This week's 'Spotlight on the Valuer' sees Craig O'Donnell, Valuer and Curator at Assay Office Birmingham tell us about jewellery valuations. Craig comments: ‘Every day introduces a new challenge whether valuing a diamond solitaire for insurance replacement, a mayoral badge of office for facsimile replacement or a Georgian snuff box for antique replacement. The variety and complexity of the items keep me interested and alert to things like fakes, new gemstone treatments etc. whilst the …

Congratulations to Caroline Jones and April Cheung who were the two lucky winners of a free place on the very last Understanding Hallmarking courseto take place at Assay Office Birmingham's historic home! Boulton & Fothergill, 1777 3) How long has Assay Office Birmingham been in it's current home on Newhall Street? Since 1877 If you took part in the competition and you were unfortunate not to win on this occasion, don't be too disappointed as you will have another chance of winnin…

If you haven't already, here is your LAST CHANCE for two of you to win a FREE PLACE on THE VERY LAST Understanding Hallmarking course, which will take place at Assay Office Birmingham's historic home before the BIG MOVE to a new building this Summer. 3) How long has Assay Office Birmingham been it it's current home on Newhall Street?   E-MAIL YOUR ANSWERS TO gem@theassayoffice.co.uk WITH THE HEADING EASTER COMPETITION   COMPETITON CLOSES ON THURSDAY…

AnchorCert Gem Lab is once again pleased to sponsor the Scottish Gemmological Association Conference 2015 which is due to take place at The Peebles Hydro Hotel from Friday 1st May - Monday 4th May. Senior Gemmologist Anu Manchanda and Curator and Valuer Craig O'Donnell will both be attending the Conference and representing AnchorCert Gem Lab. They are both looking forward to meeting up with colleagues and fellow gemmologists and valuers as well as learning more about a wid…