The Birmingham Assay Office was founded in 1773 to provide assaying (testing) and hallmarking of precious metal items (gold, silver, platinum and palladium) as required by the Hallmarking Act. It has been a centre of excellence for nearly 250 years. During recent decades it has expanded its services far beyond its statutory assaying and hallmarking duties to include Diamond, Gemstone & Pearl Certification, Jewellery, Watch and Silverware Valuations, non-precious metal testing, product safety and quality assurance testing as well as educational training and consultancy.