HRH THE PRINCE of Wales accompanied by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, visited Goldsmiths’ Hall on Wednesday 23 February 2011 to meet apprentices, young silversmiths and jewellers, as well as Members of the Goldsmiths’ Company. One of the highlights of their visit was a demonstration on Hallmarking. The Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company, Mr Michael Galsworthy introduced Their Royal Highnesses to members of the Goldsmiths’ Company’s Assay Office including David Merry, Head of Assay Office Training, and two young Assay Office Apprentices, Robert Grant and Robert Hinson, who explained and demonstrated the Hallmarking process. The Goldsmiths’ Company has for more than 700 years been responsible for hallmarking precious metal articles. In fact the word hallmark originates from the fifteenth century when London craftsmen were first required to bring their wares to Goldsmiths' Hall for assaying and marking. Today more than 5 million precious metal items are hallmarked by the Assay Office each year and the Company is particularly proud of its historic role, which remains as relevant today as it ever has been, in safeguarding the interests of the consumer. Before leaving Goldsmiths’ Hall, His Royal Highness, thanked the Goldsmiths’ Company and expressed his admiration for the work and many initiatives that the Company undertakes to ensure that the skills and crafts of the goldsmith are maintained and developed. In addition, His Royal Highness wished the Company great success with the new Goldsmiths’ Centr.
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The Goldsmiths' Company It is brilliant to see our Royals taking a keen interest in the precious metals industry. The UK has a wealth of talent which needs to be supported and nurtured so as for years to come the phrase "British Made", is still synonymous with incredible quality. Many areas of the jewellery and silver/goldsmithing industry have crumbled due to the imports from the Far East. So it is very important to do what we can with our heritage.
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