Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter has played a pivotal role in the city’s jewellery trade for more than half a millennium. More than a third of all British jewellery is made within this part of Birmingham, which is a stone’s throw away from the main city centre. Approximately 700 jewellers continue to work in the area, as well as being home to the world’s largest Assay Office. It’s estimated that 12 million items are hallmarked in Birmingham’s Assay Office every year. It’s also home to our showroom, which is in Golden Square on Warstone Lane. Learn more about the history of the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham and how it has evolved into a thriving hub for jewellers, hospitality and creative businesses.
Where is the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham?
The Jewellery Quarter is in the north-western part of Birmingham city centre, in between Handsworth, Hockley and Ladywood.
Roger Pemberton was One of the First Jewellers Operating in the Area
Like many other places in the United Kingdom, the origins of the Jewellery Quarter are unclear. The first mention of a jeweller operating within the area can be found in the 1553 survey of Birmingham. Roger Pemberton was identified as a ‘goldsmith’ who was one of the first jewellers to work and live in the area.
The Industrial Revolution Kickstarted a Boom Period for The Jewellery Quarter
It wasn’t until the late 18th century when the Industrial Revolution supercharged the development of Birmingham’s jewellery industry. The Jewellery Quarter benefited from major technological advancements in the mid 1700s. Workers from across the country were coming to the area’s foundries, glassworks and factories to manufacture metal toys, buttons and pin badges. In 1780, there were 28 recorded jewellers in the city, which grew to 400 by the start of the 19th century.
Decline in the 20th Century
Moving into the 20th century, the Jewellery Quarter experienced a major decline in jewellery production. Lack of demand, along with The Great Depression, foreign competition and World War II played a pivotal role in the decline of Birmingham’s jewellery industry. It was not until the end of the 20th century that the Jewellery Quarter was regenerated through a mixture of grants to modernise and restore old properties in the area. Jewellers operating within the area started to open retail premises on the Warstone Lane, thus leading to the development of the ‘Golden Triangle’. The area consists of retail premises around Vyse Street, Augusta Street and Warstone Lane.
Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter: Today
Heading into the 21st century, the Jewellery Quarter has transformed into a major tourist destination for visitors from across the world.
The jewellery industry continues to play a major part in the area. It’s also home to museums that celebrate the history of the area, such as the Pen Museum and the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter. In recent years, a wave of creative businesses, as well as bars and restaurants have settled in this part of Birmingham.
Proposing soon to your partner and looking for a beautiful engagement ring to pop the question with? Looking to give yourself a payday treat? Book an appointment at our showroom, right in the heart of Golden Square in the Jewellery Quarter and we’ll help you find a beautiful piece of diamond jewellery.