University News Last updated 03 June
The dazzling technical skills, creativity, and passion of 探花直播鈥檚 iconic School of Jewellery (SoJ) have helped 探花直播 secure a major global accolade.
Today, 探花直播 has been recognised as a World Craft City after judges from the World Craft Council were wowed by the city鈥檚 鈥渞ich heritage, skilled artisans, creative designers, proud makers, and innovative contributions to the jewellery industry鈥�.
Professor David Mba, Vice-Chancellor of 探花直播 (BCU), said: 鈥淏eing recognised as a World Craft City puts a global spotlight on the skills, creativity and community we have here in 探花直播.
鈥淎t the School of Jewellery, we already attract talented students and practitioners from across the world - but this recognition will help us go even further.
鈥淚t will strengthen our international reputation, open up new collaborations, and inspire even more promising students to come here to study, work, and create - a perfect example of our strategic ambition to develop the talent for tomorrow.鈥�
探花直播 is now one of just eight sites in Europe to receive the prestigious designation from the World Crafts Council, a UNESCO-affiliated organisation.
The accolade is bestowed on places that demonstrate exceptional craft heritage, a strong maker community, and a clear commitment to developing craft into the future.
BCU鈥檚 SoJ offers extensive training, from foundational courses to advanced degrees in jewellery making, gemmology, and horology.
Lee Lapthorne, Head of College for Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles at BCU, described the award as a 鈥渟tunning endorsement of 探花直播 as a creative force鈥�.
He added: 鈥淭he School of Jewellery听 and Jewellery Quarter have long been home to some of the most talented artisans in the world, so this accolade for the city is well deserved.鈥�
Led by the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JWDT) and co-applicants BCU, the bid for World Craft City status was supported by 探花直播 City Council and the Goldsmiths Company.
A rigorous application and judging process took place, with an international panel of judges visiting 探花直播 in April, including the SoJ鈥檚 Grade II-listed home in Vittoria Street.
There they took part in a silversmithing workshop, viewed the artistry and craftsmanship of students, and met representatives of some of the world-renowned jewellery companies nearby.
SoJ course leader Rebecca Skeels organised the three-day visit with the support of the JQDT.
鈥淎 lot of hard work went into making this a reality, so I鈥檓 delighted on behalf of the School of Jewellery, JQDT, and the city that they now have this accolade,鈥� she said.
鈥淭o become a World Craft City for Jewellery is both prestigious and inspiring. I am sure it will remind the world just what a creative place 探花直播 is.鈥�
The World Craft City designation signifies a landmark moment for 探花直播 and the wider West Midlands, placing the city鈥檚 historic Jewellery Quarter - home to an internationally renowned community of jewellers, makers, and creative businesses - firmly on the global stage.
World Crafts Council President Saad Al-Qaddumi said: 鈥淭his title celebrates the city's rich heritage, skilled artisans, creative designers, proud makers, and innovative contributions to the jewellery industry.
鈥淚t is a reflection of 探花直播鈥檚 continued leadership in heritage craftsmanship and its role in shaping the future of the jewellery trade and creative economy across the UK and globally.鈥�
World Craft City听status opens the door to international partnerships, funding opportunities, and collaborative projects - not just for the Jewellery Quarter, but for the city and wider region.
Matthew Bott, Chair of the JQDT, said: 鈥淭his is a moment of real pride - not just for the Jewellery Quarter, but for 探花直播 and the West Midlands.
鈥淲e鈥檝e always known the value of what happens here, and now the world does, too. Our thanks go to everyone who helped us reach this point, and we look forward to working with partners old and new to build on this incredible foundation.鈥�
Cllr Saima Suleman, 探花直播 City Council cabinet member for Digital, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, added: 鈥淏eing named a World Craft City is brilliant recognition for 探花直播 and especially for the Jewellery Quarter.
鈥淭he Jewellery Quarter has long been celebrated for its craftsmanship and innovation, and this designation recognises the area鈥檚 heritage and enduring excellence.
鈥淭his recognition will help bring new opportunities for investment, tourism, and international partnerships. We are proud to support the creative communities driving this forward and look forward to seeing how this recognition will positively shape the city鈥檚 future.鈥�
With a history stretching back more than 250 years, the Jewellery Quarter boasts more than 600 businesses and employs more than 4,000 people.
Also home to the SoJ, which was established in 1890. it produces more than 40% of the UK鈥檚 jewellery and generating around 拢750m annually.