The Assay Office

An assay office is a government or authorized institution responsible for testing and verifying the purity and quality of precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum. When items are hallmarked or stamped, the assay office confirms their metal content to ensure they meet legal standards and are accurately represented to buyers. This process involves scientific testing, and once verified, the items are officially marked with a hallmark indicating their purity. The assay office helps protect consumers and traders by ensuring trust and transparency in the value of precious metal products.