London Assay Office issues

[Misskitty]

Hi guys, new to the forum but not new to Cooksons.

I was wanting to know if anyone had received poor treatment from Goldsmiths assay office? I decided to go with them despite a friend warning me off as theyd had some bashed work back. I took the plunge, however I too am having serious issues with them, the work I've been sent back their non existant customer service.

Can anyone advise?

Think I'll be going with Edinburgh next, they seemed much more helpful on the phone. And much love to everyone during this incredibly anxious time. x

[pearlescence]

Can you be more specific about your problems please

[Misskitty]

Hello, one in issue in particular, was I chose a large stamp for a ring and when I polished it gently with the motor the mark completely splodged. I was then told I should have expected it to be worn away, yet their website says choose a stamp punch as that is durable polishing where as laser isn't?

[CJ57]

It’s still best to polish before you even have it punch marked A punch mark is indeed the most durable but it still won’t withstand a lot of polishing. What sort of mop did you use out of interest?
Edinburgh is great, I’ve been with them for decades. The problem you have with the mark on your ring may not be solved by moving office though

[Misskitty]

Thank you, it was a already polished and required no further work, it was just a final polish with a soft calico mop not at full speed. I also had a gold ring whose mark seemed to moved during punch so had a slighy 'lag' indent for lack of a better word (not splayed). I had to give both to a customer this weekend and was pretty embarassed and disappointed.

The hostility from their customer service manager who rang me when querieing this was also an issue. Never as either a customer or a business owner have I been on receiving end of such a hostile person. I'm a new customer, not an imbecile. Very disappointed with them as a company.

[CJ57]

I can’t comment on your treatment but a soft wool mop for a touch up polish is sufficient. Calico mops are quite hard and I never use them at all.
Edinburgh is definitely a good office and always helpful. You’ll have to pay another registration fee though won’t you?
They have just sent out an email saying at the moment they are business as usual but this may change and they are in contact with other offices to cover if needs require it. This maybe isn’t the time to move

[alastairduncan]

Here is a URL to a short video on how a silversmith sets a hallmark. I understand that the situation with jewellery is different to that of marking silver plate but he does have a tip for prevention of damage due to polishing. The damage to the mark due to polishing is more likely to happen with larger marks as there is more room for the mop or bristles to get into the mark. In addition to the tip on the video it is possible to use sealing wax or something similar to protect the mark while polishing. You will however have to remove it with a suitable solvent once polished.
https://youtu.be/I0F2dnieQBU