This weekend, I’ll be traveling to Birmingham to curate some unique antiques. A lot of my best finds come from Birmingham, where exquisite pieces were created, especially around 1900 - one of my favorite jewelry eras.
Birmingham's journey to becoming a jewelry powerhouse began with its vast reserves of precious metals, such as silver and gold. These resources attracted skilled artisans, drawn to the city's promise of raw materials and ample opportunity for creativity.
In the late 18th century, as the Industrial Revolution unfolded, Birmingham's craftsmen eagerly embraced new technologies and manufacturing techniques. They capitalized on steam-powered machinery and innovative processes, which revolutionized production and enabled the creation of intricate jewelry on a scale previously unimaginable.
These advancements allowed for a wider distribution of jewelry, making it more accessible to a growing middle class, eager to indulge. Styles made popular by the royalty of the time (Queen Victoria amongst other) were now more widely available.
With the advent of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, Birmingham's jewelry makers embraced the evolving trends. They seamlessly blended organic forms, flowing lines, and geometric patterns into their creations, leaving an undeniable mark on the world of jewelry.
Today, Birmingham's jewelry-making legacy lives on as the city continues to honor its heritage. Keep an eye out on my Instagram for live updates of the gold hunt, and check out my current stock made in Birmingham between 1900 and 1970 here: Birmingham selection