Hallmarking preservation?

[ps_bond]

I hope pretty much everyone has seen this -

http://www.redtapechallenge.cabineto...k/hallmarking/

In a nutshell, the suggestion is that the hallmarking legislation be rationalised or removed altogether in the interest of removing red tape. Comments are invited.

Personally, I'd far sooner the laws were kept - they're part & parcel of the history of the craft after all, and guarantee to our customers that what they're getting really is what it claims to be...

[Joe]

I wonder who benefits from the removal of this "red tape"? It doesn't improve the export market... easing costs on domestic producers & retailers is a zero sum (reduction in costs for uk manufacturers balances loss of business in UK assay businesses)... the only winners are importers selling to UK buyers... and those selling fake goods!

I suppose the price of gold will fall if there's less need of it in 'goldish' jewellery.

[ps_bond]

That's my general feeling - cui bono? Trading standards would, but consumers won't.

There's at least one moderately big name already seems to feel pretty safe ignoring the hallmarking legislation as it is - stuff stamped only 925 that is *way* over the 7.78g mark, no hallmarking council chart on display - and they're at all the major equestrian shows.

[medusa]

I find the fact that the comments are moderated interesting.

(next bit nothing to do with jewellery at all)

when they had the consultation for ways to reduce public spending, the treasury website hosted countless comments along the lines of using disbled people as crash test dummies, testing drugs on them or giving them a one way ticket to switzerland. All comments of which come under hate crime legislation. the other 'red tape challenge' on premises already has someone complaining about having to provide wheelchair access and there are only 19 replies. Be interesting to see if there are any more comments along the lines of disabled people not needing to go anywhere like the last time.

[/rant]

[katrina alexander]

I would urge anyone in the industry to add their comments to this http://bit.ly/hFpBcG
It is so important to our heritage and to all jewellers, particuarly small businesses. If there is no guarantee as to what a precious metal is made of customers won't buy from small jewellers, only from large businesses who are well known - alot of whom get their work made abroad. Support small British business and our heritage. This is an age old British tradition that sets us apart.

[Dennis]

Well, someone has to gain. Pocket test kits would become essential gear. The public might even want designer test kits. Things could turn nasty in your high street jewellers.

[PureGold]

http://www.redtapechallenge.cabineto...k/hallmarking/

So - has everyone who has commented here, viewed this post on the forum or received an email from their own assay office done the right thing and added their name and comment to the list?

It can become very much like Donor Card adverts, where everyone says it is a good idea to carry one but then only a tiny percentage actually go and get one. Perhaps it's a good time to do both now if you haven't done one or other of them. (http://www.uktransplant.org.uk/ukt/h...me_a_donor.jsp)

[Laceyloudesign]

Yes I had the email from the Assay office, and immediately put my comments on it, I feel very strongly about it.

[Ominicci]

Me too. I commented along the lines that it protects the consumer. I also feel proud that I have my own hallmark. It would be interesting to know if the consumers in countries that don't have hallmarking (e.g. USA?) are fooled more often into buying fake 'silver' and what the comeback is, if any, on sellers of such goods?

[Tabby66]

Sadly, my guess would be that "925" , etc...is enough for most folk, unless you have a close interest, switched on 'value for money', or are thinking of long term investment, I'm not sure how clued up most people are....maybe more so with gold than silver?......just think the rules are difficult enough for those of us who very are interested.......

That said, I've commented along similar lines Nicci...protects the cosumer, identifiable source, sense of history......