Birmingham Jewellery Quarter: World Craft City Status
Birmingham has earned world Craft City status, solidifying its place as a global leader in jewelry making.The judges, including the World Crafts Council President, celebrated Birmingham’s rich heritage and skilled artisans in the Jewellery Quarter. This prestigious recognition places the historic district on the world stage, alongside just seven other European cities. Discover the legacy of over 200 years of manufacturing excellence within the primary_keyword, as an international judging panel toured key sites like the School of Jewellery to assess the bid. the secondary_keyword, the Jewellery Quarter, continues to attract investment and tourism. News Directory 3 covered the story, providing an in-depth look at what’s next for this thriving hub. Discover what’s next for Birmingham’s crafts.
Birmingham Awarded World Craft City Status for Jewellery
Updated June 03, 2025
Birmingham’s status as a global hub for jewellery making has been solidified with the awarding of World Craft City
status. The World Crafts Council President, Saad Al-Qaddumi, lauded the city’s “rich heritage, skilled artisans,
creative designers, proud makers, and innovative contributions to the jewellery industry.”
Birmingham joins just seven other European cities, including Stoke-on-Trent, which earned the title last year for
its pottery. The Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT) hailed the award as a “landmark moment” for the city
and the West Midlands, placing Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter on the world stage.
Located near the city center, Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter has been a manufacturing center for over two centuries.
Shops began appearing in the 1970s as manufacturers started selling directly to customers.
An international judging panel assessed Birmingham’s bid for World Craft City status with a visit to the School of
Jewellery,established in 1890. The panel participated in a silversmithing workshop and observed the artistry of
current students. The judges also toured the birmingham Assay Office, Cooksongold, and the historic coffin Works.
What’s next
The world Craft City designation is expected to boost Birmingham’s profile as a center for jewellery design and
manufacturing, attracting investment and tourism to the Jewellery Quarter.