So excited!!!!

[Sunnybank]

I also permanent mark where I want things punched. I think they're far better at striking the marks than I am, and it's not something I want to get wrong. I also find it hard to punch on curved surfaces, which they seem to manage just fine!

I think you might just have answered one of my questions George. The first things I'm going to send for hallmarking are some roses, which have curved petals. I wasn't sure if I should get them done before shaping, but it sounds like they should be OK after.

[SilverSnog]

I've pretty much decided to move over to having deep laser marks now (I'm with Sheffield, and their pricing structure/minimum charge means that, in most cases, it costs no more in the end), but had previously decided to hold my own punch.

Recent experience has been that, if you want to make sure your hallmarks are where you want them, you have to be really clear. Striking your own maker's mark is one way (though the assay office are not forced to follow on if they think they can't).

Now, you would think that marking your work with a marker pen would be pretty foolproof, too, wouldn't you? That's what I did with my last batch of work but, b****r me, they only went and put the marks on upside down.

With this one, I can half forgive them, 'cos it looks like it could be worn either way up (but the position of the brooch pin should have given it away).

But I would have thought that this one should have been bleedin' obvious.

So, keep the punch yourself, or make it REALLY clear what you want. Say nothing and who knows where they will put the mark. On this piece, they put the mark on the bail!

[DiS]

I remember that on one of JJ's they put a rather large and expensive laser print upside down, so you can't be too careful. Mind you, that was the London office and not one of the ones mentioned here.

[Jille]

Has anyone had problems with Edinburgh?

[DiS]

Jill, a lot of forum members use Edinburgh (mainly for the little castle mark!). From memory the feedback has been excellent - especially on the helpfulness side of things.

[snow_imp]

I use Edinburgh and so far I've only sent two packages to them - both came back just fine. On the phone they are excellent help and it was them that told me to use permanent marker and put a dot followed by the line to indicate location and direction in which I wanted the marks to run and so far they've done as I asked.

[Jille]

thanks that's good news

[Sunnybank]

My letter arrived today telling me I'm registered and the punch is ready. I only posted the form last Thursday so it was less than a week! Well done Birmingham :-)

[geti]

My letter arrived today telling me I'm registered and the punch is ready. I only posted the form last Thursday so it was less than a week! Well done Birmingham :-)

I put a good word in for you Jane, you owe me one! :-)

[Sunnybank]

Thank you kind Sir, perhaps I should change my signature quote now.