Notes to the editor: The British Allied Trades Federation represents the interests of over 2500 member companies national, the majority of whom are SME’s engaged in the manufacturer of jewellery, giftware, homewares, travel goods and accessories. They also represent the interests of 250 businesses in the surface engineering sector. These industries as a whole employ an estimated 46,000 people and produce annual sales worth £22 billion. The Federation includes: The British Jewel…

As would be normal for any business that has had demand for its services slashed by 70%, the Office has had to loose valued staff members as the hallmarking work dried up. “Over the years we have, unfortunately, had to make some redundancies,” explains Allchin. He says that many of the staff who worked in hallmarking have now since retired, but the redundancies are not a thing of the past – just last month three more people were laid off from the hallmarking division. But t…

The course is very hands-on, so to ensure all participants receive the required attention, the places available are strictly limited to ten people. The workshop has been modified to suit the UK’s preference for the use of the loupe, although microscopes will also be available. Participants will examine a variety of natural and treated ruby and sapphire, over 100 specimens will be available for examination and discussion. The hands-on session is supported by a PowerPoint presentation …