Business Details
47 Years
experience
Handcrafted Jewelry & Unique Gifts Online
Established in Birmingham in 1979, Smithsonia has transitioned from a cherished family-run retail store to a premier online destination for handcrafted jewelry and unique gifts. Our team brings over four decades of expertise in curating sterling silver pieces, antique treasures, and contemporary designs that blend artistry with timeless elegance. We maintain direct relationships with independent artists across the UK and internationally, ensuring every product reflects our commitment to quality and originality.Our dedication to personalized service continues online through meticulous packaging, handwritten notes, and expert guidance available via phone or email. Trusted by generations of customers, we combine tradition with modern convenience to deliver exceptional shopping experiences.
Services
Jewelry Making
Gift Retail
Antique Sales
Online Store
Pewter Items
Sterling Silver
Custom Engraving
Gift Wrapping
Artisan Products
Jewellery Repair
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- Family business with 45 years' experience in jewelry craftsmanship
- Direct partnerships with independent UK and international artisans
- Curated collections combining heritage techniques with modern design
- Personalised service including handwritten notes and gift wrapping
- Free UK delivery on orders over 10
What people say
Beautiful craftsmanship
Perfect gifts
Excellent service
Prompt delivery
Unique items
Services
Handcrafted Jewelry
Our handcrafted jewelry collection features sterling silver pieces and precious gemstones. Each item combines traditional techniques with contemporary design. We offer amethyst earrings, blue topaz studs, and opal bracelets that showcase British craftsmanship. Every piece undergoes rigorous quality checks to ensure lasting beauty and durability, with many items featuring hallmarked silver and ethically sourced stones.
Antique Silverware
The antique silverware collection includes hallmarked pieces dating from the Victorian era to mid-20th century. We offer vesta cases, toast racks, and engraved bangles that showcase historical craftsmanship. Each item is carefully restored while preserving original patina and markings. Customers particularly value these pieces for their investment potential and connection to Birmingham's jewelry heritage.
Gift Curating
Our gift curating service helps customers find perfect items for special occasions. We offer personal shoppers who understand Birmingham's artistic community and can recommend appropriate pieces. The service includes gift wrapping, handwritten notes, and presentation advice for birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate gifts, with options available across all price ranges.
Online Retail
The online retail platform provides access to our full collection nationwide. Customers can browse over 1,600 items with detailed product descriptions and high-resolution images. Our e-commerce system features secure payment processing and order tracking. The website also offers virtual consultations with jewelry experts and access to limited edition collections previously available only in-store.
Artisan Collaborations
Our artisan collaborations include exclusive collections from designers like Linda Macdonald and Sheena McMaster. These partnerships focus on nature-inspired designs and innovative metalwork techniques. We work directly with makers to develop seasonal collections that maintain Birmingham's tradition of jewelry innovation while supporting independent craftspeople across the UK.
People
Mike Ferguson
Co-Owner
Mike Ferguson has led Smithsonia's transition from retail store to online business since 1979. He maintains relationships with Birmingham's artisan community.
Verity Ferguson
Co-Owner
Verity Ferguson oversees product curation and customer service. She has developed Smithsonia's artisan partnerships and gift selection expertise over decades in Birmingham retail.
Questions
Do you still operate from Birmingham?
Yes, we are based in Birmingham but operate as an online store since closing our Piccadilly Arcade shop in February 2023.
Are your silver items hallmarked?
All silver items over 7.78g are hallmarked according to British tradition, with antique pieces retaining their original hallmarks.
Can I get gift wrapping?
Yes, we provide gift wrapping with every order including a handwritten note for personal touches at no extra charge.
Do you sell antique jewelry?
We offer a curated collection of antique and vintage silver jewelry dating from Victorian times through the 1980s with proper provenance.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and bank transfers through our secure online checkout system.
How quickly do you dispatch orders?
Most orders are dispatched within 24 working hours and delivered within 1-2 days across the UK.
