Birmingham Assay Office was founded in 1773 to provide assaying (testing) and hallmarking  of precious metal items (gold, silver, platinum and palladium) as required by the Hallmarking Act. It has been a centre of expert opinion and independent assessment of jewellery and precious metals for nearly 250 years.

During recent decades Birmingham Assay Office has expanded its services far beyond its statutory assaying and hallmarking duties to include diamond, gemstone and pearl certification, jewellery, watch and silverware valuations, non-precious metal testing, product safety and quality assurance testing as well as educational training and consultancy.