Birmingham has been awarded World Craft City status today thanks to its deep-rooted heritage in the jewellery trade, making it one of just eight cities in Europe to receive the prestigious title from the World Crafts Council.
Led by the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT) and co-applicants Birmingham City University, a bid for World Craft City status was supported by Birmingham City Council and the Goldsmiths’ Company and submitted in October 2024.
A rigorous application and judging process took place, with an international panel of judges visiting Birmingham in April 2025.
During the judging visit, the international panel visited the iconic School of Jewellery at Birmingham City University – established in 1890 and housed in a stunning Grade II-listed building on Vittoria Street – where they took part in a silversmithing workshop, viewed the artistry and craftsmanship of current students, and attended a special presentation delivered by BCU staff, the Lord Lieutenant of the West Midlands Derrick Anderson CBE, and representatives from world-renowned local jewellery firms.
Elsewhere in the Jewellery Quarter, judges stopped at the Birmingham Assay Office, Cooksongold, and the historic Coffin Works. Across the three-day visit, dozens of businesses, institutions and individuals came together to demonstrate the area’s exceptional craft culture and its commitment to both preserving and evolving traditional skills.
Matthew Bott, chair of the JQDT, said: “This is a moment of real pride – not just for the Jewellery Quarter, but for Birmingham and the West Midlands. We’ve always known the value of what happens here, and now the world does, too. Our thanks go to everyone who helped us reach this point, and we look forward to working with partners old and new to build on this incredible foundation.”
Home to over 700 jewellers and independent retailers, a thriving food and drink scene and an area steeped in incredible history, the Jewellery Quarter is one of the UK’s most unique destinations. The Company of Master Jewellers recently organised an exclusive membership tour of Hockley Mint and the Birmingham Assay Office and works closely with many of the manufacturers, designers, makers, suppliers and retailers in the Jewellery Quarter.
