Exciting news for Birmingham. Our city has just been recognised as a World Craft City by the World Crafts Council, joining global craft hubs like Kyoto and Jaipur. This prestigious status celebrates the exceptional skills, creativity and heritage at the heart of Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.
At Cooksongold, we’re especially proud to have played a part in making it happen. When the judges from the World Crafts Council visited, they stopped by our site to see how traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation play a part in jewellery making today.
“It was an honour to host the judges and show how traditional techniques and innovation go hand in hand here at Cooksongold,” said Andrew Gilchrist, our Head of Innovation. “We’re proud to be part of a thriving creative community that keeps pushing jewellery forward.”
From our use of recycled precious metals and manufacturing techniques to our range of customisation services, we showed how Birmingham’s jewellery industry is constantly evolving and how we help them bring their designs to life.
This recognition is about a whole community of makers, businesses and educators working together. During their visit, the judges explored Birmingham’s Assay Office, the historic Coffin Works and the incredible School of Jewellery at Birmingham City University. Everywhere they went showed the Jewellery Quarter as a place where craft, culture and creativity thrive.
Being named a World Craft City opens doors to new funding, international collaborations and cultural exchange, opportunities that can help everyone in Birmingham’s industry jewellery and connect with new audiences around the world.
As part of this exciting milestone, Birmingham will launch the Birmingham Jewellery Biennial, the UK’s jewellery festival, featuring open studios, heritage tours, fairs and a flagship exhibition. It’ll be a chance for everyone to see the incredible talent that’s earned Birmingham its World Craft City status.
We’re thrilled to be part of this exciting future and to keep supporting jewellers, students and creative businesses as they make their mark on the jewellery industry.
To find out more about our range of customisation services visit: cooksongold.com/customisation
To find out more about the Birmingham Jewellery Biennial and how to get involved:
www.birminghamjewellerybiennial.com
Sian Brown
Sian has been hand making her award winning jewellery in the West Midlands for over 12 years. Sian spent 10 years in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter before relocating to a quiet Worcestershire village.