A model wearing an elaborate piece by this year's headline designer, Mikaela Lyons. Brilliantly Birmingham
Dazzling designs from the world's best contemporary jewellery makers will be taking centre stage at the 10th Brilliantly Birmingham festival.
The celebration of contemporary jewellery artists started in 1999 when a group of local designer makers gathered together to promote themselves under a single brand and the event has grown into an international design festival.
Lisa Juen, Dublin and Back. Brilliantly Birmingham
This year's celebratory programme includes two exhibitions at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, FLUX, the annual selling show, and a 10th Anniversary Retrospective featuring the work of seven designers who have headlined previous festivals.
Headlining is Mikaela Lyons, whose own surreal illustrations, inspired by old travel photographs, are digitally manipulated to form the base for a number of colourful body adornment pieces and smaller scale jewellery.
The Memoirs of Dressmaker, Betty Pepper. Brilliantly Birmingham
"I was really surprised and so excited to have been chosen as the profile designer in Brilliantly Birmingham's 10th year," said Mikaela, a freelance designer and recent MA graduate from the Birmingham School of Jewellery (BCU).
"As a student I was always inspired by the nature of the work on show at past Brilliantly Birmingham exhibitions, and to have my work included in this special year on all of the anniversary posters and brochures is a real honour."
Elizabeth brooch, Sally Collins. Brilliantly Birmingham
Brilliantly Birmingham also offers visitors the chance to delve into the city's historic Jewellery quarter, which employs around 4,000 people and is home to more than 80 contemporary makers, not to mention historic firms which have been trading for hundreds of years.
"Wherever you are in the world you will be likely to find a piece of jewellery, silver or metal ware that was made in Birmingham, from Royal regalia to ecclesiastical silver and gold as well as the most stunning contemporary jewellery," said Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council.
Work from this year's headline maker, Mikaela Lyons
"Brilliantly Birmingham not only encapsulates the rich heritage of the city's jewellery quarter and the city's reputation as 'workshop of the world', but also helps nurture the new and emerging talent coming through our colleges and universities, ensuring that our heritage lives on into the future."
