The creativity and craftsmanship of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter will be centre stage when Her Majesty The Queen visits Birmingham during her Diamond Jubilee Tour on Thursday 12th July.  Kay Alexander Chairman of The Birmingham Assay Office will present Her Majesty with a silver “Investment Bowl” on behalf of the City of Birmingham. The bowl, commissioned by The Birmingham Assay Office, was made by local silversmith Andrew Macgowan, based in Frederick Street in the heart of the Quarter.  Weighing exactly one kilogram the bowl is an alternative to the traditional “investment bar”.  Visually the design is simplicity itself but the skill required to spin such a perfect piece should not be underestimated.  Made from 999 parts per thousand, fine silver, the bowl has a satin finish but a “bright” edge and slightly domed centre. The centre is hand- marked with a full hallmark. The marks include the fineness mark, the famous “anchor” town mark of Birmingham, Andrew Macgowan’s sponsor mark; and most importantly the Diamond Jubilee mark, a commemorative hallmark which can only be used until 1^st October, in recognition of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Preparing for the presentation Kay Alexander said “This is a huge honour.  The Diamond Jubilee Investment Bowl symbolises all of the continuing craftsmanship and design skills still prevalent in Birmingham and particularly in our unique Jewellery Quarter. The Birmingham Assay Office founded in 1773, is one of the City’s oldest institutions and the catalyst for the development of the local jewellery industry. I am very proud to present this to Her Majesty on behalf of both The Birmingham Assay Office and the City of Birmingham”.   L-R:  Kay Alexander - Chairman, The Birmingham Assay Office,  Andrew Macgowan, Silversmith, Faye Grove, Hand marking the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Bowl

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