Experience Day for New and Trainee Valuers
Hosted by Birmingham Assay Office, 1, Moreton Street, Birmingham, B1 3AX.
We are proud to be working in partnership with Birmingham Assay Officer to offer trainee valuers the opportunity to learn more about practical aspects of valuing including hallmark identification, diamond and gemstone testing and identification and undertaking research for valuation. The full-day session will:
- explain the process of hallmarking and how the assay office can help valuers with hallmark identification
- demonstrate the assay office’s gem testing services and how these can be used in conjunction with the gemmological skills of the valuer
- explain the approach that the assay office’s professional valuers take to determining the value of an item and producing a valuation report
Who this workshop is for: This workshop is open to current and past CAT and FoAP students, new members of the IRV, and individuals wishing to find out more about practical approaches to valuation.
Fee
Attendance at the workshops, including refreshments, is £40+VAT.
Workshops are being held on the following dates and will be booked on a first-come, first-served basis. The maximum number of participants per workshop is six.
- Wednesday 21st October 2026, 9.30-12.30
- Thursday 22nd April 2027
- Wednesday 14th July 2027
- Thursday 21st October 2027
Book your place for October 2026
Programme
9:30 AM – Welcome and Introduction
The day will begin with a warm welcome from the team at Birmingham Assay Office. We will provide a brief overview of the significance of hallmarking, the role of the Assay Office in protecting consumers and the industry, and the history of Birmingham as a hub for jewellery and metalwork.
10:00 AM – Hallmarking and Analytical Lab
Attendees will embark on an exclusive guided tour of Birmingham Assay Office. They will visit the hallmarking floor where skilled technicians carefully test and hallmark gold, silver, platinum, and palladium items.
The attendees will experience the intricate processes involved in precious metal testing, which will include X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing. A detailed explanation from one of our technical experts will explain how these methods ensure the quality and authenticity of precious metals.
Attendees will observe the hallmarking process up close, from the initial inspection to the final marking of the hallmark, ensuring each piece meets the highest standards.
10:30 AM – Gemstone Identification
Attendees will join a session with a certified gemmologist within our Gemmology Lab. Attendees will see the advanced equipment the team uses for gemstone identification, including how we distinguish between natural and synthetic gems, as well as our experience with advanced testing.
The attendees will participate in a demonstration of gemstone testing techniques and explore the factors that determine the value of a gemstone, such as the Four Cs (Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat Weight).
11.15 AM – Valuations
Attendees will spend one-on-one time with a professional valuer to experience the journey a Birmingham Assay Office Valuer embarks on when valuing a piece, providing insights into the approach, the resources used, how they determine the value of an item and the finalised report provided to the customer.
12.30 PM – Departure
This unique half-day experience tailored for offers an unforgettable journey into the world of precious metals, gemstones and valuation, in a setting that is both educational and enjoyable.
Book your place for October 2026