Tour de JQ
Come spend a day with Laura in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter.
"Birmingham’s been getting some rubbish press lately. But I wanted to show you a different side of it — the side I see every day; full of heritage, history, and incredible craftsmanship. Come spend a day with me in the Jewellery Quarter. Here’s how it usually goes..."
"First stop: the workshop. I check in on your bespoke pieces, chat with our goldsmiths, and watch as rings get their final polish."
"Next, a little stroll. I love peeking into to the vintage jewellers' windows — eyeing up rows of pre-loved treasures waiting for their next chapter."
"Then it’s time to properly hunt. I’m looking for pre-loved jewels — pieces with stories that we can restore, refurbish, and make part of someone else’s future."
"I stop by F. Meeks & Co to have my watch battery replaced — being in this shop feels like a step back in time, offering a rare glimpse into the heart of a traditional repair shop."
"Past the red-brick factories and former workshops, now transformed into apartments with a vibrant community — it’s easy to see why this area is now so desirable. The Jewellery Quarter has a unique way of blending the past with the present."
"Today, I’m hunting for something colourful — a rainbow lineup for a special bespoke project. Every stone in our custom creations is personally sourced by me (my type A personality really comes out when I’m finding the perfect shade and tones for customers)!"
"Finally, a much-needed pasta stop at one of my favourite restaurants, Trentina.
And to wrap up the day, I always make time for a final stroll through St. Paul’s Square. It’s such a charming spot, with its beautiful Georgian buildings lined with bars and cafés — the perfect contrast to the buzz of the city.
"So yes — the headlines might be messy. But the Jewellery Quarter? It's pure gold."