Birmingham is where the world’s jewellery gets made.
Birmingham 1 – 31 May 2027
40%
of all UK jewellery is made in Birmingham
600+
businesses in the Jewellery Quarter
4,000
skilled craftspeople working here today
250+
years of unbroken making
£750m
generated by the industry every year
Why Birmingham
A living industry with deep-rooted heritage.
You might not know it yet. But chances are, you’ve already worn something made here. The Jewellery Quarter, in the heart of England’s second city, produces 40% of all the jewellery made in the UK.
It is Europe’s largest concentration of jewellery and precious metals businesses, and it has been for over 250 years. The industry generates around £750 million every year – rooted in centuries of craft, and as active today as it has ever been.
Made in Birmingham
You’ve seen the work. You just didn’t know it was made in Birmingham.
Birmingham has been making things that matter for over 250 years. The FA Cup trophy was made here in 1896. So was the Lonsdale Belt, the Wimbledon Men’s Singles Trophy, and Olympic medals for multiple Games. Beyoncé’s “Princess Constellation” stilettos – solid gold, covered in diamonds, valued at £200,000 – were made here too.
When the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals were commissioned, and when the Coronation called for commemorative pieces, they came from Birmingham. Toye, Kenning & Spencer and Firmin & Sons hold Royal Warrants supplying the Royal Households. King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited the Jewellery Quarter in 2014.
Since 1773, the Birmingham Assay Office has been stamping its anchor hallmark into precious metals – certifying around 12 million items every year.
The Makers
250+ years of making. Still here.
- Firmin & Sonsest. 1655
- Cooksonsest. 1704
- Deakin & Francisest. 1786
- Charles Greenest. 1824
- Thomas Fattoriniest. 1827
- BCU School of Jewelleryest. 1890
From Royal Warrant holders to independent studios, Birmingham’s makers supply the world’s most prestigious commissions – and have done for generations.
Education
Where the next generation learns.
For many makers, their journey begins at Birmingham City University’s School of Jewellery – the largest jewellery school in Europe, established in 1890 and based in the Jewellery Quarter since its founding. A recipient of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, the School sits at the intersection of education and industry. Its graduates shape the craft at the highest levels. And through a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with the World Crafts Council, it is now helping to build a Global Crafts Academy – connecting universities, artisans, and cultural institutions across five continents.
Commonwealth Games 2022
BCU students designed the official medals for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.Invictus Games 2027
Students at the School of Jewellery are competing to design the medals for the Invictus Games 2027.Black Sabbath & Benjamin Zephaniah
The Black Sabbath Medal and the City of Birmingham Medal presented to poet Benjamin Zephaniah were both designed here.Stay Connected
Be the first to know
Living craft heritage, world-class education, and an active industry – all within walking distance of each other. This is why the Birmingham Jewellery Biennial is here.