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The bowl, commissioned by The Birmingham Assay Office, was made by local silversmith Andrew Macgowan, based in Frederick Street in the heart of the Quarter.  Weighing exactly one kilogram the bowl is an alternative to the traditional “investment bar”.  Visually the design is simplicity itself but the skill required to spin such a perfect piece should not be underestimated.  Made from 999 parts per thousand, fine silver, the bowl has a satin finish but a “bright” …

The Birmingham Assay Office has fought these unhelpful changes hard via the BSI, our voice in CEN, but the UK has been outvoted. The inevitable consequence is that some alloys which are currently nickel compliant will no longer be so. The Laboratory are undertaking extensive research, comparing data from both tests in order to understand the implications more fully. If you would like to discuss this further with Laboratory staff please call 0871 871 6020 or emailtesting@theassayoffice.co.…