Staff knowledge and confidence is more important than ever. Keep ahead of the competition by taking advantage of the Education and Training Courses available at The Birmingham Assay Office. We have a long established reputation within the jewellery trade for its excellence as an independent centre of quality assessment and expert opinion for precious metals, jewellery and gemstones. In response to the ever changing challenges and opportunities facing its customers, The Birmingham Assay Office has established an Education and Training Programme in many aspects of the jewellery, precious metal and gemstone industry. **NEW COURSE FOR 2012** Buying Scrap Gold & Silver Time: 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. - One Day Course Presented By: Dippal Manchanda MSc CSci CChem FRSC. Sally Hoban BA (Hons) £475 + VAT Per Delegate (Maximum of 4 Delegates)

• Wednesday 30th May 2012
• Tuesday 26th June 2012
• Wednesday 25th July 2012
• Wednesday 5th September 2012
• Wednesday 26th September 2012
• Wednesday 24th October 2012

COURSE OBJECTIVE This one day course offers training for those who wish to engage in buying scrap gold and silver from the public. It covers basic standards to establish trust and best practice, followed by a comprehensive overview of interpreting UK and foreign fineness marks, testing by touch acid and by XRF. The day includes a visit to the Hallmarking and Melting areas within the Assay Office. Delegates will be trained by experienced experts within The Laboratory and will learn the chemistry behind the testing in order to interpret the results accurately. **NEW COURSE FOR 2012** Identifying Hallmarks & Important Gemstones Time: 10.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. - One Day Course Presented By: Marie Chalmers FGA DGA & Sally Hoban BA (Hons) £150 + VAT Per Delegate (Maximum of 10 Delegates)

• Tuesday 27th March 2012
• Tuesday 22nd May 2012
• Tuesday 4th September 2012
• Tuesday 6th November 2012

COURSE OBJECTIVE This introductory one day training course covers various aspects of the jewellery trade to help give retail staff confidence in assessing an item of new, second-hand or antique jewellery. It includes interactive sessions on handling and examining gemstones. At the end of the course each delegate will have a basic knowledge of how to assess an items component parts and be aware of potential imitations. **NEW COURSE FOR 2012** Understanding Coloured Gemstones Time: 10.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. - One Day Course Presented By: Marie Chalmers FGA DGA £250 + VAT Per Delegate (Maximum of 4 Delegates)

• Tuesday 12th June 2012
• Tuesday 25th September 2012
• Tuesday 13th November 2012

COURSE OBJECTIVE This one day interactive training course takes an in depth look at some of the most important coloured stones used in jewellery, including sapphires, rubies, emeralds and tanzanite. Delegates will gain a good commercial understanding of these stones and the key selling points for each one. A practical session looking at gemstones will give participants a greater confidence in identifying coloured stones and their imitations. This course is an excellent refresher for those with some experience, or a good starting point for delegates who are new to assessing or selling coloured gemstones. Understanding Diamonds Time: 10.00 a.m to 4.30 p.m. - One Day Course Presented By: Marie Chalmers FGA DGA £250 + VAT Per Delegate (Maximum of 4 Delegates)

• Tuesday 19th June 2012
• Tuesday 24th July 2012
• Tuesday 21st August 2012
• Tuesday 18th September 2012
• Tuesday 23rd October 2012
• Tuesday 27th October 2012

COURSE OBJECTIVE This hands on course is intended for retail staff who already have some experience of selling jewellery and precious stones. The one day course will provide an in depth understanding of diamonds improving their confidence when selling. It gives each delegate a chance to study and observe loose diamonds using a 10x loupe as in retail conditions. Delegates will gain a greater understanding of the 4 C's and also diamond treatments, simulants and synthetics. For more information or to book a place on any of the above course email gem@theassayoffice.co.uk or call 0871 871 6020.

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