The owner of an article of precious metals brought in for repair, i.e. the consumer, may demand that a silversmith or goldsmith take action contrary to the provisions on articles of precious metals. Articles of precious metals may not be filled nor their structure strenghened or supported with materials other than the precious metal alloy indicated by the fineness mark. Any solders must also meet the statutory requirements.
Fifty years after manufacture, articles of precious metal become antiques and are no longer within the scope of application of the statutes on articles of precious metal. Factors other than the materials used may impact on the sales value of such articles.
Articles of precious metals are removed from circulation when recycled for raw material as scrap gold or upon the verifiable passing of fifty years since their manufacture. An article of precious metal manufactured less than fifty years ago and forwarded to a second-hand shop, pawnshop or swap meet or otherwise again placed on the Finnish market remains subject to the supervision obligation of Tukes.
Goldsmiths and silversmiths must be familiar with the provisions concerning articles of precious metals so that materials deviating from the fineness mark are not added upon repair to increase the weight of the article or as support or filler.
Jewellery and watch stores buy scrap gold to recycle the material. The user of recycled material, i.e. the manufacturer of the new article is responsible for it meeting statutory requirements with regard to e.g. precious metal content.
The consumer assumes responsibility relating to the trustworthiness of an antique of precious metals.