Jewellery History – Five centuries under the loupe
Juweelgeschiedenis – Vijf eeuwen onder de loupe
Category: Professional - Jewellery history and vintage pieces or Antique Jewellery
Introduction
Jewellery History: Five Centuries of Design & Craftsmanship is an intensive one-day course offering a practical and immersive exploration of 500 years of jewellery evolution. Designed for both professionals and enthusiasts, the course equips participants with essential skills to identify, date,
and contextualise antique and vintage jewellery commonly found in today’s market.
Unlike museum-focused lectures, this course blends expert instruction with hands-on examination of authentic historical pieces. Participants trace jewellery’s stylistic shifts from the Renaissance to the 20th century, learning how broader artistic, cultural, and socio-economic movements shaped design and craftsmanship.
Key topics include recognising hallmark styles (e.g., Baroque, Art Nouveau, Art Deco), understanding symbolism, techniques, and materials, and distinguishing original works from reproductions or modifications. Emphasis is placed on real-world application—assessing provenance, hallmarks, and market relevance.
Through guided analysis, comparative exercises, and the "Spot the Reproduction" challenge, participants refine their ability to authenticate and analyse historical jewellery with confidence.
Taught in English and Dutch at Adin Academy (stair access required), the course offers personal interaction and small-group learning. A Certificate of Participation, endorsed by HRD Antwerp, confirms completion and mastery of core concepts in jewellery history and authentication. No prior experience is required.
Course Details
- Duration: 1 day
- Languages: English and Dutch
Requirements:
- No prior knowledge required. The course is accessible to beginners while offering valuable insights for experienced professionals.
- As this course is largely lecture-based, participants should be comfortable with an intensive learning format while also engaging in practical exercises.
- The course is designed for a small group, allowing for hands-on experience and direct interaction with historical pieces. Participants should be prepared to engage actively.
- For in-person sessions at Adin Academy, participants should be comfortable with stair access.
Who Should Attend
- HRD Antwerp alumni
- Jewellery appraisers
- Jewellers
- Jewellery designers
- Diamond and jewellery lovers
- Sales managers
- Buyers
- Jewellery store personnel
- Museum and heritage professionals
- Auction house specialists
- Members of hallmarking and certification institutes
- Private collectors
- Restorers and goldsmiths
- Art historians
- Students in jewellery studies
- Art history teachers and lecturers
Key Course Topics
- Recognising jewellery styles through history – Key characteristics of different periods from the Renaissance to the Swinging Sixties.
- The relationship between jewellery, art, and architecture – How jewellery design evolved alongside major artistic and cultural movements.
- Identifying materials and techniques – Understanding historical craftsmanship and the evolution of jewellery-making methods.
- Symbolism and meaning in jewellery – The cultural significance of motifs and materials in different historical periods.
- Dating jewellery based on design elements – Practical methods for assessing the age of a piece.
- The impact of socio-economic factors on jewellery styles – How historical events influenced materials, designs, and trends.
- Hands-on analysis of authentic pieces – Applying theoretical knowledge to real jewellery from different periods.
- Jewellery as a status symbol and personal expression – How jewellery reflected wealth, power, and personal identity across different centuries.
- The role of famous jewellers and maisons – Key figures and houses that shaped jewellery history (e.g., Castellani, Cartier, Fabergé).
- Technical innovations and their influence on design – How developments in gemstone cutting, metalwork, and setting techniques changed jewellery styles.
- Cross-cultural influences in jewellery design – How trade, exploration, and global connections introduced new materials and styles.
- The transition from handcrafted to mass-produced jewellery – How industrialisation impacted jewellery production and accessibility.
Examination & Certificate
Examination
Final Course Exercises and Evaluation
- Comparative Analysis Exercise – Participants analyse jewellery pieces from different periods, identifying stylistic elements and dating indicators.
- Mini Case Studies – Participants discuss historical jewellery pieces with missing background information to practice attribution.
- Guided Reflection – Participants note key takeaways and how they will apply their knowledge. “Spot the Reproduction” Challenge – At the start of the course, participants analyse a mix of genuine and reproduction pieces, documenting their initial observations. At the end of the session, they revisit the same pieces to compare their notes, reflecting on their improved ability to detect reproductions and alterations.
Certificate
- Type: Certificate of Participation
Statement on the certificate:
“This certifies that [Name] has successfully participated in the Jewellery History – Five centuries under the loupe workshop.” - Endorsement:
“The Adin Academy is officially certified as a professional education provider by HRD Antwerp.” - Signed by course instructor or Adin Academy representative
Course Schedule & Pricing
- Fees: €295 (excluding VAT) per participant
- Internal exclusive group bookings: For organisations or private groups, an exclusive session at Adin Academy can be arranged for €2,000 (excluding VAT), accommodating up to 8 participants.
- External sessions For training sessions at external locations, pricing is determined based on
travel distance and group size. Please contact us for a tailored quote. - Dates:
o Last Wednesday of every month.
o Upcoming: 25 June 2025
o Upcoming: 30 July 2025 - Course hours:
o Doors open: 10:00 AM
o Course starts: 10:30 AM
o Ends: 17:00 PM
o Includes: Two short breaks (15 min each) and a 30-minute lunch break (lunch not included). - Custom & Corporate Training: For corporate training or custom sessions, content and scheduling can be adapted to specific needs.
Location
- Adin Academy
- Address: Vestingstraat 16, B-2018 Antwerp, Belgium
- Located in the heart of Antwerp’s historic diamond district, just a short walk from Antwerp Central Station.
- Easily accessible by tram, bus, and train.
- The venue provides an ideal setting for focused training, ensuring a professional learning experience.
- Paid parking is available at three parking garages within walking distance on Vestingstraat.
- Several sandwich shops nearby for a quick lunch during the break.