University News Last updated 03 February 2011
Birmingham jeweller Fei Liu is one of five outstanding graduates to be named in Birmingham City University’s end of year honours.
Fei graduated from the School of Jewellery, which is part of Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, with a BA (Hons) degree in Jewellery and Silversmithing in 2001 and is being honoured in the category of Enterprise and Innovation in the Birmingham City University Alumni of the Year 2010.
Fei was the first Chinese student to embark on a full-time course at the University’s School of Jewellery. His confidence and determination led him not only to gain his 2.1 degree, but also to start his own fine jewellery company in Birmingham in 2006, followed by success in New York, and Tokyo. In 2009, he opened his own flagship store in Beijing, the first UK jewellery designer to do so.
He has won countless awards for his innovative, contemporary designs that have captured the imagination of the design world. He once designed a plaque for David Beckham and his jewellery has been spotted on the red carpet, in glossy magazines and adorning some very high-profile necks.
Fei has bridged the gap between east and west masterfully. He is now one of the major players in Birmingham’s jewellery industry and is currently working to promote Birmingham’s trade both in the UK and internationally.
He sees winning Alumni of the Year as inducement to carry on creating his masterpieces and to help others achieve the same success.
“I have changed and I want to create the same opportunity for other people. I have always been extremely proud of the Jewellery School. I am extremely honoured to win Alumni of the Year. All my hard work has been recognised.”
In 2010 he was listed in the Top 100 in the UK Jewellery Industry by Professional Jeweller and has won a host of awards including a Design Innovation Award (2009), International Jewellery London Editors Choice Award (2009), Goldsmith’s Award (2008), Kayman Award (First Prize 2007) and awards from the British Jewellery Association among others.