Latest News & Press

Lab-created diamonds are made by replicating the processes that result in the creation of natural diamonds. Natural diamonds grow through intense heat and pressure which, over millions of years, transforms carbon atoms into beautiful and captivating gemstones we know as diamonds. Lab-created diamonds grow the same way, only through a man-made process that takes several weeks, not millions of years.

Senior staff here at Sheffield Assay Office were delighted to attend the prestigious 'Made in Sheffield' awards dinner at Cutlers Hall - celebrating excellence in manufacturing from across the city region.

Among the challenges of assessing the lab-grown diamond market is the lack of published data on the sector. That’s largely because none of the companies operating in the space are publicly traded, which would require them to disclose metrics such as sales, profit and production.

Sheffield Assay Office staff recently conducted an investigation looking at local traders within 30 miles of Sheffield and found over 60 businesses who are trading illegally by not displaying the up to date Dealers Notice in their store or on their website.

The British Hallmarking Council is currently looking to recruit three new council members to work alongside the four UK Assay Offices and promote good relationships between the trade, consumers and the government.

Our Assay Master, Ashley Carson was delighted to presents awards to Sheffield Hallam University's BA Jewellery, Materials and Design students in recognition of their brilliant final year degree show work.

The Silver Society is pleased to announce the launch of its annual prize for 2021. Just like last year, the competition will be conducted virtually and the prize will be awarded to a silversmith who is either aged under 35 or in the first five years of their career as a practicing silversmith.

We are thrilled to announce that our Analytical Services laboratory has recently extended the range of its UKAS accreditation to include the testing of hydrogen in metals and metal alloys.