Entries are invited for the prestigious Touchstone Award, to be presented at the TSI Conference in June this year. The prestigious Touchstone Award acknowledges the most innovative initiative in relation to Hallmarking. The scheme, introduced in 2012, is funded by the four UK Assay Offices, Birmingham, Edinburgh, London and Sheffield and presented on behalf of the British Hallmarking Council.  The UK has one of the most rigorous and long established Hallmarking regimes in the world which delivers clear benefits to UK consumers and jewellers. There is a rising incidence of counterfeit jewellery and, with precious metal prices at an all time high, the hallmark is more important than ever. The Touchstone Award rewards those who are active in this field and encourages Trading Standards Authorities to recognise the importance of this legislation and to continue to enforce it. If you are one of the many individuals within the Trading Standards Service who have been closely involved with hallmarking in 2012 then you have the opportunity to win this coveted Award. You may enter as an individual, or as a team.  The Application Form is simple, just five sections which require you to detail the relevant work you have carried out. We understand that many departments have limited resources and may not have been able to engage in a formal enforcement operation, and therefore recognise other forms of activity too. The winning entry may be: An Enforcement Activity

• An Educational Activity
• An Information Activity
• A Published Article

These options allow individuals to submit an application for personal work carried out - the winning entry will not necessarily be a big budget project. Birmingham City Council are the first holders of the Touchstone Award, a 12 inch sterling silver dish with a value of £3,000. The Award was made in Sheffield and bears a complete set of hallmarks including the unique Diamond Jubilee mark.   [caption id="attachment_4462" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Touchstone 2012 Winners- Birmingham- Collecting their Award[/caption] After receiving the award at the TSI Conference Dinner winners will also be invited to a Training Day and Luncheon at Goldsmiths Hall to celebrate their win. Please do submit an application before the closing date of 30^th April 2013. To request an application form please e mail gem@theassayoffice.co.uk.                

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