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I think we have all suggested everything we can with our limited knowledge which doesn't seem to answer your question. I found this on the Edinburgh website
Before your goods can be hallmarked they must first of all be tested to ensure they are of the standard submitted.
Where it is not possible to remove a sample of metal for testing we are able to test using X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF). This method is ideal for finished gold, silver and platinum pieces and does not require the removal of any material.
Sometimes in order to test your goods we must first remove a sample of metal. The amount of sample removed is normally less than 100 milligrams (one tenth of a gram). However, our fully trained and equipped jewellery finishing service ensures your products are returned in perfect order.
Any sample physically removed is analysed by our in house 17025 laboratory using cupellation (fire assay) for gold, potentiometric titration for silver, or X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) for platinum and palladium.
Caroline, I don't doubt hallmarking "Standards". In fact it is very good to maintain "Standards", I admire.