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School of Jewellery. Birmingham City University

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Published: 09.05.2024
School of Jewellery. Birmingham City University.
Management:
Lee Lapthorne
.

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Intro
On November 4, 1889, the Birmingham Jewellery and Silversmiths Association (now the British Jewellers Association) held an historical meeting attended by representatives from the principal jewellery and silverware manufacturing companies. The purpose was to discuss setting up an exclusive school for the jewellery making industry. The Association achieved its objective and a new school opened in the factory building at 84 Vittoria Street, which it still occupies, on September 18, 1890.
Our internationally renowned School of Jewellery is the largest in Europe, with facilities and expertise to develop your career in this exciting specialist sector.

The School was founded in 1890 and is now located over three sites, Vittoria Street, St. Paul's Square and Carver Street, in the heart of Birmingham’s famous Jewellery Quarter. The Vittoria Street building’s historical facade conceals a contemporary award-winning environment that includes multiple workshops, a basement machine workshop and stores, a specialist Technology Hub, an atrium gallery and exhibition space. The Carver Street building is home to the Birmingham Assay Office and also houses our Gemmology and Jewellery studies undergraduate and postgraduate students, whilst the St. Pauls

We cover all aspects of jewellery, silversmithing, horology, gemmology and business management working with a wide variety of materials including precious and non-precious metals, gemstones, plastics, textiles, wood and other experimental materials. Our students also benefit from an enviable range of cutting-edge equipment and technology used in today’s industry including electroforming, CAD/CAM 3D printing and cutting, to name but a few. 

Courses
- Foundation year for our BA (Hons) Jewellery and Objects; Horology and BSc Gemmology and Jewellery Studies.
- BSc (Hons) Gemmology and Jewellery Studies
- BA (Hons) Jewellery and Objects
- BA (Hons) Horology
- BA (Hons) Jewellery and Silversmithing – Design for Industry (Level 6/Top Up)
- HND Jewellery and Silversmithing
- Graduate Diploma Jewellery and Related Products
- MSc Gemmology
- MA Jewellery and Related Products
- PhD Art and Design

Course Directors
- Nuala Clooney - Course Director for Foundation in Gemmology, Horology and Jewellery
- Rebecca Skeels - Course Director for BA Honours Jewellery and Objects.
- Andrew Fellows - Course Director for BSc for Gemmology and Jewellery Studies.
- Jaq Prendergast - Course Director for BA Honours Horology.
- Katy Tromans - Course Director for BA (top up) Design for Industry.
- Beaulagh Brooks - Course Director for Graduate Diploma in Jewellery and Related Products.
- Iona McCuaig - Course Director for MA Jewellery and Related Products.
- Miranda Wells - Course Director for MSc for Gemmology and Jewellery Studies.
- Katy Tromans - Course Director for HnD Jewellery and Silversmithing.


History:
On November 4, 1889, the Birmingham Jewellery and Silversmiths Association (now the British Jewellers Association) held a historical meeting attended by representatives from the principal jewellery and silverware manufacturing companies. A new school opened on September 18.

In 1995, an extensive building and refurbishment programme was completed, creating the largest teaching institution for the specialisation in Europe. Another major aspect of the School – the Jewellery Industry Innovation Centre – opened in 1997.
In 2016 we opened our Gemmology Department on the site of the Birmingham Assay Office, followed by a visit by HRH The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall later that year.

We celebrated our 130 anniversary in 2020 and are an important part of the Faculty of Art, Design and Media.
Our Vittoria Street gallery holds exciting exhibitions and events to showcase the successes of our students and alumni, so watch this space...

Events
The School of Jewellery showcases undergraduate work in the annual Inspired Festival in June, and postgraduate work in September every year. The school team also take the opportunity to showcase the work of their students, staff, alumni and Artists in Residence at local, national and international events and exhibitions such as e l, New Designers London, The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair in Manchester, the Paris Couture Jewellery Fashion Week with Precious Rooms. And as part of the annual Birmingham Jewellery Quarter Festival.

The School uses its own exhibition spaces to showcase touring shows, presentations, talks and one-off exhibitions and displays. This allows staff and students to engage with the objects, meet artists and practitioners, and allow curators, makers and exhibitors to showcase their projects and work in a wonderful space that can be open to the public.
 

