Internationally, the London
Bullion Market Association accepts the assay mark of sixty refineries in twenty-eight
countries on its good delivery list
for gold, together with forty-two former melters
and assayers. Registration of assayers and marks varies from one country
to another. In France, the assay stamps recognised are those registered by individual
assayers with the Chambre Syndicale des Agents de Change. In Switzerland, assayers
must be approved by Bureau Central du Controle Métaux Précieux.
Assayer
A tester, often an officially
recognised individual or company, of the fineness
of precious metals, either in bullion
form or as coin and jewellery. Each assayer has his/her own recognised assay
mark.