30 April 2025
Fife College is celebrating an exciting new chapter for its Jewellery department after introducing its own Assay Office stamp. This prestigious mark, which certifies the quality and authenticity of precious metal work, further establishes the College as a centre of excellence for jewellery design.
A beautifully crafted necklace by HNC Jewellery student Tricia Arthur, from Kirkcaldy, is one of the first pieces to bear the new Assay Office stamp.
Jewellery created by students at Fife College can now be sent to the Assay Office in Edinburgh, where it undergoes rigorous testing to confirm its metal content. Once approved, it is marked with the official Fife College stamp, the symbol for silver, a date letter, and a distinctive Edinburgh Castle hallmark – ensuring its authenticity and quality.
Earlier this year, a group of students visited the Assay Office in Edinburgh to gain firsthand experience of the hallmarking process. They had the opportunity to see how precious metals are tested and marked, reinforcing their understanding of quality assurance in jewellery making.
In addition to this, the College’s Jewellery department is also celebrating the remarkable success of Emily Parkin, who recently won Bronze at the Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship & Design Awards in London. Competing in the Polymer and Horn category against jewellers from across the UK, Emily impressed the judges with her exquisitely designed kilt pin.
Studying the HND Jewellery course, Emily has continued her impressive run of achievements by also earning a merit award from the British Art Medal Society (BAMS). This marks the first time Fife College students have participated in the nationwide student competition, submitting medal designs as part of their casting project. Emily, from Dundee, was awarded a merit for her medal – an outstanding accomplishment, particularly as most winners and merit recipients come from universities across the UK.
Kathryn Williamson, Jewellery Lecturer at Fife College, said:
“We are incredibly proud of both Tricia and Emily, whose creativity, dedication, and talent showcase the exceptional standard of work produced at Fife College.
“Having our own Assay Office stamp is a significant milestone for us, allowing students to hallmark their work and gain valuable industry-recognised credentials. It’s also inspiring to see our students not only competing but truly excelling at a national level, reinforcing our reputation as a centre of excellence for jewellery design.”
For more information about Arts, Design and Jewellery course courses on offer at Fife College, visit our course pages here.