Fellows
One of the UK's largest jewelry and watch auctioneers, est. 1876 in Birmingham.
Fellows Auctioneers: The UK's Leading Jewelry and Watch Specialist Since 1876
Fellows is one of the United Kingdom's oldest and most respected auction houses, founded in 1876 in Birmingham—the historic heart of the British jewelry trade. For nearly 150 years, Fellows has served as a trusted marketplace for jewelry, watches, silver, coins, and antiques, growing from its Birmingham roots into a nationally recognized specialist whose sales attract buyers and sellers from around the world. The firm's location in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham's famous district of workshops, showrooms, and trade suppliers, is both symbolic and practical: Fellows sits at the center of the UK jewelry industry, with direct access to the expertise, trade networks, and clientele that make it one of the most important jewelry auctioneers in Europe.
Heritage and Growth
Fellows was established during the height of the Victorian era, a period of tremendous growth for Birmingham's jewelry and metalworking trades. The firm has operated continuously since its founding, adapting to changing markets, technologies, and collecting tastes over nearly fifteen decades. Today, Fellows conducts dozens of specialist sales each year from its Jewellery Quarter saleroom, offering everything from antique and vintage jewelry to modern luxury watches, silver, coins, medals, and general antiques. The house has invested heavily in digital infrastructure, with full online bidding, detailed lot photography, and an accessible website that serves both trade and private buyers.
Jewelry and Watch Departments
Jewelry is the core of Fellows' business. The house offers dedicated sales of antique and vintage jewelry, modern designer jewelry (Cartier, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari), loose gemstones, and estate collections. The breadth of material ranges from Georgian and Victorian pieces to contemporary designer items, ensuring that every sale includes options for collectors at all levels. Fellows is one of the UK's largest auction houses by volume of jewelry lots sold, processing thousands of items annually.
The watch department has grown substantially, reflecting the broader boom in collector timepieces. Fellows conducts dedicated watch auctions featuring Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, Cartier, Breitling, TAG Heuer, and other major brands. The house has achieved strong results for rare and desirable references, while also offering a deep selection of accessible lots for entry-level collectors. This combination of breadth and depth makes Fellows one of the most active watch auctioneers in the UK.
Other Departments
Beyond jewelry and watches, Fellows maintains active departments in silver and objects of vertu, coins and medals, and general antiques and collectibles. The silver department is particularly notable given Birmingham's historical role as a major assay office and silversmithing center.
Fellows vs. Other UK Jewelry and Watch Auctioneers
| Feature | Fellows | Bonhams (Jewelry) | Watches of Knightsbridge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1876 | 1793 | 2012 |
| Location | Birmingham | London | London |
| Core Specialty | Jewelry and watches | Multi-category (strong jewelry) | Watches only |
| Jewelry Volume | Very high (thousands of lots/year) | High | N/A |
| Watch Volume | High | Moderate | High |
| Silver/Coins | Yes | Yes | No |
| Buyer's Premium | ~25% | ~27.5% | ~20% |
| Online Bidding | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Consigning and Buying
Fellows offers free valuations for jewelry, watches, and other specialist items, either at the Birmingham saleroom or remotely via their website. The consignment process is efficient, and sellers benefit from the house's high-volume sale calendar—items can typically be included in a sale within a few weeks of consignment. The buyer's premium is around 25% of the hammer price, in line with UK industry norms. Fellows' strong online presence and active social media channels help drive competitive bidding, even for mid-range lots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fellows is best known as one of the UK's leading specialist auctioneers of jewelry and watches. The house also holds regular sales of silver, coins, medals, and general antiques. Jewelry ranges from Georgian and Victorian antiques to modern designer pieces by Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and other luxury brands.
Fellows is based in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham, England. The Jewellery Quarter has been the center of the British jewelry trade since the 18th century, making it the ideal location for the UK's leading jewelry auction house. Online bidding makes all sales accessible to buyers worldwide.
Fellows conducts dozens of auctions each year, including dedicated sales of antique jewelry, modern jewelry, watches, silver, coins, and general antiques. The high frequency of sales means consignors do not have to wait long for their items to be offered, and buyers have regular opportunities to acquire new pieces.
Yes, Fellows accepts individual consignments as well as estate collections. You can visit the Birmingham saleroom for a free valuation, or submit photographs and details remotely for an initial assessment. There are no minimum lot requirements, making the process accessible for sellers with a single item or a full collection.
Fellows charges a buyer's premium of approximately 25% of the hammer price plus VAT. This is in line with standard rates for UK auction houses. Full terms and conditions, including the exact premium structure, are published for each sale on the Fellows website.
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