'Spotlight on Sheffield' showcase at International Jewellery London (IJL)
Published: 30th August 2019
Sheffield Assay Office are delighted to be named as the IJL’s 2019 ‘Spotlight’ feature. The 'Spotlight on Sheffield' will be run in association with Sheffield Assay Office, Sheffield Institute of Arts, Sheffield Hallam University and Yorkshire Artspace.
The Spotlight feature at IJL launched in 2018, with the aim of celebrating a UK or world jewellery hub each year as a collaboration between industry, education and commerce. From the Assay Office Sheffield to the manufacturers, designers, wholesalers and retailers, Spotlight on Sheffield will be a chance to showcase the city – past, present and future.
There has been an Assay Office in Sheffield since 1773 when local silversmiths joined forces with Birmingham Assay petitioners to ask parliament for their own Assay Office. As one of only four UK Assay Offices’, Sheffield has adapted, innovated and changed but in its 246th year it still protects customers and manufacturers.
Over the last 25 years the Sheffield Assay Office and Assay Master Ashley Carson have supported the BA (Hons) Jewellery and Metalwork degree programme art Sheffield Hallam University as well as Museums Sheffield: Millennium Gallery, Sheffield Industrial Trust and Yorkshire Artspace's Starter Studio Programme for Silversmiths and Jewellers.
Katie Morris, Events Director, International Jewellery London (IJL) said: “IJL is thrilled to put a spotlight on Sheffield, showcasing the deep history of the Assay Office as well as its innovations in Hallmarking, not to mention its support of the industry, customers and technical education. Sheffield Assay Office is at the forefront of driving education for the gold and silver industry, providing support to local charities and creating access to the industry to the public, via its library and collection as well as tours of its hallmarking facilities. Alongside London, Birmingham and Edinburgh, Sheffield is a centre for excellence and cutting-edge technology. and ensuring the business flourishes in the future.”
The Assay Master, Ashley Carson said: “Home to one of only four UK Assay Offices in the UK, I am delighted that we are showing a spotlight on the City of Sheffield at IJL. A city with a long tradition of silversmithing and jewellery, the skills and trade are very much still alive today – it is fabulous to be able to showcase this to our peers in the jewellery industry around the world."
International Jewellery London is an industry-leading, three day event and a pre-eminent meeting place for the best of British jewellery. Here at Sheffield Assay Office we are delighted to have such a prominent feature and we look forward to seeing our colleagues and friends at the show.
Visit us on stand U21B, Sunday – Tuesday, 1st – 3rd September 2019.
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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