That is certainly a large topic! I would suggest you need to identify some more focussed lines of research to pursue.
For example, are you interested in silver jewellery made by individual designer-makers or larger workshops?
Are you looking at 'art' jewellery (also known as 'studio' jewellery), fashion jewellery, or fine jewellery?
Are there specific technical processes you want to investigate during your time in the UK? For example, are you interested in the extent of the use of CAD; of specialised setters etc.?
The differences between the categories of silver jewellery are very important; the approach a 'studio' jeweller might take to the design and manufacturing process could be very different to the approach taken by a larger, more fashion-orientated workshop. I should also point out (although I am sure you are aware of this) that there is little large-scale manufacture of silver jewellery in the UK anymore.
If you are able to narrow down the types of business and/or technique you want to look at, we can see if we can offer you further advice. If you have not already done so, I suggest that you make a general survey of the UK's trade magazines, including Professional Jeweller, Jewellery Focus, Retail Jeweller, and The Jeweller. We stock these but your University Library may also have them.