History & Heritage
The Edinburgh Assay Office is the trading name of the Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh. The Incorporation of Goldsmiths is governed by the Court of Wardens under the Chairmanship of the Deacon. The Court is supported by a further group of Incorporation Members. With over 560 years of governance in the industry, this ancient body maintains its reputation for impartiality and expertise.
Established in 1457
In 1457, the oldest surviving Act of Parliament referencing hallmarking was passed to regulate and guarantee precious metal purity. This established the Incorporation of Goldsmiths, making it the oldest and most established consumer protection group in Scotland. It is believed to be the oldest continuously existing business of any kind in the country and is one of the fifteen historic Incorporated Trades of Edinburgh. In 1687, the Incorporation was granted a Royal Charter by King James VII.
An Iconic Mark
In 1485, the first use of the iconic Castle Hallmark of Edinburgh Assay Office began to be applied to items passing assay. The three-towered castle represents a guarantee of quality and confidence in the item marked and sold.
