Assaying And Hallmarking Of Precious Metals: A Case For The Nigerian Consumer

Abstract

Gold and silver are two very important precious metals used in the production of jewellery items and other valuable wares. In Nigeria, small scale industries in gold and silver dot the country's landscape. So far, the activities of these smiths, as well as their products, are not regulated by any government or independent agency. The implication of this, amongst others includes short changing the customers via under-carating and the arbitrary increase of the prices of gold and silver items. It is therefore the intent in this article to firstly examine, and articulate the twin concepts of Assaying and Hallmarking of precious metals. This is with a view to highlighting their importance especially as it pertains to customer's Rights Protection in Nigeria. In the same vein, the dividends of Hallmarking shall be examined and a case for prospects in its adoption made.

Journal of Technology and Education in Nigeria Vol. 12 (1) 2007: pp. 40-45