The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh has a history going back over 550 years and was Incorporated under Royal Charter in 1687.
Today it is the oldest consumer protection group in Scotland, and it is believed to be the oldest continuously existing business of any kind in the country. The Incorporation of Goldsmiths is one of the 15 Incorporated Trades of Edinburgh.
The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh is governed by the Court of Wardens under the Chairmanship of the Deacon, and the Court is supported by eleven Incorporation Members.
The Incorporation of Goldsmiths trades as Edinburgh Assay Office. Items of gold, silver, platinum and palladium are tested and hallmarked with the famous Edinburgh Castle hallmark.