Officers from the Council’s Trading Standards team have been inspecting a range of jewellery in their latest spate of operations.
Looking at jewellers in Grimsby and Cleethorpes, the team were joined by members of the Assay Office for Operation Breakwater. This organisation tests precious metals to ensure they are authentic before applying hallmarks to the items in question.
During their inspections, they examined numerous items including gold chains, bracelets and even rings. The aim of the inspection was to determine how many jewellers in the area were following the correct laws and giving the customer a genuine piece of jewellery.
Over the course of a two-day operation, they visited a total of 25 businesses, 11 in Cleethorpes and 14 in Grimsby. Some were fully compliant; however, there were a number of issues in a selection of the businesses:
- 8 businesses not displaying dealers notice – these are official signs that are legally required in shops to give notice to customers about precious metals including its purity and the hallmarks
- 3 businesses displaying out of date dealer notices
- 10 businesses had items on display that weren’t hallmarked
- 2 businesses using scales not stamped for business use
Only 8 out of 25 businesses were fully compliant. A total of 9 premises will be re-visited to ensure compliance with the Hallmarking Act 1973. Information on these failures will be shared nationally to assist in building the intelligence picture – known as Operation Tudor Rose.
Graham Mogg, a representative of Sheffield Assay Office (SAO) who accompanied Trading Standards on the visits, said: ‘’Hallmarking of precious metals is the oldest form of consumer protection and it is vital that businesses selling gold, silver, platinum and palladium jewellery meet their legal obligations.
“The Hallmarking process provides independent verification of the purity, authenticity, and quality of precious metal items and it protects buyers from fraud. This is why SAO initiated Op Tudor Rose.
“The operation provides support for Trading Standards across the North of England and uses education and awareness visits to ensure legal compliance that will protect consumers and legitimate businesses.
“We are very grateful to NE Lincs Trading Standards for collaborating with us on this vital work, making the area safe for residents, tourists and the community as a whole.’’
The project identified several failings within the industry locally. Advice and assistance were provided to those businesses that committed minor breaches of consumer legislation. Those that were committing more serous breaches were given in depth advice on how to comply with the Hallmarking Act 1973 and will be re-visited to ensure compliance.
Councillor James Sawkins, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “It is incredibly important to support our local businesses and the people buying these sorts of products.
“The work the ASSAY Office and our Trading Standards team have carried out has been essential in making sure this is the case. Always make sure what you’re buying is legitimate and if you believe something to be fraudulent, please contact the Trading Standards team – we can only maker a difference if it is reported.”
To report any suspicions you may have to Trading Standards, email them on [email protected] or call (01472) 326299, option 3.
Share this article