 It also benefited from the development and refinement of new processes such as electroplating which was invented by George Elkington at the Elkington Silver Electroplating Works on Newhall Street.Also invented in the Jewellery Quarter was the first man-made plastic, Parkesine, by Alexander Parkes in 1862.In 1883, less than half of all silver jewellery made in Birmingham was of high enough standard to pass through Birmingham Assay Office.