Events      View / hide events

2024:
Exhibition  26 Jun 2024 - 29 Jun 2024  New Designers. Championing the Future of Design Since 1985.
New Designers is an annual London showcase of the UK's most innovative emerging design talent. Since its inception 39 years ago, New Designers has provided a platform for over 3,000 graduates every year to present their visionary ideas to industry professionals and the public. The event takes place over two weeks, with different disciplines highlighted in Week 1 and Week 2, spanning fashion, textiles, furniture, product design, illustration, and more.
Exhibition  25 Jun 2024 - 26 Jun 2024  Precious Rooms by Muriel Piaser.
The meeting place for Fine Jewellery and High end Jewellery Designers, Precious Rooms is a new concept for the most exclusive and intimate meeting point for the fashion and jewellery market in Paris.
Students from the College of Jewellery, Fashion & Textiles.
BA Design for Industry
BA Jewellery & Object
HND Jewellery & Silversmithing
Exhibition  10 Jun 2024 - 14 Jun 2024  Inspired Graduate Exhibition, which is held at the School of Jewellery.
You are welcome to visit the exhibition during the following opening times:
Monday 10th June 10.00 – 6.00pm
Tuesday 11th June 10.00 – 6.00pm
Wednesday 12th June 10.00 – 6.00pm
Thursday 13th June 10.00 – 4.00pm
Friday 14th June 10 – 6.00pm
Vittoria Street Gallery - School of Jewellery 
82 - 86 Vittoria Street B1 3PA
Exhibition  10 Jun 2024 - 14 Jun 2024  VIP School of Jewellery, Graduate Showcase Industry Evening.
Our Industry event welcomes our special guests including our industry partners, trade sponsors and friends of the School. We welcome your colleagues and business partners to join us at this special event too.
Fair  09 May 2024 - 20 May 2024  Slovenian Jewelry Week 2024.
2020:
Exhibition  06 May 2020 - 12 May 2020  A Celebration of International Women's Day.
Exhibition  13 Feb 2020 - 14 Mar 2020  Voyagers.
2019:
Exhibition  14 Oct 2019 - 01 Nov 2019  Space. Craft by Stephen Bottomley.
Exhibition  03 Sep 2019 - 09 Sep 2019  Birmingham City School of Jewellery. MA Degree Show 2019.
Open call  31 Jul 2019 - 09 Sep 2019  Open Call for Lecturer/Senior Lecturer at School of Jewellery.
Open call  16 Apr 2019 - 15 Jun 2019  Open Call for 2019 Beijing International Jewelry Art Exhibition.
Exhibition  05 Apr 2019 - 09 Apr 2019  Beautiful Darkness.
Exhibition  14 Mar 2019 - 17 Mar 2019  Animal/Vegetable/Mineral by Jillian Moore.
Exhibition  14 Mar 2019 - 17 Mar 2019  Qualia by Toni Mayner.
Exhibition  14 Mar 2019 - 17 Mar 2019  Numinous by Drew Markou and Bridie Lander.
Exhibition  14 Mar 2019 - 16 Mar 2019  Echoes of an Echo.
Exhibition  21 Feb 2019 - 17 Mar 2019  FERROcity. A contemporary exhibition of iron in the city.
Exhibition  04 Feb 2019 - 01 Mar 2019  A Waste Land by Dan Russell and Dauvit Alexander.
2018:
Exhibition  04 Sep 2018 - 09 Sep 2018  Birmingham City School of Jewellery. MA Degree Show 2018.
Open call  02 May 2018 - 01 Jun 2018  Position at School of Jewellery for Artist in Residence 2018.
Meeting  26 Apr 2018 - 29 Apr 2018  Melting Point 2018.
Exhibition  19 Mar 2018 - 13 Apr 2018  Subterranea.
Exhibition  07 Mar 2018 - 11 Mar 2018  Like a Rolling Stone.
Exhibition  26 Feb 2018 - 12 Mar 2018  In the Loupe2.
Exhibition  08 Jan 2018 - 16 Feb 2018  Rationed by Jo Pond.
2017:
Meeting  29 Nov 2017 - 29 Nov 2017  Rethinking Domestic Design.
Exhibition  27 Nov 2017 - 15 Dec 2017  Ambiguous Implements Exhibition.
Meeting  15 Sep 2017 - 16 Sep 2017  Canadian Craft Biennial Symposium 2017.
Exhibition  02 Sep 2017 - 10 Sep 2017  Birmingham City School of Jewellery. MA Degree Show 2017.
Open call  03 Jul 2017 - 31 Jul 2017  Position for a Lecturer in Gemmology at the School of Jeweller.
2016:
Meeting  17 Mar 2016 - 17 Mar 2016  Beyond Jewellery. Performing the Body.
Exhibition  22 Feb 2016 - 01 Apr 2016  flockOmania2.
2015:
Open call  11 Dec 2015 - 04 Jan 2016  Position for a Senior Lecturer in Jewellery / Course Leader.
Open call  01 Dec 2015 - 08 Jan 2016  Beyond Jewellery: Performing the Body - Call for Papers.
Exhibition  09 Nov 2015 - 27 Nov 2015  Junk: rubbish to gold.
Fundraising  16 Jun 2015 - 15 Jul 2015  JUNK - Rubbish to Gold: kickstarter campaign.
2013:
Exhibition  10 Jun 2013 - 15 Jun 2013  Graduate Show: Tinker, Treasure, Jewellery Pleasure.
2012:
Exhibition  12 Mar 2012 - 30 Mar 2012  Diamond Jubilee Exhibition 2012.
2010:
Exhibition  13 Sep 2010 - 22 Sep 2010  Making Treasure.
2009:
Exhibition  08 Sep 2009 - 24 Sep 2009  Life's a Bench.
Exhibition  13 Mar 2009 - 16 Mar 2009  48 weeks...later.
2008:
Workshop  14 Jul 2008 - 18 Jul 2008  New Starts: From Start to a new Start.
Exhibition  29 Feb 2008 - 02 Mar 2008  JAMES: Jewellery and metal Enquiry show.

