Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Trading Standards team has been out on the ground with the London Assay Office, carrying out spot checks on jewellers and pawnbrokers to make sure customers are getting a fair deal.
During a recent day of targeted visits, officers checked businesses were meeting their legal duties under the Hallmarking Act 1973 and Weights and Measures Act 1985.
Items were inspected for correct hallmarking, advice was given where needed, and weighing equipment used to value precious metals was put to the test to make sure it was accurate and within legal limits.
Encouragingly, businesses welcomed the checks. Andrew Berry Jewellery shared positive feedback following their visit, highlighting how unannounced inspections help maintain high standards and protect both customers and reputable traders.
Gareth Mogg, a representative of London Assay Office (LAO) 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 in this sector meet their legal obligations.
The Hallmarking process provides independent verification of the purity, authenticity, and quality of precious metal items such as gold and silver and protects buyers from fraud. This is why LAO is funding Op Stamping It Out.
“We are very grateful to Caerphilly Trading Standards for collaborating with us on this vital work, making the area safe for the community as a whole’’
Cllr Philippa Leonard, Caerphilly Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for Public Protection, added “These joint visits demonstrate our ongoing commitment to protecting consumers and supporting local businesses to meet their legal responsibilities. Accurate weighing equipment and proper hallmarking are essential safeguards that help maintain trust and fairness in the marketplace.
“We welcome the positive engagement from businesses and will continue to work closely with partners such as the London Assay Office to ensure high standards are maintained across the borough.”
