Michael Allchin, Chief Executive and Assay Master for The Birmingham Assay Office says We have great respect for the NAG and are keen to support them in establishing and maintaining high standards of professionalism and expertise in the UK Jewellery Industry. We are delighted to play a part in their Annual Conference.

The Birmingham Assay Office will not only be supporting the event financially but in practical terms too. Experts from The Birmingham Assay Office will make a significant contribution to the programme. Curator, Dr Sally Baggott, and specialist Silver Valuer Craig O'Donnell will be staging a series of workshops assessing silver pieces from the Arts & Crafts movement, focussing specifically on the work of the Birmingham Guild of Handicrafts, A Edward Jones and Arthur & Georgie Gaskin. The two experts are both passionate about their subject and form an impressive double act. The workshops promise to be extremely entertaining and informative.

Michael Allchin has a wealth of experience in all aspects of the Jewellery industry and has been invited to contribute to this years Debate to give his perspective on online retailing.

The Birmingham Assay Office will also man an exhibition stand to offer full information about their wide portfolio of specialist expert services to the jewellery trade. These include AnchorCert Independent Diamond Certification, SafeGuard Independent Jewellery and Silverware Valuations, Hallmarking, precious metal analysis and related services, all designed to give the trade customer a competitive edge as well as protecting the consumer.

Other valuers and delegates from The Birmingham Assay Office will be at the Conference throughout the weekend to meet with their colleagues and to gain and share knowledge. Operations Director of SafeGuard & AnchorCert, Carla Goodfellow, is looking forward to it. Last year was my first conference and I was very impressed by the depth and breadth of knowledge which the experts there were able to share says Carla. It is an intensive weekend of education, exchanging views and socialising and a very worthwhile one. I would definitely encourage valuers and jewellers to attend.