Publications      View / hide publications

Catalogue:  Graduate Catalogue 2020. School of Jewellery. Birmingham City University:  Birmingham,  2020
Book:  Like a Rolling Stone. Bottomley, StephenBirmingham City University:  Birmingham,  2018
Paper Piece by Ruwei Liu; Graduate Diploma in Jewellery and Related Products (2023)..
Paper Piece by Ruwei Liu; Graduate Diploma in Jewellery and Related Products (2023).

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Andrew Hyatt. Sculpture: Time Piece, 2023. Brass. . Photo by: Ed Tritton. BA Horology. . Andrew Hyatt
Sculpture: Time Piece, 2023
Brass. 
Photo by: Ed Tritton
BA Horology. 
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Oscar Glenister. Sculpture: Untitled, 2023. Brass and gems. . Photo by: Ed Tritton. Higher National Diploma. . Oscar Glenister
Sculpture: Untitled, 2023
Brass and gems. 
Photo by: Ed Tritton
Higher National Diploma. 
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Hanyi Feng. Vessel: Vessels, 2023. Silver, base metal and plate. . MA Jewellery and Related Products. Hanyi Feng
Vessel: Vessels, 2023
Silver, base metal and plate. 
MA Jewellery and Related Products
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Workshop Image of Foundation in Jewellery, Gemmology and Horology..
Workshop Image of Foundation in Jewellery, Gemmology and Horology.

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Siying Chen. Brooch: Untitled, 2023. Silver. . Photo by: Ed Tritton. BA Jewellery and Objects. . Siying Chen
Brooch: Untitled, 2023
Silver. 
Photo by: Ed Tritton
BA Jewellery and Objects. 
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Rings by Design for Industry Students. BA Jewellery and Silversmithing top up year Design for Industry. CAD Design Ring commission (2023).
. Made from a mix of metals and gems, Photo by Ed Tritton. .
Rings by Design for Industry Students. BA Jewellery and Silversmithing top up year Design for Industry. CAD Design Ring commission (2023).
Made from a mix of metals and gems, Photo by Ed Tritton. 

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Lab image. .
Lab image. 

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Lab image of BSc Gemmology and Jewellery Studies - Victor diamond grading..
Lab image of BSc Gemmology and Jewellery Studies - Victor diamond grading.

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Xingxing Yu 2019, MA Jewellery and Related Products..
Xingxing Yu 2019, MA Jewellery and Related Products.

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‘Inspired’, the Birmingham Institute of Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles..
‘Inspired’, the Birmingham Institute of Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles.

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BCU Inspired 2021

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Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship and Design Awards College Trophy 2020. Photo: GCDC..
Goldsmiths’ Craftsmanship and Design Awards College Trophy 2020. Photo: GCDC.

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Professor Stephen Bottomley, Head of Institute, receiving the 2020 Trophy. Photo: Goldsmiths’ Hall.
.  .
Professor Stephen Bottomley, Head of Institute, receiving the 2020 Trophy. Photo: Goldsmiths’ Hall.
 

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The School of Jewellery Iconic buildings in the heritage Birmingham Jewellery Quarter. Photo: BCU marketing..
The School of Jewellery Iconic buildings in the heritage Birmingham Jewellery Quarter. Photo: BCU marketing.

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BA (Hons) International Jewellery Business. Students at Vincenzaoro..
BA (Hons) International Jewellery Business. Students at Vincenzaoro.

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The interior of the School of Jewellery's Vittoria Street home..
The interior of the School of Jewellery's Vittoria Street home.

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Assay Office Building..
Assay Office Building.

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HND Jewellery and Silversmithing.
. Work by Meehan Chloe..
HND Jewellery and Silversmithing.
Work by Meehan Chloe.

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BA (Hons) Jewellery and Objects.
. Work by Danielle Laurent..
BA (Hons) Jewellery and Objects.
Work by Danielle Laurent.

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BA (Hons) Jewellery and Silversmithing - Design for Industry.
. Work by Aaron Cumbers..
BA (Hons) Jewellery and Silversmithing - Design for Industry.
Work by Aaron Cumbers.

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BA (Hons) Horology.
. Work by Chris Booth..
BA (Hons) Horology.
Work by Chris Booth.

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