[Jewelry making - Article 00640] - Re: [Orchid] Sterling Silver Definition

[Ian W. Wright]

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Jon wrote....

>     I don't think the UK assay offices test for nickel, so I am not
>     sure who polices the directive. 

    The Sheffield Assay Office does do testing for nickel and has also
    been doing pioneering testing work for the EEC watch trade where the
    same regulations govern how much nickel can be released into the skin
    from watch case backs. I did a couple of workshops for the staff
    there on how to correctly and safely dismantle and reassemble the
    various parts and types of watch case and straps to allow for this
    testing. While the old methods of cupellation are still used for
    assay of precious metals, great use is now also made of modern
    techniques like X-ray spectroscopy which give a quick and complete
    analysis of metal content. 

Best Wishes
Ian

Ian W. Wright
Sheffield UK

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