The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh is a non-profit organisation set up by Royal Charter in 1687. Today it is the oldest consumer protection group in Scotland and it is believed to be the oldest continuously existing business of any kind in the country.
The Incorporation operates two charities, “Silver of the Stars” and “The Scottish Goldsmiths’ Trust”, and administers the Edinburgh Assay Office.
The Incorporation has also created the Ethical Making Programme, which includes two new initiatives, the Ethical Making Resource and the Ethical Making Pledge. These projects are part of the Incorporation’s strategy to promote and support the uptake of ethical making practices in the jewellery and silversmithing trade in Scotland.
The Incorporation has worked with Lyon and Turnbull to produce ‘Elements’ - an annual festival of jewellery, silver and gold in Scotland.
The Incorporation has worked in partnership with Edinburgh City Council to create the Silver of the Stars Creative Learning Resource.
To run a successful Assay Office in Scotland
To promote consumer protection around the Hallmark
To promote and support the Jewellery and Silversmithing trade in Scotland and beyond
To promote education about the Jewellery and Silversmithing trade
To encourage the collection of fine examples of jewellery and precious metals
To promote Scotland as a national centre of excellence for design and the crafts
To safeguard and promote our heritage