Following the official launch of the commemorative hallmark to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of HM The Queen in July, The Birmingham Assay Office has been busy striking this special commemorative mark on a vast range of products on behalf of its customers who are taking advantage of the commercial opportunity that this special occassion presents. [caption id="attachment_366" align="alignleft" width="307" caption="Diamond Jubilee Cufflinks by R J Smith Birmingham"]

The use of cadmium in metal jewellery products, plastics and paint is restricted by the REACH Directive as of December 2011. This has significantly added to the testing burden on fashion accessory suppliers who are already testing for nickel and lead. Trace cadmium or lead would result in resubmission for a full test, but where items are specified to be lead and cadmium free this is a fast and low cost option.