Jewellery Quarter History

Jewellery Quarter History and Conservation

The fascinating history of the Jewellery Quarter, places to visit and local information.

The Jewellery Quarter – the jewel of Birmingham

The Birmingham Jewellery Quarter has a prestigious background with a history spanning over 250 years, having been a mecca of jewellery production since the 1800s. It’s long been home to some of the most highly-skilled jewellery makers and goldsmiths around with top jewellers in Birmingham working there to this very day, and being a designated conservation area with over 200 listed buildings it’s a piece of UK history in its own right.

The history of the Jewelry Quarter in Birmingham

The Jewelry Quarter in Birmingham rapidly expanded during the 19th century when a taste for fashionable jewellery really took off. Tradesmen worked from their homes or in small workshops and business flourished, with jewellery production quickly becoming a thriving industry that led to the expansion of the area with new streets, elegant properties and fantastic profits.

In 1824 the Birmingham Assay Office was granted permission to hallmark goldware and by the beginning of the 20th century some 30,000 people were employed in the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter, and in the 1970s UK jewellers of the area began to trade to the public to make its appeal even more far-ranging. To this day the Jewelry Quarter in Birmingham is responsible for around 40% of the UK’s jewellery production, with some of the biggest names in the jewellery trade continuing to operate from this impressive area.

Find the top UK jewellers right here

The Jewellery Quarter is home to some of the most prestigious jewellers in Birmingham and indeed the country, with this area continuing to attract master craftsmen and specialist retailers alike. It’s perfect for jewellery lovers and with everything from diamonds to wedding rings being readily available there’s something for everyone – the Jewelry Quarter in Birmingham is a must-visit for anyone that wants to see top UK jewellers in all their glory, and with so much history it’s the perfect place for jewellers in Birmingham to be located.

Explore the best of the Jewellery Quarter

Of course, it isn’t just jewellery shops that the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter has to offer – this historic part of the city is an attraction in its own right, and with a wealth of things to see and do it deserves to be explored. The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, housed in an old jewellery factory, should be at the top of the list, and likewise the Pen Room Museum is always worth a visit. Make sure to try out the art and building trails to get a real feel for the area, seek the historic cemeteries with their intriguing catacombs or simply relax around Birmingham’s last remaining Georgian Square with its galleries, restaurants and bars.

But, shopping is of course a must and it’ll be hard to tear yourself away from all those jewellers in Birmingham. Make sure to spend time browsing through one of the 100+ specialist retailers to see the stunning pieces they have available, or if you really want to make your visit special why not commission your own design? With some of the top UK jewellers being located in this prestigious area you’ll be spoilt for choice, so take a look around and experience the historic beauty of the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter for yourself.