The Jewellery Quarter - Birmingham’s glittering gem

Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter is a prime producer of beautifully crafted jewellery, has a history stretching back over hundreds of years and its workshops currently produce around 40% of the UK’s annual jewellery output.

The home of over 300 jewellery related businesses and more than 100 specialist jewellery retail outlets, the Jewellery Quarter is the perfect place to find unique readymade pieces, commission your own bespoke jewellery or just to marvel at the glitz on show.

Of course the Jewellery Quarter is the home of Marlow the diamond specialists - and what better place for this prestigious retailer to have set up its retail store?

The history of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter

Precious metal working has taken place in Birmingham since the 14th Century; but when the exiled King Charles II returned to England after the Civil War in 1660 he brought with him French tastes in buttons, buckles and jewels, which caused establishment of a colony of artisans and metal workers.

The Jewellery Quarter saw rapid development in subsequent centuries - workers in the modest terraces built workshops and developed their skills - this pool of expertise created a thriving industry - so much so that large local houses were built on profits gleaned from trade in jewellery.

Matthew Boulton, the famous industrialist, played a key role with his Soho Manufactory and his successful undertaking to establish Birmingham’s very famous Assay Office.

During the 19th Century the fashion for elegant jewellery caused a sales boom in the Jewellery Quarter. By the early 20th century over 30,000 people were employed in the manufacture of jewellery, and as many again in supporting trades. By the late 1900s shops began opening within the Jewellery Quarter itself for the sale of local wares - the Jewellery Quarter as we know it was born.

The Museum of the Jewellery Quarter

As such a historic area, no trip to Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter is complete without a visit to the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, which was recently voted in the top 3 free attractions in Europe alongside the famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Visitors are guided round a real jewellery factory, little changed since it was founded by the Smith and Pepper Company in 1899. See their tools and a demonstration of how they were used, and learn about the Jewellery Quarter in a new exhibition tracking 200 years of its history.

The Earth’s Riches’ gallery showcases jewellery made from material found in the natural world, from whale’s teeth and coral, to diamonds and platinum. A range of original jewellery by local designers is sold through the museum shop, as well as a wide variety of gifts and books.

What else has the Jewellery Quarter got to offer?

The local Marketing Initiative’s motto is, “our customer is our most precious asset”, and you’ll certainly feel special when you visit Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.

Shopping is just one of the activities you can enjoy - galleries, museums and historic trails are amongst the other attractions, and the area is scattered with public sculptures, reflecting the creative identity of the Jewellery Quarter.

You’ll also find over 30 restaurants to tickle your taste buds.  Whether you love Italian, Indian, Mediterranean, Tapas or Chinese cuisine, the Jewellery Quarter has a superb dining experience waiting for you. If after sampling some of the area’s gastronomic delights you fancy painting the town red or just want a traditional pint in a pub the Quarter also boasts nightclubs and bars galore.

Choosing a wedding ring is a big decision so if you need to sleep on it, there is a Holiday Inn Express on Lionel Street and a Hatters Hostel on Livery Street.  Just a few minutes away from the Quarter is the Hotel du Vin on Church Street and the Radisson SAS by Holloway Circus.
 

A centre for wedding belles...

Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter is the UKs number 1 jewellery destination, so it’s no surprise that many couples take a trip there to choose rings for their special day.

The perfect place to buy or commission beautiful wedding jewellery, the Jewellery Quarter is also a beautiful place to tie the knot - you’ll find florists, photographers and wedding related shops where you can plan and purchase everything you’ll need to make your big day truly memorable.

You can even get married there - the Jewellers Church of St Paul’s in Birmingham’s last remaining Georgian square and the historic Soho House are sunning venues for a ceremony, and as for the reception there are many suitable venues including the Art Galleries and local restaurants and bars.

Marlow... it’s a must!

The Marlow family have been trading in the historic Jewellery Quarter for three generations, and as one of the founding manufacturers and retailers in the area, a natural progression was to become leading certificated diamond specialists.

Marlow’s have incredible stocks of GIA and IGI certificated stones with every colour, cut, clarity and carat catered for. Find affordable luxury and exceptional choice - Marlow’s source prestigious jewels from across the globe and work in 18ct Yellow Gold, 18ct White Gold and Platinum.

Their gemmologists, diamond graders and designers strive to provide both ready to wear and bespoke services to you and are more than happy to discuss your requirements to produce a jewel you’ll treasure forever. They can engrave your jewellery too making it even more special.

In the comfort of their showroom or from home by visiting their online store, you’ll learn about and witness the true beauty of nature’s most enduring gift -the diamond.

Why wait to visit the Jewellery Quarter?

There’s so much to do and so many stunning jewels to see in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter - all that’s missing is you! Visit to enjoy all the delights of the Jewellery Quarter and of course to experience the unique vibe Birmingham, one of the UK’s biggest and most diverse cities, has to offer.