Jewellers In Birmingham

Among many others, JQ Diamonds is proud to be one of the jewellers in Birmingham. The Birmingham Jewellery Quarter is a historic and culturally significant district located in Birmingham. It is renowned as one of the world's most prominent jewellery manufacturing centres, with a heritage dating back over two centuries. This area is known for its narrow streets, red-brick factories, and Victorian-era buildings that house numerous jewellery shops, workshops, and related businesses. Nestled in the heart of Birmingham's renowned Jewellery Quarter, we at JQ Diamonds (Jewellery Quarter Diamonds) take pride in representing the elegance and craftsmanship of the jewellery making industry with our store located on Vyse Street.

The Rich History Of The Birmingham Jewellery Quarter

The Jewellery Quarter has a rich and deep history going back to the 18^th century when Birmingham emerged as an industrial powerhouse during the Industrial Revolution. The area initially housed metalworkers, but the craft of jewellery-making soon took over. During the Industrial Revolution, Birmingham's skilled artisans harnessed new technologies to revolutionise jewellery-making, making it more efficient and accessible than before. This shift marked the beginning of an industry that would thrive for years to come. By the 19th century, the jewellery Quarter had earned its place as the epicentre of the world's jewellery trade, earning the city its title as the "City of a Thousand Trades." Over the years, its iconic red-brick buildings, historic workshops, and Georgian architecture have become emblematic of a rich heritage that continues to draw visitors and craftsmen alike to the city.

The Chamberlain Clock 

The Chamberlain Clock is an iconic symbol of Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter, and was made in 1903 to honour Joseph Chamberlain, a prominent Member of Parliament for the area during the early 1900s. Joseph Chamberlain was a resident of the Jewellery Quarter, residing on Frederick Street. He actively supported local jewellers by advocating for the repeal of Plate Duties, a tax that burdened artisans in the jewellery trade at the time. Additionally, he had ambitious plans to transform the British Empire into a unified trading bloc, advocating for British companies, to safeguard them from competition from cheaper foreign imports. The clock was officially unveiled by his third wife, Mary Crowninshield Endicott. Originally, the clock was wound manually with a clockwork handle and later modernised with an electrical mechanism. Unfortunately, it was unable to be repaired and lost its charm after remaining in its original state for eighty years. However, in 1989, the Chamberlain Clock was restored. 

The Jewellery Quarter Today

Today, the Jewellery Quarter is a living testament to this heritage, with over 200 listed historic buildings and 500 jewellery related businesses, making it one of the most significant concentrations of Victorian and Georgian architecture in the world. Walking through its cobbled streets, you'll encounter traditional red-brick factories, elegant Georgian townhouses, and historic workshops, all telling the history of the Jewellery Quarter.

A Day Out In The Birmingham Jewellery Quarter

In addition to its jewellery-related businesses, the jewellery Quarter has evolved into a vibrant neighbourhood with a mix of restaurants, bars, art galleries, and cultural attractions to cater for the large number of people visiting the historic area. This makes a visit to the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter more than just a historic tour, with the ability to make a whole day of it. It has become a popular destination for tourists and shoppers seeking one-of-a-kind bespoke jewellery and traditional designs while having a glimpse into the history of jewellery-making. Whether you're seeking engagement rings, vintage treasures, custom pieces, or just a day-out in the historic area, you're sure to find something for you.

Events in the Jewellery Quarter

The Birmingham Jewellery Quarter hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, including marathons and the Birmingham Jewellery Festival. The annual Birmingham Jewellery Festival celebrates the district's creative spirit and allows visitors to engage with the artists while enjoying live music, demonstrations, and more. Additionally, events such as the Birmingham Jewellery School's workshops offer a hands-on experience for those interested in trying jewellery-making.

The Jewellery Quarter Museum

One of the district's highlights is the famous Jewellery Quarter Museum, housed in a beautifully restored Victorian factory. It provides a fascinating insight into the history of jewellery-making in Birmingham, showcasing tools, equipment, and techniques used by craftsmen over the centuries.

The Big Peg

The Big Peg was originally constructed in 1971 on Vyse Street which is just a short walk from our store situated at 112 Vyse St. The eight storey office building allows for a large number of businesses to work in the centre of this historic location and enjoy the culture that the Jewellery Quarter has to offer. As well as offices, the bottom floor of The Big Peg houses a variety of cafes and restaurants making it the perfect place to find something to eat on your day out to the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter.

A Commitment To Tradition

At the heart of the Jewellery Quarter's allure lies its commitment to craftsmanship. The area is home to a thriving community of jewellers, goldsmiths, silversmiths, and craftspeople who continue to produce jewellery using time-honoured techniques. The meticulous artistry of these artisans is on full display in the district's numerous jewellery shops and workshops.

Visitors can witness bespoke jewellery being made right before their eyes (such as in JQ Diamonds), gaining a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every piece. This commitment to tradition in the jewellery industry allows a major part of history and craftsmanship to remain bespoke whilst the majority of production in the modern era is mass-produced and imported. This allows for jewellery making to remain one of the more sustainable practices with many jewellers also engaging in the use of sustainable materials.

The Jewellery Quarter is also home to the Birmingham School of Jewellery, a renowned institution that has been shaping the future of the industry for over a century. The School of Jewellery is centrally located within the renowned Birmingham Jewellery Quarter, situated on Vittoria Street. The school opened in 1890 and has continued to this day. Here, students have the opportunity to select from an exceptional array of courses encompassing jewellery design, silversmithing, horology, and gemology.

In Our Birmingham Jewellery Quarter Showroom

In our Birmingham Jewellery Quarter store, you can design your bespoke ring with the help of one of our team as well as browse our selection of luxury jewellery including engagement rings, diamond earrings, and eternity rings. Everything you see in our store can be customised to your choice of gemstones, metals or budget. At JQ Diamonds, we also have a glass wall at the back of the store where you can see our skilled artisans creating custom pieces for our clients. Visit us in our Birmingham Jewellery Quarter showroom on Vyse Street and talk to one of our experts and discover our range. 

Final Thoughts

Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter is more than just a place to buy jewellery; it's a destination that showcases craftsmanship, history, and culture. It's a living testament to Birmingham's industrious past and the enduring art of jewellery-making. Whether you're an avid collector, a history enthusiast, or simply in search of a unique piece of jewellery, the Jewellery Quarter allows you to explore its enchanting streets and discover its beauty, history, and artistry, making it a true gem of Birmingham.