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After months of preparation, the Spring Fair International & Jewellery Show Exhibition has come and gone but it was fantastic to meet new and old friends and see the latest pieces that will soon be hitting our high streets!
The theme of The Birmingham Assay Office stand this year was 'Meet The Experts'. The organisation is unique in that it houses its Hallmarking operation, Gemmological and Analytical Laboratories as well as its Independent Jewellery Valuation Service all under 'one roof'.
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Chief Executive, Michael Allchin, opened the Jewellery Show Seminar Programme on Sunday 3rd February with a session entitled 'What's in the store for the jewellery market? Optimism and Opportunity 2013', which was extremely well attended.
![IMG_1752](/wx-uploads/img/large/archive/2013/02/IMG1752-199x300.jpg)
After a busy opening day on the stand, Michael then turned his hand to presenting The Gift of the Year awards - all 17 categories. The Laboratory at The Birmingham Assay Office sponsored The Gift of The Year Fashion, Jewellery & Accessories Category. The Award was won byÂ
Thumbs Up for their rather nifty
Zip Earphones.
![winner Zip Earphone Fashion Jewellery & accessories](/wx-uploads/img/large/archive/2013/02/Proud-Sponsor2013.jpg)
The Laboratory at The Birmingham Assay Office was extremely proud to sponsor this years gift of the year awards.
![20130206-163802.jpg](/wx-uploads/img/large/archive/2013/02/20130206-1638021.jpg)
Michael also participated in a discussion panel on Wednesday 6th February entitled ''What are 'ethical standards'? and how to maintain consistency across the jewellery industry". Â To read more about the discussion panel make sure to visitÂ
http://www.assaynews.co.uk/bao/meet-the-experts-bao/update-from-the-jewellery-show/
![IMG_1738](/wx-uploads/img/large/archive/2013/02/IMG1738.jpg)
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![Cascade](/wx-uploads/img/large/archive/2013/02/Cascade.jpg)
A piece from Fei Liu's new Cascade Collection[/caption]
The Birmingham Assay Office was delighted to preview on its stand this year the latest pieces from Birmingham based Fei Liu's new Cascade Collection. Also on display were beautiful tanzanite and emerald rings from G Hinton & Co (based in Birmingham), as well as stunning diamond rings from Diamond by Appointment.
With the new Reach Regulations upon us, Laboratory Account Manager Tim Smith and Laboratory Marketing Co-ordinator Steve Franklin also visited the giftware, fashion and costume jewellery halls to discuss the latest regulations concerning Nickel, Cadmium, Lead, Azo Dyes and Chromium VI. If you would like to know more about the changes to the Reach regulations email
testing@theassayoffice.co.uk or call 0121 262 1017.
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![IMG_1737](/wx-uploads/img/large/archive/2013/02/IMG1737.jpg)
From this...[/caption]
to this....
The theme of 'Meet The Experts' lasted right until the very end of the show when The Birmingham Assay Office team expertly dismantled the stand in just over an hour (after a quick Vodka and tonic!!)
Thank you to all the Spring Fair International & Jewellery Show Team and to new and old customers alike who came to visit us!
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Cheers! Michael Allchin (Chief Executive The Birmingham Assay Office) and Marion Wilson (Marketing Director) propose a toast to a well worked show![/caption]