In recent decades, Antwerp has also established itself as a hub of contemporary jewellery design. Pinned! reflects this creative flourishing, taking visitors on a visual journey through diverse themes that highlight the variety and progression of its designers. From the impact of technological advancements and societal themes to the personal expression of individual creators, the exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of developments in Antwerp’s jewellery art.
Four designers take centre stage in the exhibition – the collector’s favourites. Film interviews with Peter Vermandere, Nadine Wijnants, Dimitar Stankov, and Rembrandt Jordan shed light on their work and their relationship with the collector. For instance, in his interview, Peter Vermandere discusses his quest for the perfect stones, minerals, and fossils. His search took him to a hidden quarry in the Ardennes near Hotton, where he found coral fossils to take home. The result is visible in the exhibition with the brooches from his Hotton Wheels series.
Nadine Wijnants shares the story of a special commission from Dirk Schrijvers to design four rings based on four colours and four seasons. She was given complete creative freedom, but the designs had to incorporate four poems written by Schrijvers himself.
Students and graduates from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts and Sint Lucas Antwerp are also featured, offering a striking contrast between established names and emerging talent. This highlights the versatility and dynamism of Antwerp’s jewellery scene.
What makes this exhibition truly special is that most of these pieces have never been displayed in a museum before. Carefully selected from Dirk Schrijvers’ personal collection, they reflect his passion and dedication to collecting jewellery over the years. This is a rare opportunity to see works that might otherwise remain hidden from public view. Each piece tells its own story, but together they present a compelling overview of 25 years of innovation and artistry.
The exhibition concludes with a display case that places Antwerp’s jewellery in an international context. It demonstrates how the city has positioned itself as a global centre for jewellery design and offers visitors a broader perspective on how Antwerp’s creations compare with contemporary jewellery from the Netherlands, England, and other European countries.
Pinned! Contemporary Antwerp Jewellery is not only a visual feast for art and design enthusiasts but also an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the future of jewellery design. The accompanying book/catalogue allows visitors to delve deeper into the stories behind the pieces and cherish them at home.

Accompanying the exhibition is the public programme, a series of talks with designers from the Pinned! exhibition and DIVA’s residents:
• 11/02: DIVA talk – Rembrandt Jordan, Dimitar Stankov and Hilde Van Belleghem | DIVA
• 27/02 with resident Laila: DIVA talk – Laila Marie Costa + Peter Vermandere | DIVA
• 11/03 with resident Into: DIVA talk – Into Niilo + Nadine Wijnants & Mark Van Grieken | DIVA
• 25/03 with resident Maria: DIVA talk – Maria Konschake + Beppe Kessler | DIVA