Meet The Experts

New EU rules about which chemicals can be used in toy jewellery or kids’ pieces cannot be ignored. We asked the Birmingham Assay Office’s Michelle Cartwright to talk us through the issues. Product safety is becoming increasingly regulated within the EU and thus having a significant impact on the jewellery and watch industry. The burden is felt particularly heavily in the case of children’s jewellery which tends to sell for a lower price, partly due to its smaller size and a…

The Surface World Show 2013 is the major industry event for the UK surface treatment industries – aimed at specifiers, engineers, designers and practitioners. The Surface World Show offers all the latest technologies, products and services under one roof covering protective, decorative and functional coatings and platings of all kinds plus essential cleaning and pre-treatment. The Laboratory at The Birmingham Assay Office will be exhibiting at the SURFACE WORLD SHOW 2013 at NEC BIRM…

New regulations come into force this year, controlling lead content in jewellery and other items; but some materials are considered exempt, such as crystal glass, for which Dippal Manchanda of the Birmingham Assay Office has developed a test. The new ‘crystal glass’ test has been developed specifically in response to customer demand as manufacturers and importers prepare for the forthcoming restrictions on the use of lead in jewellery products under the European REACH (Restric…

    The course began with an invaluable overview of the current market for precious and non precious metals and accessories before focusing on Nickel, Lead and Cadmium, including why each metal is harmful and the current testing regulations.   The course also covered the range of testing available at The Laboratory at The Birmingham Assay Office, how to request tests and how to complete specific test forms.    The course was delivered by industry expert…