For over 200 years Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter has been the home of some of the worlds most highly skilled goldsmiths and jewellery makers.

The advent of shops opening to the public is a recent phenomenon, with the majority of retail outlets springing up since the 1970's. And now the area is widely known as a place for both the trade and public to browse and buy the finest products at the keenest prices.

Tradesmen worked from home, or in small workshops, and on the whole specialised in a particular craft. Many of these specialist craft and services complimented each other, strengthening the sense of community in the area and fostering a national and international respect for the indsutry in the area.

By 1861 over 7,000 people were engaged in the jewellery trade. The local jewellery industry grew out of the areas toy trade. At that time the toy trade included the manufacture of a wide range of small items made from steel, such as buttons, buckles and brooches and various trinkets. The nineteenth century saw a shift towards the manufacture of jewellery and buttons in the area.

The gold rushes in 19th century USA and Australia led to an increase in the supply and demand for jewellery with the Birmingham Assay Office being granted permission to hallmark goldware from 1824. As trade flourished, so the area developed with new streets, large residential properties built for manufacturers and the well-off, plus more and more terraces from which many of the tradesmen worked and/or lived in. The magnificent and compelling dwellings, workplaces, streets and alleyways which help to make the area such a magnet for visitors derives from this expansion of industry and craft. Less than 100 years ago up to 20,000 people were employed in the industry.

Since the post-war recession of the 1940's and 1950's however employment levels have fallen and stand at around 4,000 currently.

For two centuries the Jewellery Quarter existed as a trade and manufacturing area. The advent of shops opening to the public is a recent phenomenon, with the majority of retail outlets springing up since the 1970's. And now the area is widely known as a place for both the trade and public to browse and buy the finest jewellery products at the keenest prices.

The Birmingham Mint From 1786 to 1850 Matthew Boulton's mint operated in the area. The minting of coins was then continued after the Heaton company succeeded Boulton's operation.

In 1860 the Birmingham Mint succeeded the Heaton operation and is still active in Icknield Street.

Birmingham retail and wholsale jewellers shops.

Find jewellers. Quality craftsmanship. Insurance valuations and repairs. gemstones. Museum. Jewellers Wedding Rings. certified diamond ring specialists. birmingham mint.

Warstone Lane, Vyse Street Bicknells 'bond & martin' consortium chain crystalink exclusive hand-made david's manufacturing jewellers watch repairs insurance valuations hockley centre quality manufacturers main chain gifts men women ladies gents J E Marlow & Sons Ltd. marlow certified diamonds. G H Moore. Premier Goldsmiths. In-house design Huge range 'Premier Diamonds' gem-set richards watch services barometer riches watches ring-resizing alterations polishing engagement love romance anniversary anniversaries timeless chains bracelets eternity. Where to buy jewellery. Assay office. Listed with DMOZ. Online shopping. uk jewellers jewelry

The Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham.

UK jewellers, trade, wholesale and retail jewellery shops and websites. Local history, shopping, business and residential properties, shopping mfor fashion, health and beauty plus travel information.

Hallmarked gold wholesalers, certified diamonds specialists, weddings, engagement commitment rings, repairs specialists, ring sizing, resizing, manufacturing services, manufacturers, suppliers. Platinum, silver, precious metals & gemstones, Necklets, charm bracelets, wristwatches, watches, gifts for men & women, home insurance valuations.

Hotels, restaurants, offices, business start-ups, property, apartments.Tourist attractions. The Birmingham Mint. Museum