Latest News

Visit antiques for everyone 22-25 JULY, NEC,BIRMINGHAM

‘A Celebration of Silver’

Visitors to Antiques For Everyone at the NEC from 22-25th July can – under the watchful supervision of an expert and highly experienced hand hallmarker from the staff team at The Birmingham Assay Office – try their hand at striking a mark. Don’t miss this unique opportunity. YOU ONLY HAVE ONE CHANCE TO GET IT RIGHT – IT IS NOT AS EASY AT IT LOOKS! YOU’RE MOST WELCOME TO COME AND TRY…

The Birmingham Assay Office has continually invested in the latest technology to adapt its services to the changing needs of the UK Jewellery, Silverware and Watch Market. Laser technology enables hallmarks to be applied to finished, hollow items without bruising, and fly presses have been enhanced by hydraulics to ensure a consistent mark every time, in line with customers’ varying requirements.

However, the traditional hand marking skills are still very much in demand for large, high quality silver pieces and heavier gold articles, and The Birmingham Assay Office has some of the most experienced hand markers in the world.

The punches used to strike the hall marks are all made to the highest precision in the tool room at The Birmingham Assay Office, to ensure a clean, high quality mark. Samples of these punches and other tools such as hammers, grips and supports will be on display on the feature stand at Antiques For Everyone and visitors will be able to look more closely at them and see first hand the keen eye and skill involved in hand hallmarking.

<< Back to Latest News     Previous Releases >>