95,000 article increase for hallmarking in October

The latest hallmarking figures from the Birmingham Assay Office show that the total number of articles hallmarked across the four UK Assay Offices in October was 8.3% up on the same month in 2013 - an increase of 95,112 items hallmarked overall.

Gold continues its run at the forefront of assaying increases, with 9ct gold the strongest performing category again last month. In all, 92,878 additional 9ct pieces were hallmarked against the same month last year. This translates as an increase of 24.3%.

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IJL 2014 charity auction raises funds for Breast Cancer Care

International Jewellery London (IJL) 2014 has confirmed that its first charity auction held as part of the Late Night Shopping Evening during the September show, raised £3,428 for Breast Cancer Care.

A hand-crafted charm bracelet, designed by Sarah Jordan and cast by Birmingham’s Hockley Mint, was the star lot successfully bid for by Hester Clarke’s Julia Clarke.

IJL head of marketing Sarah Kitley-Spencer said: “Many thanks to the industry for helping us raise this massive amount of money for Breast Cancer Care and also to the many brands, designers and the BJA who donated the very beautiful pieces for the auction.”

IJL head of corporate fundraising Sara Rees said: “We really appreciate all the hard work that went into organising this wonderful auction.

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