As of May 1^st 2015, Chromium is now regulated throughout the EU by the REACH Regulations and all sectors of the supply chain should be aware of the new legislation. The amendment of REACH Annex XVII of (EC) No 1907/2006 regarding Chromium VI compounds in leather articles and articles containing leather parts now restricts Chromium VI content to a very low 3 mg/kg (0.0003%). This is in line with legislation already in place in European nations such as Germany.

At the Jewellery & Giftware Ball which was held at the end of 2014  Mr Tom Green of Charles Green & Son  generously bid £1,750 to host a rare and unique experience at Assay Office Birmingham.  The money raised from this went to The Benevolent Society - a wonderful charity that helps those who have worked in the jewellery trade and who may have fallen upon hard times.    As part of the experience a luncheon was held at Assay Office Birmingham, attended by Ch…

Members of The Company of Master Jewellers (CMJ) were recently at Assay Office Birmingham to have a tour of the building and  listen to a presentation from Chief Executive and Assay Master Stella Layton. The visitors were given a chance to have a look around exclusive areas of the business including the Hallmarking floor, AnchorCert Gem Lab, SafeGuard Jewellery Valuations and also the private silver collection. CMJ Members congregate in the Assay Office reception before the tour begin…