Hallmarking

I'm filling out my registration form for Birmingham Assay and I wanted to ask about the laser hallmarking. I found out from the assay that I would need both punches for my sponsors mark, which to be honest I can only really afford to have one punch for a while. Where as the laser ( I would go for the 3d / relief ) is cheaper and does both.

So what are your opinions on the laser hallmarking?

Since my punch is tiny, I ask for laser marking if I want to make more of a feature of the mark (i.e. want it bigger) and also if the piece is a bit delicate. Have tried both 2D and 3D versions and actually prefer the look of the 2D. A struck mark is more durable.

Both punches? London only said that I needed one and they would use the swan-neck for everything (that has a struck mark).

Laser set-up at London is free, but they charge slightly more for lasering than for striking.

I had the swan punch done, they can punch with either. I had the advantage that my old tutor worked as an assay puncher person in a former life!

The software for your laser Mark is part of the package so you don't actually pay extra for it, and it has the advantage that you can have a Mark up to about .8mm which is actually huge. I prefer to get everything lasered as they always seem to damage my stuff with the punches - and if you're sending off a small amount you've got to pay the min charge anyway so it makes no real difference to the cost. Not that I've had anything done for a while, it could have changed

Brum told me I would need both punches unless I send in rings flat, which to my mind is daft. I want to send in items made up like my rings so laser would be a safer option. I think I'll recheck prices etc and I may go for laser.

Thanks for your input it's helps loads

I'm with London assay office. I got my punch for student prices.

A little tip from a friend/tutor/jeweller who has masters degree in jewellery. She makes her clasps, toggles, findings and sends those off to be hallmarked. It's quite acceptable to do that according to her. Then you just add them to your jewellery pieces

That's a excellent tip thanks Mooch

I have finally got all the info I need from Brum & London offices. With London I just need to register and get a punch & the the laser hallmarking is set up free, where as Brum i'll have to pay extra to have it set up.
So it looks like I'll be registering with London.

Thanks for your input everyone

On behalf of Birmingham I apologise in embarrassment,Cornish.

Nice one Vic. Lol Gillian

I am with Birmingham Assay have been for over 6 years, and I too was advised to have both stamps. To find out that there is no need is a very disappointing as the woman whom I spoke to came across very genuine.

What I don’t understand is why the Assay offices all differ; I feel it should be the same across the broad. They are doing and giving the same service are they not? So it should not feel like a competition between them all and us.

Maybe I was naive and still am, but thought we were meant to go to the closest Assay office to where we live? Why would a company, which live in Scotland want to carry the London or Birmingham, stamp on their pieces? (Even though the castle is very cute)

It does seem daft that they all differ especially with prices and registering.
And Birmingham were lovely and if the costs had been the same I would have gone there. Birmingham did give me the reason why you still need to have a punch even if you only do laser, it's to do with traceability and history, which is nice to know.

All the Assay Offices are separate commercial enterprises so the prices/terms can all be completely different. They may be necessary by law and have to be approved by the government, but nonetheless are separate businesses. Which one you use is a matter of personal preference. I am a cat person (miaow!) and so registered with London

I chose London for the same reason Elaine but I haven't yet sent anything for marking. Must get round to it soon!