Press releases

Did you know that the Jewellery Quarter: -

• Still makes an estimated 40% of UK jewellery.

• Has the world’s busiest Assay Office and Europe’s largest School of Jewellery

• Contains Birmingham’s last remaining Georgian Square of St. Paul’s recently voted in the UK’s Top 20 Urban Picnic area.

• Boasts over 100 independent jewellery retailers and over 30 restaurants and bars.

• Made the F.A. Cup and whistles for the Titanic ship.

If you didn’t, from Wednesday 19th November 2008, it will be easy to find out everything about this unique part of Birmingham. 50,000 free ‘Platinum’ Jewellery Quarter Guides will be distributed countrywide and include everything from the area’s history and heritage to shopping tips - essential reading for Birmingham’s visitors and residents.

At the same time, a brand new website ‘www.jewelleryquarter.net’ will be launched which is a treasure trove of information on the Quarter. To celebrate this launch, there will be a special Virtual Treasure Hunt on the website with the opportunity to win a £1,000 diamond ring!

Neil Rami, chief executive for Marketing Birmingham, said:

“We’re delighted to support the new website by providing online consultation and help putting together the funding package, including European funding.

“The Jewellery Quarter really is the jewel in Birmingham’s crown and was recently voted the third best visitor attraction in Europe by TripAdvisor. We’re confident the new website and guide will show visitors what this unique area has to offer.”

Councillor Neville Summerfield, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said:

“The Jewellery Quarter is absolutely unique and a precious part of Birmingham’s heritage but to some extent it still remains a hidden gem.

“We are delighted to have worked in partnership with Marketing Birmingham to develop a wonderfully comprehensive website and produce such a superb Guide which will be a real boon for visitors.”

Editors note:

Members of the press are invited to the launch at the School of Jewellery at 5.30pm on Wednesday 19th November.