Valuing gemset jewellery can be problematic with the growing prevalence of sophisticated treatments and synthetics, but increasingly it is watches that set the valuer the biggest challenge. The first task is to assess the condition of the watch, establish whether it is genuine and in its original state, an easily replaceable current model or has any rarity value. A changing approach from insurance companies has recently complicated watch valuations further. Where the original model is …

SECURITY A presentation by representatives of West Midlands Police will address the security measures that need to be taken to reduce the rate of crime. Delegates will be issued with a ‘Jewellers Personal Safety and Security Guide for Robbery’ published jointly by the London Metropolitan Police and BJA HALLMARKING Trading Standards Officers in Birmingham have recently seized more than £50,000 worth of jewellery in a crackdown on the City. 21 retailers were target…

  Take your 6 ‘naked’ cupcakes and make them the best dressed in town! Held at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens : Study Centre — free admission to the beautiful gardens plus free car parking Learn how to: Pipe buttercream — Mix colours — Roll out sugarpaste — Use cutters and moulds — Make sugar roses All equipment provided and free refreshments too! At the end of the afternoon you will have a box of beautifully deco…