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SINGAPORE : The Singapore Assay Office, which conducts tests on gold items and other precious metals for purity standards, has seen a drop in the number of gold jewellery which fails purity tests.
Last year, 10 per cent of gold items tested at the Singapore Assay Office did not have the stated gold content. But it has gone down to 5 per cent this year.
It is the first time in five years that the certification body has seen a drop in the number of gold items failing its tests.
The office adopts a scientific method to determine the amount of gold in an article. For example, items branded as 916 gold must contain at least 91.6 per cent of the precious metal.
Last December, five jewellers were found to have sold 916 gold items that did not meet purity standards.
This prompted many retailers to send their items to the office for tests. Some 50 consumers have since tested their gold jewellery for purity.
Michelle Lim, marketing executive, Singapore Assay Office, said: "It shows that consumers and retailers alike are all aware that quality is very important.
"We have also had feedback from the retailers that consumers are beginning to become more aware so they are buying with quality, they are looking out for quality."
It costs S$2.40 for a gold item to be tested and results take two weeks. -
CNA/ms
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