Explore the JQ & Learn More

Gold and silversmiths have been working in this part of Birmingham for more than 200 years from the late 1700’s onwards. The expertise in jewellery grew out of the “toy” trade – buttons, buckles and other small metal objects. Each specialist skill or process was dependent on its neighbours to complete the finished product. The industry reached its peak in the early 1900’s with approximately 70,000 people employed locally. For most of its history the Jewellery Quarter was a closed community of wholesalers. There were no jewellery shops for customers until the economic downturn of the 1970’s which prompted manufacturers to sell directly to consumers.

In the last 10 years the area has undergone a radical transformation as more and more creative studios have made use of vacant properties. Independent businesses have moved in including stylists, cafes and restaurants to serve the local office workers and residents who are growing in population.