Frequently Asked Questions



1. How to start a business in jewellery or precious or semi-precious stones?
Any person dealing in jewellery, precious or semi-precious stones, should hold a Certificate of Registration as Dealer in Jewellery issued by the Assay Office.
2. How is a consumer purchasing jewellery protected by the law?
  1. Markings on jewellery

    Any jewellery made of precious metal i.e gold, silver or platinum, which is offered for sale must be marked according to the Jewellery Act. A jewellery made of gold, should contain both the manufacturer’s mark and a fineness mark whereas a jewellery made of silver or platinum, should contain a fineness mark only. A fineness mark on a jewellery ensures that the jewellery contains the minimum required amount of precious metal in the jewellery.

    For example, a jewellery made of gold of 18 karats must be marked with a fineness mark 750 and the manufacturer’s mark.

  2. Issue of Receipts

    Upon purchase of a jewellery, the jeweller should issue to you a receipt which would include among others its mass and its fineness. Click here for Brochure “Conseils et Information pratiques sur la vente et l’achat des bijoux”.

3. Can I know the purity (Carat) of my jewellery?
A person wishing to know the purity of his jewellery can submit it for testing at the Assay Office. A report will be issued accordingly.
4. What should I do if I want to sell my old jewellery?
A Declaration of Ownership form has to be filled in by the person selling the jewellery and it should be certified at the Assay Office or at the nearest police station in your locality. The Declaration of Ownership form can be obtained from jewellers.
5. How much will I obtain when selling my old jewellery?
You are guaranteed to obtain at least a minimum of 70% of the value of precious metal in your jewellery.
6. Can I know the value of my old jewellery?
You may evaluate your jewellery at the Assay Office. A valuation certificate will be issued to you against payment of a prescribed fee.
7. How can I know whether my gemstone is genuine?
The Assay Office offers gemstone verification and diamond grading services. However, we do not grade fancy coloured diamonds and we do not test pearls.
8. When submitting my jewellery or gemstone to be tested at the Assay Office, will it be damaged or scratched?
Tests carried out on jewellery or gemstones are non-destructive. Your jewellery or gemstone will neither be damaged nor scratched.
9. Do I need to pay for services offered at the Assay Office?
All our services are offered against payment of a prescribed fee. Click here for Price List
10. How can the Assay Office help me if I have any doubt regarding a jewellery that I have purchased?
You may lodge a complaint to the Assay Office:
  1. By phone on 211-0612/13;
  2. By email on assay@govmu.org or assaysug@govmu.org;
  3. Through a letter addressed to the Director, Assay Office;
  4. Through the Complaint/ Suggestion box available at the counter;
  5. Through our online service; and
  6. Through the Citizen Support Portal of the Citizen Support Unit (CSU).