Birmingham has been officially recognized for its global influence in jewellery making by receiving the prestigious World Craft City Status.
Saad Al-Qaddumi, President of the World Crafts Council, praised the city for its “rich heritage, skilled artisans, creative designers, proud makers, and innovative contributions to the jewellery industry.”
Only eight other European cities hold this title, including Stoke-on-Trent, which was granted the status last year for its pottery craft.
The Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT) described the award as a “landmark moment for Birmingham and the wider West Midlands.” They said it firmly places the city’s historic Jewellery Quarter on the global stage.
Located near Birmingham’s city centre, the Jewellery Quarter has been a centre for jewellery manufacturing for over 200 years. Shops began appearing in the 1970s when manufacturers started selling directly to customers.
To earn the status, an international panel of judges visited the School of Jewellery. Founded in 1890 and housed in a Grade II-listed building on Vittoria Street, the school showcased student skills through a silversmithing workshop and demonstrations of craftsmanship.
The judges also toured other notable sites in the Jewellery Quarter, including the Birmingham Assay Office, Cooksongold, and the historic Coffin Works.
Birmingham’s bid was led by the JQDT and Birmingham City Council, with support from the Goldsmiths Company.
Matthew Bott, chair of JQDT, said, “This is a moment of real pride—not just for the Jewellery Quarter, but for Birmingham and the West Midlands. We have always known the value of what happens here, and now the world does too. We thank everyone who helped us reach this point. We look forward to working with partners, both old and new, to build on this incredible foundation.”
Following the confirmation of the status, the JQDT, supported by city curator Alex Nicholson-Evans, plans to use this recognition as a springboard for future growth. Their first initiative will be the Birmingham Jewellery Biennial, a UK-wide jewellery festival.
The biennial will be a citywide celebration, featuring open studios, jewellery fairs, heritage tours, a trade conference, and a flagship exhibition. This exhibition will highlight internationally acclaimed artists alongside emerging talent, chosen through an open call across the UK.
JQDT also said the new status will open doors to international partnerships, new funding, and collaborative projects benefiting the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham, and the West Midlands.
A JQDT spokesperson added, “With both the Jewellery Quarter and Stoke-on-Trent now recognised as World Craft Cities, the West Midlands is quickly becoming a national leader in promoting craft as a vital part of culture.”
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