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Since 2007, hallmarking legislation has allowed mixed metal items subject to the following conditions: A mixed precious metal and base metal article, or an article of mixed precious metal and other materials, can only be hallmarked if any precious metal component is at least the minimum legal fineness for that metal i.e. …

We are delighted that Dr Belen Morales, Head of Analytical Services here at Sheffield Assay Office, has been recognised as woman in science.  "Women In Science Day is a reminder that women play a critical role in science and technology communities and that their participation should be strengthened. The celebration is led by UN…

Two well established organisations within the City of Sheffield met today to learn a little more about one another, the meeting of the Sheffield Assay Office and The Company of Cutlers of Hallamshire. The Assay Master, Mr Ashley Carson was delighted to host the Master and Mistress Cutler, Nick and Liz Cragg, on Friday 22ndM…

Throughout March Sheffield Assay Office has welcomed all 1st, 2nd and 3rd year students on the BA (Hons) Jewellery and Metalwork Course from Sheffield Hallam University. Over the last few years this has become an annual visit and proved to be an important part of the course and benefitting the students greatly. 53 studen…

Sheffield Assay Office uses the latest X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) measuring technology to determine the precious metal content of articles received for hallmarking. Until around 15 years ago, tiny samples of metal had to be physically removed from the jewellery and sent to the laboratory for analysis by fire assay (for gold), pot…

By Dr Belen Morales, Head of Analytical Services Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) is an instrumental technique which was first introduced in the early 1980’s to determine elemental content of water samples at trace levels. Over recent years new developments have eliminated the original disadvantages and expanded i…

Assay Master Ashley Carson and Sheffield Assay Office staff were delighted to welcome Li Fuming one of China's most celebrated metalworkers. He founded Li Xiaobai Studio in 2008, since the companies establishment, Li Xiaobai Yinhu Studio has become one of the leading pure handmade silver production studios in China.  Adheri…

Did you know that therere are 17 different standards for hallmarking of precious metals? The precious metal fineness standard for UK hallmarking (expressed in parts per thousand) is listed below, along with the standards of solder permitted in the UK and under the International Hallmarking Convention (common control mark). S…