The prestigious Touchstone Award, funded by the four UK Assay Offices through the British Hallmarking Council, recognises the Trading Standards team who deliver the most effective enforcement or educational initiative related to Hallmarking.

Upcycled jewellery has gained popularity for a multitude of reasons from its aesthetic properties through to its capacity for capturing a piece of history or personal story. Yet a growing reason that can perhaps explain the rise in Change of Use submissions at the Assay Office, is the environmentally friendly nature of upcycled jewellery.

Birmingham Assay Office is pleased to announce the appointment of a new trade Warden, Gary Wroe, Managing Director of Hockley Mint, following the retirement of long-standing trade Warden, David Doyle. Gary started his career age 16 working in the Merrell casting shop as an assistant and has climbed the company ladder gaining valuable knowledge and skills.  Hockley Mint Ltd is a family run jewellery manufacturer, who specialise in wedding rings, engagement rings cast components, findings and precision engineered jewellery parts. With over 30 years’ experience, Gary plays an active role in helping to advance the company in both the manufacturing and sales of the Group.  His hard work was rewarded in 2006 when he became the Group Managing Director.