We have a full house today for the "Understanding Antique Jewellery" Course.  Delegates include staff from Auction Houses, Pawnbrokers, Private individuals and students.  This should make for a fascinating course. The next course will take place on Tuesday 3rd June.  Don't miss out - book your place today.  Tel: 0871 871 6020 or email gem@theassayoffice.co.uk  For more course details visit www.theassayoffice.co.uk/training-and-education.html

  However, costumes withdrawn from the market in Sweden provide a warning for the industry throughout the EU. In the previous week an “Alien Agent” outfit was withdrawn due to having azo dyes releasing 4-aminoazobenzene above the permitted levels, which made it non compliant with the REACH regulation. Last week two outfits were also withdrawn as they posed a risk for the environment because the plastic in the packaging contained cadmium above the permitted levels (measured value:…