INCREASE YOUR KNOWLEDGE, BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE

The Birmingham Assay Office offers a wide range of carefully targeted ONE DAY courses which include:

* Understanding Jewellery Valuations *Understanding Product Safety for Fashion Accessories

*  Introduction to Touch Acid Testing  *  Understanding Watches  *  Understanding Hallmarking – The Assay Office Experience

*  Understanding Diamonds   *  Understanding Coloured Gemstones *  Understanding Antique Jewellery

UNDERSTANDING PRODUCT SAFETY FOR FASHION ACCESSORIES 1   day course
21st May, 25th June, 16th July,   3rd September, 22nd October, 12th   November £195   + VAT per delegate

This course will tell you what you need to know about relevant aspects of REACH and the CPSIA. The course focuses on Nickel, Lead and Cadmium, including why each metal is harmful and current testing regulations.  It explains the approach to testing and also includes information on legislation applicable to safety testing for leathers and textiles. The course provides six hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity.

UNDERSTANDING WATCHES 1   day course		Â
18th June, 22nd July, 26th   August ,17th September, 15th October, 26th   November £195   + VAT per delegate

This course is intended for retail staff or enthusiasts who already have some experience of watches. It will provide an understanding of the technical aspects and benefits of different types of watches, improving confidence when selling or assessing a watch. The course gives each delegate a chance to handle and study watches closely, and disassemble items using standard basic tools. It will teach basic practical skills which will enable delegates to diagnose possible faults and carry out maintenance repairs.   The course also includes a rare opportunity to see ‘behind the scenes’ and visit the Hallmarking Operation at the Birmingham Assay Office, which is not usually open to the public. The course provides six hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity.

INTRODUCTION TO TOUCH ACID TESTING ½   day course		Â
14th   May £250   + VAT per delegate

This half day course is aimed at delegates with little or no experience of Touch Acid testing for precious metals. It consists of an introductory theory session followed by a ‘hands-on’ practical session. By the end of the course, delegates will be able to test and identify precious metals including gold, silver, platinum and palladium. The course provides three hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity.

UNDERSTANDING HALLMARKING – THE ASSAY OFFICE EXPERIENCE ½   day course		Â
11th June, 19th August, 1st   October, 25th November £75   + VAT per delegate

This half day event provides a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes and visit the Hallmarking Floor at The Birmingham Assay Office. You will also learn more about Hallmarking, including the history of Hallmarking in the UK and an explanation of all current legislation affecting the jewellery and precious metals industries. The course provides three hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity.

UNDERSTANDING DIAMONDS 1   day course		Â
13th May, 24th June, 15th July,   23rd September, 21st October,    18th   November £250   + VAT per delegate

This hands on course provides an in depth understanding of diamonds and improve delegates’ confidence when selling.  Loose stones will be studied and delegates will gain a greater understanding of the 4 C’s, diamond treatments, simulants and synthetic stones.  The course provides six hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity.

UNDERSTANDING COLOURED GEMSTONES 1   day course
20th May, 1st July, 30th   September, 14th October, 4th November £250   + VAT per delegate

This course takes an in depth look at some of the most important coloured stones used in jewellery including Sapphires, Rubies, Emeralds, and Tanzanite. Delegates will gain a commercial understanding of the key selling points for each stone and a practical session identifying the stones and their imitations will prove invaluable for those looking to assess, buy and/or sell coloured gemstones. The course provides six hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity.

UNDERSTANDING ANTIQUE JEWELLERY 1   day course		Â
3rd June. 9th September, 7th   October, 11th November £150   + VAT per delegate

A course that is ideal for retailers, pawnbrokers, auctioneers, collectors, and enthusiasts.  This course gives practical training and advice for those who need to identify and assess new, second-hand and antique jewellery.  Interactive sessions on identifying hallmarks, diamonds and coloured gemstones will provide the delegates with the confidence to assess jewellery with a view to either buying or selling items. The course also includes an introduction to 19th and 20th century jewellery styles. It provides six hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activity.

New for 2014 ** Understanding Jewellery Valuations** - a course specifically developed

 for anyone with an interest in the value of jewellery.

UNDERSTANDING JEWELLERY VALUATIONS 1   day course		Â
19th May, 23rd June, 18th   August, 29th September, 20th October, 24th   November £195   + VAT per delegate

This includes jewellery retailers, pawnbrokers, auctioneers and those involved in consumer complaints or insurance replacement. It is expected that delegates have some experience of jewellery and gemstones. The intensive one day course will give delegates confidence and knowledge, providing an understanding of the methodology and many different approaches required to produce a fair jewellery valuation, appropriate to its intended use. Basic diamond, coloured gemstone and metal pricing will be discussed and delegates will examine items of jewellery for assessment. The course also includes a unique behind the scenes tour of the Hallmarking floor at The Birmingham Assay Office – an area not normally open to the trade or public. Details of the courses for the first six months of 2014 are detailed below. Prices exclude VAT.

More detailed course information and booking forms can be found online.

www.theassayoffice.co.uk/training-and-education.html

Places are limited.  To book a course please call T: 0871 871 6020 or Email: gem@theassayoffice.co.uk

The Birmingham Assay Office is a unique training provider. Its ‘hands on’ courses are taught in small groups and are delivered by its own, in-house experienced industry practitioners whose skills and knowledge are at the very heart of its commercial environment. All course tutors share their expertise and market insight with delegates on every course, which makes learning at The Birmingham Assay Office an invaluable experience. Feedback from delegates is very positive and many have made repeat visits to attend further courses after their first training experience with us. A further range of training courses is available for those working in the commercial jewellery and precious metal trades including retailers, trading standards, financial and insurance companies.  There are also courses that are ideal for students, heritage and museum professionals, auctioneers, valuers, antique dealers and private collectors.

* Courses are available to improve Understanding of Diamonds, Gemstones, Precious Metals, Hallmarking, Antique Jewellery& Silver, Jewellery Valuations, Watches and Product Safety Testing.

* All Courses are CPD Accredited * Certificates Issued for Each Course Attended

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