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RAPAPORT... Her Majesty The Queen will visit Birmingham, as part of her Diamond Jubilee Tour on July 12, where Kay Alexander, the chairman of The Birmingham Assay Office, will present Her Majesty with a silver “Investment Bowl” on behalf of the City of Birmingham. The bowl was commissioned by The Birmingham Assay Office and made by local silversmith Andrew Macgowan, based in Frederick Street in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter. It weighs exactly one kilogram and is an alternative to the traditional “investment bar.” 
Visually, the bowl's design is simple but the skill required to spin such a perfect piece should not be underestimated. The bowl was made from 999 parts per thousand, fine silver and it has a satin finish but a bright edge and slightly domed center (pictured). It is that shiny center were designer displayed hallmarks, which include the fineness mark, the famous “anchor” town mark of Birmingham, Andrew Macgowan’s sponsor mark and the special Diamond Jubilee mark, a commemorative hallmark which can only be used until October 1. Alexander said, “This is a huge honor. The Diamond Jubilee Investment Bowl symbolizes all of the continuing craftsmanship and design skills still prevalent in Birmingham and particularly in our unique Jewellery Quarter.” The Birmingham Assay Office was founded in 1773 and is the largest of its kind in the world.
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