assay office

American  

noun

1. a local testing station for assaying ore, as gold or silver, especially a government station maintained in connection with the registration of mineral claims, purchases of gold, or the like.

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Etymology

Origin of assay office

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

Elsewhere in the Jewellery Quarter, judges stopped at the Birmingham Assay Office, Cooksongold, and the historic Coffin Works.

From BBC

He sent the pebbles to an assay office.

From New York Times

The Goldsmiths still has a large role in London's jewellery trade, where its Assay Office hallmarks precious metals, and it supports apprentices.

From BBC

All outer packaging, as well as eye palettes, are affixed with four gold seals — a hallmark for the brand inspired by the London Assay office — that include a “PM” for Pat McGrath, an “L” for labs, a crown and a lip, eye or eye with a lash line graphic corresponding to the category.

From Los Angeles Times

Not one to surrender easily, McHugh decided on his own motivational tactic: He flew to Delaware, walked into a U.S. government assay office, and asked for $25,000 worth of gold.

From Seattle Times