Authorisation for Change of Use
Upcycling isn’t just the practice of transforming old materials into usable objects, it is the process of breathing a new lease of life into well used and loved articles to give them a new story and personality. All this while at the same time creating something that is useful, functional and beautiful.
For jewellery, this can mean remodelling an old silver spoon found lurking in your loft into a new article of jewellery such as a bangle or ring.
But what are the rules regarding altering a precious metal article that bears an existing hallmark? Are you unintentionally breaking the law?
Authorisation after a Change of Use has been made:
For articles that have already been re-worked to change their use (for example a silver fork becoming a bangle), you need to submit them to an Assay Office for authorisation if you want to be able to offer them lawfully for sale as precious metal articles.
We will examine the article, identify the original hallmark, re-assay and hallmark (as required and if appropriate) so that your article complies with Section 4 of the Hallmarking Act 1973.
Additionally, and to assist you in trading these articles, we can issue a certificate confirming the article’s compliance.
Click here to see a sample Change of Use Certificate (post-change)
Authorisation before a change of use has been made:
For articles that have not yet been re-worked, you should apply to an Assay Office for consent to the proposed change of use so that you comply with Section 5(1) of the Hallmarking Act 1973.
You will need to tell us about the proposed change(s). When satisfied, we will consent on condition that, once altered, the article is sent to us for examination, assay and hallmarking (as required and appropriate).
Additionally, and to assist you in trading these articles, we can issue a certificate confirming that consent was obtained before the change of use.
Click here to see a sample Change of Use Certificate (pre-change)
To find out more about the whole range of services offered by Sheffield Assay Office, such as our hallmarking and analytical services, please email us at info@assayoffice.co.uk or complete the contact form on our website at https://assayoffice.co.uk/contact
Issue date: May 2024