.

For businesses sourcing jewellery, independent testing provides evidence to support supplier assurances and helps identify potential concerns before products reach customers. It is an important part of responsible sourcing and maintaining consumer confidence.

Supporting a responsible jewellery industry

The BBC coverage provides a timely opportunity to raise awareness of jewellery safety and the value of specialist laboratory expertise.

Sheffield Assay Office encourages businesses to review their testing arrangements, understand their supply chains and seek advice about the testing appropriate to their products.

By supporting investigations such as this and providing independent analytical services, Sheffield Assay Office continues to place consumer protection at the heart of its work.

Watch the feature on BBC Morning Live, broadcast on 22nd October 2026, second item from 13:54mins.

Visit jewellery testing, or contact analytical@assayoffice.co.uk for more information.

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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