Following the ongoing success of the Annual Review delivered to fine jewellery customers of The Birmingham Assay Office a version focussed on the Costume Jewellery Market was presented for the first time this year.   Customers of The Laboratory working in the Costume Jewellery and Watch trade enjoyed a presentation from Chief Executive Michael Allchin which highlighted the opportunity for costume jewellery as precious metals prices soar, pushing gold volumes into freefall.  Hallmarked 9ct gold volumes in the UK dropped from 21.8m in 2001 to3.1m in 2011, creating a gap which has been filled by every manner of non precious metal jewellery and underweight silver. The size of the relative markets was explored, as were consumer buying habits. Michael also included a summary of the relevant legislation, particularly incoming new regulations included in the REACH Directive. The event was very well received with all delegates saying they would attend a similar event in future.

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