GNBS to begin monitoring gold jewellery in 2020

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) recently concluded its last arranged outreach in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) geared towards sensitising jewellers on its intent to begin monitoring items come 2020.
The Bureau said that goldsmiths and jewellers who attended the forum, which was held in Fort Wellington, were informed on the required standards which are mandatory.
The first outreach was held in Region Three (Essequibo Islands – West Demerara) back in July of this year. Following that successful session, GNBS hosted similar exercises in Regions Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and most recently, Region Five.
The standard Specification for Gold Articles GYS 50-1:2003 stipulates marking requirements which mandate that all gold jewellery be marked or labelled with the manufacturer’s identification and the assayed purity, either in karats or parts per thousand.
“This standard was prepared with the intent to prevent fraud and deception arising from misleading labels. It also gives guidance to manufacturers and helps them provide adequate labelling information, which will give guidance to consumers when they wish to purchase gold articles,” GNBS stated.
In addition, it provides information to goldsmiths and jewellers on the manufacturing process for gold articles using the short cut fire assay method, and to serve as a guideline for good manufacturing practices.
Meanwhile, with respect to the testing of gold jewellery by a recognised test method, the Guyana National Standards clearly outlined the procedure for the modified fire assay or cupellation method of testing. Prior to any marking or labelling of purity on these articles, either of these stipulated methods should be used.
These standards, once complied with, according to GNBS, would assure confidence in customers on the quality of jewellery manufactured, and create an atmosphere for a thriving export market.
The GNBS added that it is encouraging goldsmiths and jewellers to participate in the Product Certification Scheme, which is voluntary and manufacturers desirous of having their gold jewellery certified could join the scheme.
“Once the requirements of the Scheme have been fulfilled, the manufacturer would be granted a permit to use the National Standards mark on his/her products. Gold Jewellers are encouraged to take advantage of the scheme to access the numerous benefits to be derived,” the agency explained.
Further it noted, “Customers, seeing the standard mark on gold articles, would have the confidence that the jewellers are producing items of acceptable quality and there would be corresponding growth and development of the sector”.