THE Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) continues to play a critical role in promoting standardisation in the Jewellery Sector. In this regard, the Bureau is responsible for the development of standards, which will help to regularise operations in this sector.The GNBS also operates a Product Certification Scheme, under which manufacturers, including gold smiths and jewellers, can benefit by choosing to implement standards in their businesses, providing they have access to testing facilities and are keeping the necessary records.
The standard Specification for Gold Articles, GYS 50:2010, which is a CARICOM Standard, stipulates marking requirements. The Standard requires that all gold jewellery be marked or labelled with the manufacturer’s identification mark and the assayed purity, either in karats or parts per thousand.
Conforming to the requirements of the Gold Standard prevents fraud and deception arising from misleading labels. It also gives guidance to manufacturers and helps them provide adequate labelling information, which guides consumers during the purchase of gold articles.
In addition, it provides information to Goldsmiths and Jewellers on the manufacturing process for gold articles, using the short cut fire assay method, and serves as a guideline for good manufacturing practices.
With respect to the testing of gold jewellery by a recognised test method, the Standard clearly outlines 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.
Thus, complying with this CARICOM Standard would assure customer confidence in the quality of jewellery manufactured, and create greater business opportunities within the CARICOM market.
The GNBS is encouraging goldsmiths and jewellers to participate in its Product Certification Scheme, which is voluntary. By far, the benefits outweigh the cost of being a part of the Scheme, so as to take advantage of it, and access the numerous benefits to be derived.

For further information, please contact the GNBS on telephone numbers: 219-0062, 219-0065, and 219-066.