Keith Stanley[/caption] Keith Stanley, operations director for the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust and JQ BID, said: “The jewellery manufacturing sector and associated trades are a vital and vibrant part of Birmingham’s economy. These new apprenticeships will allow businesses to develop and grow their own future workforce." Students will work towards achieving a fully accredited apprenticeship qualification in Jewellery, Silversmithing and Allied Trades. Training will be adm…

As reported previously  the new standard effectively reduces the compliance level, meaning that many alloys which were previously compliant will no longer be so.  To help customers adapt to the new requirements The Laboratory have invested significant resources in redeveloping their unique Quick Nickel test to create a quicker, less expensive alternative to the full test, to determine whether articles would prove compliant if tested by the reference method.  ‘Quick Nickel 20…

  Relevant restrictions relate to nickel, cadmium, azo-dyes and Chromium VI. Regulations regarding lead are expected in October 2013. The Laboratory at The Birmingham Assay Office can deliver all the necessary testing required and its specialist knowledge and experience is recognised by all leading UK retailers.  Many customers rely on The Laboratory to explain the implications of the legislation in terms of the testing required. To help to deliver this efficiently an int…