Latest News & Press

Applications for the HALO (Hallmarking Awareness and Learning Online Awards) 2023 close on 8th September. In this press release from the British Hallmarking Council, Chair of the HALO Award Judging Panel, Rachael Taylor shares her thoughts on the Award and what could make a successful application.

On July 21st 2023, we celebrated 15 years since Sheffield Assay Office moved from Portobello Street, Sheffield S1, to our new, state of the art home in Hillsborough.

Sheffield Assay Office were delighted to sponsor this year's Goldsmiths North, which took place at Cutlers' Hall at the start of July. We are thrilled to say that the event was a huge success!

Our Curator, Emma Paragreen was recently joined by the four original designer makers of The Millennium Punch Bowl to clean and care for the special piece. This is no easy task, as the piece consists of the bowl, ladle, plank, cups and 2000 jacks.

The Annual NAJ Summit took place on the 24th to the 26th of June at the Park Regis Hotel in Birmingham and Emma Paragreen and Sarah North were delighted this year to represent Sheffield Assay Office playing a key role in the event. 

25th July 2023 marks the 50th anniversary the Hallmarking Act which was given royal assent on 25th July 1973 and came into force fully on 1st January 1975.  

Assay Assured is the world’s only jewellery specific digital Trustmark, backed by all four UK Assay Offices. UK Assay Offices have been testing and hallmarking precious metals for over 700 years.

On Friday 30th June, 20 members of the Sheffield Assay Office team donated to take part in the Master Cutler's Challenge, helping to raise funds for The Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust.