Fears that the practice of hallmarking jewellery made from platinum and other precious metals could come to an end in Britain could be misplaced.

The future of the process that guarantees the quality and purity of items made from metals like silver and platinum had been called into question by the government's Red Tape challenge.

However, responding to questions on the subject in the House of Lords, government minister Baroness Wilcox claimed that the idea that hallmarking was in danger is a "misapprehension".

She explained that the government has received over 5,000 responses from people backing the continuation of hallmarking.

"When I chaired the National Consumer Council, there was quite a lot of pressure from the European Union for British hallmarking to be considered unnecessary, but it is something that we hold dear," the minister added.

Baroness Wilcox also noted that the Birmingham Assay Office has always made a "very special contribution".

Its chief executive Michael Allchin recently said it was essential for hallmarking in the UK to be protected.

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Hallmark hopes rise (16/05/11)

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