Analytical Excellence
Our UKAS-accredited analytical laboratory delivers precise, reliable testing services across industries, from traditional precious metals to cutting-edge materials science.
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Express Services Available
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Secure Collection & Delivery
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Accredited to ISO/IEC 17025
UKAS-Accredited Jewellery Testing Laboratory
Ensure the quality and compliance your customers expect with Birmingham Assay Office’s UKAS-accredited Analytical Laboratory. Accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 — the internationally recognised standard for laboratory testing and calibration — we provide trusted, independent testing services for jewellery brands, manufacturers, retailers, and importers.
Our laboratory delivers internationally recognised testing services to support compliance with EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS), General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR), and U.S. regulations, including:
- Hypoallergenic Testing (AnchorCert Protect)
- Nickel Release Testing
- Lead Testing
- Cadmium Testing
- Precious Metal Analysis
We help jewellery businesses meet UK and international product safety requirements with accurate, defensible test results. UKAS accreditation confirms our technical competence, precision, and reliability. Using advanced analytical techniques, we provide legally robust results that protect consumers, safeguard brand reputation, and ensure regulatory compliance. Look at our UKAS schedule to see our accredited test methods.
With over 250 years of expertise in precious metals and jewellery testing, Birmingham Assay Office is a trusted compliance partner for the jewellery industry.
Our Testing Services
Birmingham Assay Office provides precious metal analysis as well as a full suite of compliance testing, performance testing and allergen testing for fashion jewellery and consumer products.
Our UKAS-accredited laboratory supports REACH, RoHS, GPSR, and international regulations, helping you bring compliant products to market with confidence.
We have developed proprietary laboratory tests that trial two of the jewellery industry’s most common claims: that products are hypoallergenic and waterproof. Protect your brand with our methods that replicate real-world conditions in a laboratory setting, and put your products to the test before delivering them to market.
Our additional testing is designed to optimise the quality and performance of your products and packaging through a comprehensive offering of laboratory-conducted methods.
Curate your own quality and performance package tailored to your product needs.
Click to explore our available tests below.
Checks your packaging for harmful components which could tarnish your products.
Checks your products meet agreed supplier specifications and identifies coatings and contaminants.
Checks if stones are securely set.
Checks how well different surfaces and coatings withstand specific environmental conditions.
Checks if stones are securely set. Also checks if items like glass, plastic, and metal inserts can withstand impacts without coming loose.
Checks efficacy of protective coatings that help prevent damage from sulphur compounds.
Checks the colour of gold, plating, and other metal alloys to ensure consistency during manufacturing.
Checks the quality of the gold, rhodium, or platinum coating is on metal alloys to minimise corrosion.
Determines the maximum force a material can withstand before breaking.
How to Arrange Testing
If you are a new customer, please download and complete the New Customer Form. Include this form with your item when sending it to us.
If you are an existing or private customer, download the relevant Submission Form below for the test you require. Complete and include this with your item.
Items can be sent by post or courier, or dropped off at our customer service counter.
Our Address
Birmingham Assay Office, 1 Moreton Street, Birmingham, B1 3AX.
Please ensure you have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions before sending your items.
Existing Customers
Industries We Serve
Expanding beyond traditional precious metals to serve diverse, high-tech sectors
Medical Devices
Biocompatibility and material verification
Aerospace
Analysis of complex alloys & specialized materials
Electronics
Connector and component material testing
Automotive
Catalytic converter and component analysis
Luxury Manufacturing
Premium product quality assurance
Sustainability
Recycled content verification testing
