One of Earth’s rarest treasures   April’s birthstone is thought to provide the wearer with better relationships and an increase in inner strength. Wearing diamonds is purported to bring other benefits such as balance, clarity and abundance. Diamond is also the gem that marks the 60th and 75th wedding anniversaries.  Your guide to the 4C’s Diamond quality is judged by four primary factors – colour, clarity, carat and cut. Colour In most dia…

Here's a 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 9th APRIL   GOOD LUCK WIT…

From MAY 1^ST 2015 Chromium will be regulated throughout the EU by the REACH Regulation and all sectors of the supply chain should be aware of the new legislation. The amendment of REACH Annex XVII of (EC) No 1907/2006 regarding Chromium VI compounds in leather articles and articles containing leather parts will restrict Chromium VI content to a very low 3 mg/kg (0.0003%). This is in line with legislation currently in place in European nations such as Germany.