assay office

An assay office is a government or authorized organization responsible for testing and verifying the purity and quality of precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum. When items such as jewelry or coins are produced, the assay office examines them to confirm they meet legal standards and are accurately marked with a hallmark indicating their metal content. This process helps ensure consumer trust and prevents fraud. Assay offices play a key role in maintaining the integrity of precious metal markets and safeguarding both buyers and sellers.