After 3 years opening our studios and workshops in the summer and inviting you to “come see what we do” this year we are opening in a smaller way for the winter. Its cold in studios in winter so many of us will be clubbing together and opening in a communal space so that it is warm for us and for our visitors.

The Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham still makes 40% of the jewellery for Europe, we have an assay office, large scale manufacturers, small family businesses and a whole lot of micros. Its this unique mix of trades and skills that encourage makers to set up here. I am a tapestry maker and designer but I have fantastic chats and get advice from many of the engravers on my street because we have fine detail in common. Its rare to find somewhere where you can walk across the road knock on a door and find a wealth of craftspeople working away.

For jewellery designer makers it is a fantastic place to be as the help and skills you need are literally round the corner. When you think of a handmade piece of jewellery you imagine one person doing all of the making, this could not be further from the truth as a claw set engagement ring will have passed through the hands of a designer, setter, polisher, chrome to name the barest few.

Jewellery Quarter Open Studios will see makers in metal, leather, wool, upcycling, make-up (yep Joan Collins personal make up artist is right here!), printers, fine artists and furniture makers all opening their doors and inviting you in.

Buy direct from the makers in the place where it was made.

Follow us on @jqopenstudios twitter, www.jqopenstudios.wordpress.com and JQ Open Studios on Instagram.

Jewellery Quarter Winter Open Studios, Birmingham, B18 – arrive by tram, bus (101 or 8) or park in the multi-storey which is free on December Sundays.

 


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