University News Last updated 26 November 2015
Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex visited the School of Jewellery this week, meeting staff, students and graduates and gaining a special insight into their work.
The Countess was presented with a necklace by alumna Rebecca Sellors, who graduated from the School in 2013 and now works as a jewellery designer in the local area.
Touring the School, the Countess met a group of senior figures from the City and the University, including Pro-Vice Chancellor Dean of the Faculty of the Arts, Design & Media, Professor David Roberts; Head of the School of Jewellery, Gaynor Andrews; and Principal of Birmingham Conservatoire, Professor Julian Lloyd Webber.
View photos from The Countess of Wessex visit
Her Royal Highness's visit was part of the School of Jewellery's 125th anniversary celebrations. The School is situated on the same site as when it opened in 1890 and continues to provide students with the traditional skills that they need to design and make jewellery, combined with knowledge of the latest cutting-edge technology.
This mix of the modern and the traditional was conveyed to the Countess by students and lecturers, who demonstrated how they test gemstones, restore watches and use CAD and laser technology to create their designs.