The Knight Coney proudly work with the Birmingham Assay Office to certify and hallmark every piece of jewellery.
The Birmingham Assay Office (since 1773) plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and authenticity of precious metals used in jewellery. By law, all British jewellers must be registered with the Assay Office, which serves as a regulatory body that tests and hallmarks precious metals such as sterling silver, gold, and platinum.
Once a piece of TKC jewellery is completed, it is sent to the Birmingham Assay Office for rigorous testing. This process involves analysing the metal content to confirm its purity. For sterling silver, the standard is set at 92.5% silver content, which is commonly referred to as the 925 standard. Gold and platinum are also tested to verify their respective purity levels.
Upon successful testing, the Assay Office stamps each piece with a full set of British Hallmarks. These hallmarks serve as a guarantee of the metal's quality and authenticity.
In summary, the Birmingham Assay Office serves as an essential institution in the jewellery industry, providing a trusted system for testing and hallmarking precious metals. By ensuring that only genuine sterling silver, gold, and platinum are sold, the Assay Office helps maintain consumer confidence and upholds the standards of quality in the jewellery market.
For more information visit the Birmingham Assay Office here.