AnchorCert Gem Lab News

It can be found throughout the world but most commonly in Australia and most opals are of very little value. But the best opals can command prices per carat that rival the most expensive diamonds, rubies and emeralds. In addition cut and carat weight are also important. • Cut - the cut will depend on an opals colour, pattern and clarity. Cutters will fashion the gem in a way that maximizes colour or saves weight. • Carat weight - Opals can vary in size and carat weight. Opal h…

Birmingham’s past and present as a world leader in design and engineering has been celebrated in a service dedicating a memorial to industrial revolution pioneer Matthew Boulton  - founder of Assay Office Birmingham - at Westminster Abbey. Matthew Boulton was born in Birmingham in September 1728, the son of a buckle and button maker. In 1760 he began building the Soho Manufactory in Handsworth. Jewellery, silverware and coins from his workshops were exported across the world. He…

Members of staff from Assay Office Birmingham recently attended the Quarter Lifestyle Event, which took place at University College Birmingham. Marion Wilson (Sales and Marketing Director), Marie Brennan (Business Development Manager), Kathy McMillen (Hallmarking Operations Director) and Carla Goodfellow (AnchorCert and SafeGuard Director) met a wide range of established and upcoming businesses who are based within the Jewellery Quarter. The event proved to be a good opportunity f…

Once again, this year's NPA Conference proved to be another great event for staff at Assay Office Birmingham and for all pawnbrokers who attended. Chief Executive and Assay Master of Assay Office Birmingham,Stella Layton also gave a very well received presentation at the Conference.  Stella gave an update on gold and other precious metals and an overview of the current jewellery market. Assay Office Birmingham also supported the NPA awards and sponsored the Employer of the Year aw…