Shopping: The unique offer of Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter

Nov 23 2009 By Anuji Varma

WITH more and more people sorting out their Christmas shopping online, local independents are under more pressure than ever to offer something more unique.

And Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter is doing just that.

There’s a range of great shops to visit which all offer different services and products, from chain-making to album covers. And you can even stop off for a bit of lunch at Vertu Bar if your shopping spree gets too much. Paul Green has been in Hockley for 15 years, running his business of the same name.

“I am a trained diamond mounter and we also hand make jewellery in platinum and gold,” Paul says. “You can choose the style you want and we can create it. So if you really want to give something special this Christmas, we can make a piece which is completely unique.”

He adds: “Bangles are really popular this year. We have had quite a few men in this year buying diamond bangles for their other halves.

“Engagement rings are always a good seller at this time of year too. Women love to be proposed to on Christmas Day, and there are a lot of men out there who are prepared to do this.”

As well as a great selection, Paul offers a very personal service. “We don’t like to pressure our customers at all. They can come in and have a look around without being hassled,” he adds.

That’s also the case at the Design Centre. It’s been established in the Quarter since 1978 and stocks a massive range of designer watches as well as other pieces of jewellery. Joint owners Rajesh Parekh, 48, and Deepak Patel, 46, sell Gucci, Raymond Weil, DKNY, Rado and other well-known brands.

“We can talk to customers about the various types of watches and recommend to them what to go for,” Rajesh explains. “We know the quality of each make and we can convey this to them. Our staff have been here a long time so they have experience within the industry.”

This makes a change from buying online. There you have to rely on customer reviews which can sometimes be biased.

Rajesh says the bestseller for this year is the newest Gucci watch, which costs £550.