The Jewellery Quarter is gearing up to host an exciting global panel of experts from the World Craft Council as it enters the final stages of its bid for World Craft City status. Judges from all corners of the globe will start their evaluation visit in Birmingham on Monday 7th April to assess the Jewellery Quarter’s world-renowned craft in jewellery and precious metalwork.

The upcoming visit will bring together a distinguished group of international experts, artisans, and industry leaders to evaluate the city’s exceptional contribution to jewellery-making, goldsmithing, silversmithing, and allied trades. This comes after a rigorous application process, which has seen Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter highlight its rich history, ongoing innovation, and commitment to sustainability within the craft sector.

The panel will be hosted by key local institutions including Birmingham City University’s (BCU) prestigious School of Jewellery, which has long been at the heart of the city's craft tradition. The Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT) is playing a central role in coordinating the event, and is supported by Birmingham City Council, the Goldsmiths’ Company, and a number of local organisations and stakeholders.

Cllr Saima Suleman, Cabinet Member for Digital, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, said:

“The innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of the Jewellery Quarter has defined Birmingham’s role since the Industrial Revolution, and we are immensely proud that it continues to thrive as a key part of our city’s economy. The area remains a hub of creativity and craft, where over 600 businesses continue to blend traditional skills in jewellery, silver- and goldsmithing with contemporary design. I am delighted to be supporting their bid to become a World Craft City, which offers the potential for the Jewellery Quarter to showcase their great work and receive well deserved recognition."

The event will include tours, workshops, and a series of presentations showcasing the breadth of talent in the Jewellery Quarter. Highlights will include a presentation by Matthew Bott, Chair of JQDT, on why the area deserves to be recognised as a World Craft City, alongside talks from notable figures such as Lee Lapthorne, Head of College at BCU’s School of Jewellery, and Lord Lieutenant Derrick Anderson. The judges will also visit historic manufacturer Thomas Fattorini, attend a reception hosted by the Lord Mayor, and hear about the vital support the bid has received from both the British Allied Trades Federation and the National Association of Jewellers.

We are thrilled to welcome this esteemed panel to Birmingham, and we believe the Jewellery Quarter’s creativity and craftsmanship are deserving of international recognition.

Matthew Bott, Chair, Jewellery Quarter Development Trust.


He continued: "This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the ongoing work of our businesses, from silversmiths to jewellery designers, and to demonstrate how the Jewellery Quarter continues to shape the future of the craft."

The panel will also visit a variety of exhibitions, including the School of Jewellery’s Artist in Residence Exhibition, the Graduate Work Showcase, and Silversmiths in Focus – a display featuring work by local alumni. Other highlights include lunch and a talk in the Birmingham Assay Office’s historic Silver Room, as well as a visit to the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, offering further insight into the area's rich heritage and thriving craft community.

Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba said: 

“When my University talks of being Rooted in Birmingham, it’s our presence in the Jewellery Quarter which often first springs to mind. We are immensely proud to be situated at the heart of the UK’s jewellery industry, and I know the young people learning skills in our historic Vittoria Street home are always well placed to make a huge impact in the future of craft.
 
“Achieving World Craft City status would shine a deserved light on our burgeoning talent.”

The World Craft City status is a prestigious accolade awarded to cities that excel in craftsmanship, promoting cultural exchange and creative industries. It will place Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter on the global stage as a beacon of high-quality craft, bringing new opportunities to the area and enhancing its reputation worldwide.

The judging panel will include international experts in jewellery, metalwork, and design, as well as key leaders from the creative industries, ensuring that the assessment is thorough and comprehensive. This event marks one of the final milestones in Birmingham’s journey to secure World Craft City status, with a decision anticipated later this year.

For more information about the World Craft City application or the upcoming judging event, please contact: Matthew Bott, matthew.bott@scantechdigital.com.