Preparing an item for hallmarking

[ajda]

How do you prepare an odd-shaped item to take a hallmark? I'm thinking particularly of pieces that have no obvious flat surface or place where the hallmark might naturally fit - so, for example, this bangle made from twisted square wire (approx 3mm). Would you file/polish out a small "panel" to make a place for it, or would you send it as is and let the assay office stamp/laser the marks wherever they thought suitable/possible?
Alan

[SteveLAO]

of course we always like to see a blank panel as it makes our life very easy, but we can also mark very small as well, especially by laser, so if you don't want to give us a blank panel, we should be able to get the mark on somewhere for you!

[ajda]

Thanks for the quick reply, Steve - I thought I'd probably do the blank panel thing, so if that's preferable for you that's the answer.

I'm trying to stockpile some basic items, so that when I register and send my first packet off to you it'll work out better value per item than just sending a handful!

[SteveLAO]

looking forward to seeing them...and thanks for the blank panel the guys will love you for it!

[pearlescence]

I recall from my visit that what they all hate are every item in its own plastic bag because it can be such a fiddle to take them out and put them back. I suggested a box with sections and got happy puppy dog eyes

[ps_bond]

Tell me about it! Got a job in of assembling some components with the welder, every little thing was packaged in 20mm square grip tops. A few survived...

[ajda]

A few survived...

Was that a few of the bags or a few of the components?

[ps_bond]

Debatable. The components were treated to being blasted with fiery laser death.

[Petal]

Alan, I'm not sure where you get your items marked, but whenever I've had an odd shaped item, I usually ring the assay office and ask their advice. However, I would always mark the piece where I would like the hallmark. On the odd occasion where they haven't put it where I marked it, I send it back and they redo it. (This has been for a tube clasp, where I'd like the mark in the middle of it, rather to one side). They have always been really helpful. I did the bag thing once, got charged more for it and now just bung the lot into a lot of bubble wrap to keep it safe, then into a box.

[ajda]

Thanks, Jules - I haven't actually registered yet for hallmarking, but am trying to get everything clear in my mind while building up a bit of a stockpile before actually registering and sending off my first batch. I'm on a pretty tight budget at present, so want to make sure I don't make any mistakes that would lead to unnecessary extra costs. I will be using the London Office, so am finding it very useful having SteveLAO posting here!
Alan