Our inspirational, award-winning School of Jewellery is the perfect place to undertake a jewellery related course, but other than that, what makes Birmingham so special, and why should you choose to study your degree here?
You’ll be situated in the historical Jewellery Quarter
Our School of Jewellery is based in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter, a unique and historical area of Birmingham that produces 40 per cent of all jewellery made in the UK. The Jewellery Quarter has a rich history behind it, with gold and silversmiths having worked there for over 200 years.
The area is filled with jewellery shops, museums, and plenty more things to see and do. Some of our top picks are J.W. Evans Silver Factory, Museum of the Jewellery Quarter and Jewellery Quarter Heritage Trail.
As well as our state-of-the-art facilities, everything you need to learn your craft is situated right on your doorstep, from 3D print studios, retailers, casting houses, polishers and more. Not to mention our School of Jewellery is the largest in Europe – with all this, you’re sure to be set up for a promising career!
We’ve got impressive industry links and alumni
Being a top producer of jewellery and situated in a prime location, it’s no wonder we have such great links with businesses and individuals, and our alumni go on to work with some well-known brands and individuals. Our alumni have worked with:
- Cartier
- Lady Mayoress of London
- Chatsworth House
- Topshop
- Swatch
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Not only have our previous students gone on to work with big brands, but some of them have also started their own businesses, won prestigious awards, and more.
- Keith Scobie-Youngs set up Cumbria Clock Company, who went on to work on the Big Ben restorations.
- Barickeh Koroma is the managing director at the West African Gem Academy.
- Karen McKinley is a self-employed jewellery designer and tutor
The School of Jewellery is home to BBC show ‘All That Glitters’
In 2021, BBC Two released the first season of jewellery making competition, All That Glitters, hosted by Katherine Ryan. You might not know that the show was filmed at our very own School of Jewellery, and it’s no wonder, with it being a multi-award-winning complex that houses state-of-the-art equipment.
With the show now having concluded it's second season, you don’t want to miss your chance to be right in the heart of the action and study in the same location that the show is filmed at!
You can catch up on All That Glitters season 1 on BBC iPlayer.
Participate in and attend industry events
Birmingham is home to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) amongst other venues that host a plethora of unique jewellery events. The Jewellery and Watch show is held at the NEC annually, with an estimated 350 exhibitors and 17,000 visitors each year.
Birmingham also loves showcasing independent makers, with regular events such as Craft and Flea held at The Custard Factory in Digbeth, and Red Brick Market which is open seven days a week and is home to a handful of independent jewellery brands. Other than this, we’ve had plenty of one-off, special events, including a visit from HRH The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall to our School of Jewellery.
