About Birmingham’s Hidden Gem: The Jewellery Quarter

Described as a national treasure, the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter is a historic and vibrant area in Birmingham with a rich and diverse history.

The Jewellery Quarter’s history with industrialism goas as far back as the early 16th century, with Roger Pemberton establishing one of the first (of many ) jewellery shops in the city. The city and the area within it have been recognised as one of the pioneers of many major technological advancements, with the Industrial Revolution playing a key role in the importance of this area.

The growing prominence of Birmingham in the Industrial Revolution meant more and more workers from all over the country started moving to the city and its suburbs. Most workers started manufacturing metal toys, buttons and pins and by 1780 there were 28 jewellers in the city. This number grew to 400 by 1800, as the demand increased, and by 1850 half of the jewellery sold in London were produced in the Jewellery Quarter.

Today, the Jewellery Quarter is one of the most vibrant areas in Birmingham and it is still the UK’s centre for jewellery. With over 800 businesses – including specialist retailers and contemporary designers, you can browse for classic and antique pieces, beautifully hand-crafted and vintage jewellery, and some exclusive bargains. In between bargain hunting, you can enjoy a refreshing break in one of the many cafes, bars and restaurants or discover more about the area by visiting our various museums and galleries.

Whatever takes your fancy, the Jewellery Quarter has something fascinating to offer everyone. Take a look at our full listings of retailers based in the Quarter or find out more information about opening times and travel.

In this section, you can discover the many historic attractions in the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter, such as:

Birmingham Assay Office 

The Birmingham Assay Office was founded in 1773 and is one of the four assay offices in the UK, testing and hallmarking precious metal items. It has been the centre of independent jewellery assessment for nearly 250 years

Chamberlain Clock

The Chamberlain Clock is an Edwardian clock tower erected in 1903 in honour of Joseph Chamberlain’s tour of South Africa. It has now become a local landmark and one of the most distinctive symbols of the Quarter.

St. Paul’s Church and Square

St Paul’s Square is the last remaining Georgian square in Birmingham, named after the Grade I listed church in its centre. The church was constructed in 1779 and it was the church of early manufacturers and merchants.

The Golden Square

The Golden Square is one component of Birmingham City Council’s Big City Plan. The square is a combination of three spaces, drawing on the heritage and craft associations of the Quarter.

The Jam House

The Jam House is one of the best live music venues in the city and it occupies an extraordinary historic Georgian building.

The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter

If you are looking to find out everything there is to know about the Jewellery Quarter, the museum dedicated to the area is a must-visit. Built around a perfectly preserved workshop, it offers a unique glimpse of craftsmanship in the Jewellery Quarter.

The RBSA

The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists is an artist-led charity. The Society owns and runs its own exhibition venue and admission is free of charge.

The School of Jewellery

The School of Jewellery is internationally renowned and is the largest in Europe. The School was funded in 1890 and offers students maximum industry exposure before graduation.

Warstone Lane and Key Hill Cemeteries

Warstone Lane and Key Hill Cemeteries are Grade II listing cemeteries and they are the resting places for many notable figures. A major feature of Warstone Lane Cemetry is its catacombs. Formerly open to the public they are now sealed for safety reasons.

What are you waiting for? Visit Birmingham’s Hidden Gem!