We are proud to be members of NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GOLDSMITHS.
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF GOLDSMITHS (N.A.G.) was established in 1894 to serve
and support the Jewellery Industry of Great Britain and Ireland. The Association promotes
high professional standards among its membership to inspire consumer confidence and to
enhance the reputation of its members.
There is a Code of Practice to which elected Members must agree to adhere to and by which
applicants for membership are judged. Government, Trading Standards, industry and the
media turn to the Association for advice and we also have a strong international presence, in
particular through our very close association with the International Jewellery Confederation
(CIBJO).
The Board of Directors, who are democratically elected from among the membership, governs
the Association. The Board usually meets four times per year to discuss Association performance,
strategy and industry issues. There is also an Advisory Council composed of prominent representatives
representatives from different sections of the retail jewellery trade, independents and multiples.
This Council helps to define the Association priorities and to harmonise views of the various
perspectives of the retail jewellery trade.
OUR JEWELLERY IS HALLMARKED AT THE DUBLIN ASSAY OFFICE
History and Hallmarks
The history of Irish hallmarking dates back to 1637 when a Statute instituted the assaying (testing) and
marking of precious metals. The original aim of the system remains unchanged; the protection of the public
against fraud and of the trader against unfair competition. Indeed, hallmarking is one of the oldest forms of
consumer protection.
Hallmarking is as necessary today as it was in 1637 because when Jewellery and silverware are
manufactured, precious metals are not used in their pure form, as they are too soft. Gold, Silver, and
Platinum are always alloyed with copper or other metals to create an alloy that is more suitable to the
requirements of the Jeweller. Such an alloy needs to be strong, workable, yet still attractive.
Hallmarking of precious metals is a legal requirement in Ireland.
