The Annual Costume Jewellery Review was held at Assay Office Birmingham on Thursday 27th February, especially for companies who use the services of The Laboratory at Assay Office Birmingham. This is the third year that customers have attended this informative and thought provoking presentation. [caption id="attachment_7768" align="aligncenter" width="448"] L-R: Sarah Ellis, Adelle Whitfield, Marion Wilson (Marketing Director, Assay Office Birmingham), Emma Osmond, Victoria James[/caption] Attendees enjoyed refreshments on arrival and also had a chance to meet incoming Chief Executive & Assay Master Stella Layton who takes up her new position in early April. Current Chief Executive & Assay Master, Michael Allchin then gave a presentation which helped put last years trading into perspective for the industry and looked at future trends. The Reach, ROHS 2 and EN71 Regulations were also discussed in depth which helped flag up other issues that could affect the UK jewellery and fashion accessories sectors. The event was attended by many of the big retailers, suppliers and trade associations of the jewellery and fashion accessories industries. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="448"] L-R: Stuart Shaw and Ron Yau enjoy the afternoon refreshments[/caption] After the presentation refreshments were served and the Laboratory team were on hand to discuss the latest issues facing the costume jewellery and fashion accessories industries. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="448"] L-R: Derek Green & Matthew Rouse talk to Marie Brennan (Business Relations Manager, Assay Office Birmingham)[/caption] At the end of the event a goody bag which included Assay Office Birmingham's guide to the Reach Regulations and a USB stick containing a copy of the presentation was also handed out to all those in attendance. [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="448"] L-R: Lisa Hollidge, Fiona Pluck, Paul Cardall, Robyn Ahad, Sharron Price, Kerryanne Sully[/caption] One of the biggest talking points of the day was the introduction of Chromium VI in to the REACH Directive. To read more about Chromium VI and the impact it will have on your business please click here. Many of the attendees also mentioned how impressed they had been with The Laboratory's UNIQUE Crystal Glass and Lead compliance test. Glass items are analysed to see if they contain less than 0.05 % Lead and are compliant with the Lead Regulations. If not the item is tested further to determine if it is crystal glass and therefore exempt from Reach Regulations. Customers commented that this unique to the laboratory test is very useful as they were able to discover that 'even if their items contained more than 0.05% Lead, the product was crystal glass and so they could still be entered in to the market place.' This UNIQUE test has a turnaround time of just 5 working days. If you would like to know more about Chromium VI, Lead in Crystal Glass or any other testing matters call 0871 871 6020 or email testing@thelaboratory.co.uk

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