Latest News & Press

The team here at Sheffield Assay Office recently joined The Silver Society's Early Career Silver Group for two online events to help promote hallmarking and share knowledge and information with the next generation of silversmiths, dealers and curators.

It was with great sadness that the Sheffield Assay Office heard of the recent passing of Stan Shaw, one of Sheffield’s best and most experienced knife makers.

From 1st January 2021, obligations to recognise equivalent EU hallmarks ended in Great Britain. For the Northern Ireland market EU hallmarks will continue to be recognised.

Join Emma Paragreen, Curator here at the Sheffield Assay Office – where precious metals have been tested and hallmarked since 1773 – to discover the work of historical and contemporary women silversmiths.

On Wednesday 10th February, Helen Dimmick, Guardian at Sheffield Assay Office and award-winning Gemologist, will be holding a webinar with CHELSEA ROCKS and Prestat Finest Chocolate & Truffles. The online event will trace the history of royal jewels in London, Laboratory Grown diamonds and other diamond storytelling.

The Cutlers’ Company is launching an annual design competition to create a set of contemporary cutlery, consisting of a knife, a fork and a spoon. This new competition is planned to run for the next 95 years and is open to students and new graduates (up to 3 years after graduation).

On the 17th-18th July, The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair will be holding it's 'Summer Edition' via their website and social media platforms.

Former Senior Trading Standards Officer, retired member of the British Hallmarking Council and active Guardian at Sheffield Assay Office, Mr Robert Grice, has written this detailed article to help warn of the perils of the Fur Coat / Gold scam currently taking place in Germany.