Ancient and modern: Edinburgh Assay Office goes online

EDINBURGH Assay Office, which has been stamping hallmarks on to jewellery for 550 years, will enter the internet age today when it unveils a “digital hallmark” for jewellery retail websites.

Online retailers including Clogau Gold, Links of London, Monica Vinader and Orkney-based Ortak have already signed up to the accreditation scheme, which aims to reassure customers that the jewellery that they are buying over the internet is genuine.

Websites that have been inspected by the Edinburgh Assay Office will display an “Assay Assured” logo.

Scott Walter, the office’s chief executive, said: “Assay Assured is a digital solution to an ancient problem and we believe it will provide the protection consumers look for online. The issue of fake jewellery online is plaguing the industry and honest retailers are suffering because online sales often circumvent existing regulation and consumer protection.”