Tuesday12 August 2025
As the University of Birmingham celebrates its 125th anniversary, this historic milestone has inspired events, exhibitions, and initiatives across campus and beyond. Among these commemorations is a small but significant creation - a brooch designed to honour the university’s rich heritage and enduring sense of identity.
Crafted in collaboration with Birmingham’s renowned jewellery house Weston Beamor, the brooch was created especially for the July degree congregations, gifted to those representing the university as a symbol of pride and belonging. It is a celebration not only of 125 years of education and progress, but of the region’s enduring legacy in craftsmanship and design.
Crafting with Local Excellence
Based in the heart of Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter, Weston Beamor has built a reputation over more than seven decades as a specialist in bespoke jewellery, jewellery casting, and jewellery manufacturing. Their partnership with the university first began in 2024, when they were commissioned to create a bespoke item for the installation of the new Chancellor, Sandie Okoro.
That earlier collaboration highlighted the creative potential of working with local makers who share the university’s values: a respect for tradition, a commitment to innovation, and a belief in the power of storytelling through design.
Designing with Meaning
For the 125th anniversary, the university approached Weston Beamor with a new brief - to create a commemorative brooch that would capture the essence of the institution’s identity and history, while marking the moment with a sense of elegance and permanence.
Initial conversations centred on the people who would wear the brooch and the moments in which it would be seen. From there, the team worked closely to shape a piece that felt both symbolic and timeless. Hand-drawn concepts evolved into digital renders and finally into a CAD-approved design, ready for production in precious metals.
Symbolism in Every Detail
The finished brooch is a rich tapestry of symbolism drawn from across the university’s culture and campus.
At its centre sits a miniature rendering of Old Joe, the university’s iconic clock tower, with the clock face set to 1:25pm - a subtle reference to the 125-year milestone.
Surrounding this focal point are carefully selected elements:
- The Latin motto and double-headed lion from the official crest
- A geometric pattern taken from the domed ceiling of the Great Hall
- The instantly recognisable allosaur fossil from the Lapworth Museum
- And an outer edge inspired by a repeated motif found at the base of the university crest
The brooch is crafted in sterling silver with accents in 9ct yellow gold, highlighting the clock face and the number “125”. The combination of materials creates contrast and depth, with a tactility that invites closer attention.
A Celebration of Craft and Community
Beyond its intricate design, the 125th anniversary brooch represents something larger - a celebration of Birmingham itself. It’s a reminder that the university is not only shaped by those within its walls, but also by the city and communities it calls home.
In partnering with Weston Beamor, the university has proudly supported local craftsmanship while commissioning a piece that reflects the values of permanence, creativity, and belonging. It’s a collaboration that speaks to the spirit of the anniversary - looking back with pride, and forward with purpose.
About Weston Beamor
Our mission at Weston Beamor is to empower retailers, brands, and designers to create and grow without limits. We bring together over 75 years of heritage with cutting-edge technology, expert craftsmanship, and the skill of our dedicated teams to provide seamless, flexible jewellery manufacturing. Committed to sustainable and responsible practices, we will continue to shape the future of jewellery by delivering innovative, ethical, and exceptional service, products, and solutions.
Weston Beamor has been casting precious metals since 1947. Working with a broad spectrum of customers for over 70 years has made Weston Beamor one of the most respected and trusted names in the jewellery industry.
