The Blue Book Approved

By MH

May 22, 2008

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CIBJO, The World Jewellery Confederation, has approved a Blue Book for Precious Metal Jewellery, Flatware and Hollow-ware.

On the last day of its Annual Congress 2008, held in Dubai, the CIBJO Executive and an assembly of delegates voted unanimously to accept the definitive industry standard presented for approval by the Precious Metals Commission.

For the first time there is now a globally recognised reference standard covering Precious Metal alloys, finenesses, weights, colours, tolerances, solders, coatings/plating and marking.

The Precious Metals Blue Book is designed to give the public and trade throughout the world complete transparency in relation to buying precious metal articles, in order to ensure consumer confidence and promote best practice.

The new standard joins those already established by CIBJO for gemstones, diamonds and pearls.

The requirements are in step with those adopted by the eighteen states who are signatories to the International Convention. In many cases the standard will be higher than that required by national law but national legislation will always take precedence and there is no obligation to comply.

The Blue Book has been put together by a multi national working group led by Michael Allchin, Chief Executive and Assay Master of The Birmingham Assay Office. Michael has now been appointed President of the CIBJO Precious Metals Commission, assisted by three Vice Presidents, each focussed on a specific metal. These are silver manufacturer Gianni Cacchione, James Courage of Platinum Guild International and Phillip Olden of World Gold Council.

Michael believes the new standard will be of great benefit. “This is another important achievement for CIBJO” he said. “It will assist in harmonising world trade and prove enormously helpful to the global precious metal industry.”

Full details of the Blue Book are available from CIBJO or from The Birmingham Assay Office website www.theassayoffice.co.uk.