Adin's History
Foundations in Antwerp
Since 1985, Adin Fine Antique Jewellery has united craftsmanship, scholarship and innovation. From rare antique jewels to digital initiatives such as the Adin's NFTwins, Adin remains dedicated to preserving the heritage of fine jewellery while shaping its future.
A name with meaning
Established in Antwerp in 1985, Adin has become a respected specialist in antique and vintage jewellery. The name Adin, drawn from an ancient biblical term meaning “noble” or “refined”, mirrors the company’s enduring dedication to authenticity, quality and expertise.
Early inspiration
Born in 1960 and trained as a goldsmith in Schoonhoven, the Netherlands, Elkan Wijnberg had no family background in the jewellery trade, as his parents sold waffles at local markets. Yet from an early age he was drawn to the artistry of jewellery. At eight he created hisfirst enamelled jewel, and by eighteen he was already presenting vintage pieces at a small local market on a tablecloth borrowed from his mother.
The founding of Adin
In 1982, Elkan moved to Antwerp and took over a small shop in the Vestingstraat. A few years later he partnered with Henry Edel, and together they founded Adin in 1985, with Elkan as the managing partner.
Building expertise
In its early years, Adin focused on the restoration and trade of antique gold and silver. Over time, it developed a strong specialisation in nineteenth century jewellery and built an extensive library that became a cornerstone of its expertise. The company’s reputation grew steadily, founded on study, research and craftsmanship.
Recognition and growth
By the turn of the millennium, Adin had grown into an internationally recognised name, operating several boutiques, including one in Paris, and maintaining a large in-house workshop. That same year, Elkan Wijnberg was named Entrepreneur of the Year in Antwerp in recognition of his pioneering role in translating one of a kind jewellery into a structured digital sales system, bringing an early technology led discipline to a trade that traditionally relied on individual handling rather than scalable processes.
Digital foresight
With a strong focus on innovation, Adin began documenting and structuring its expertise as early as 1986. Long before online commerce became common, Adin launched its first e-commerce platform in January 1998. Alongside this, an internal system was developed to safeguard valuation methods, historical knowledge and reasoning, ensuring that expertise would remain alive within the company.
New direction and refinement
After 2001, Adin reoriented its focus towards the global online market, ensuring its expertise and collection remained accessible worldwide. The company refined its selection to concentrate on rare antique and vintage jewellery of exceptional authenticity and quality.
Today and beyond
Today, Adin is known internationally for its expertise, integrity and carefully curated collection of antique and vintage jewellery. Over the years, Adin has built a strong internal framework in which knowledge, valuation techniques and authentication processes are deeply embedded. This structured approach ensures continuity and consistency, allowing Adin to serve collectors, connoisseurs and institutions around theworld.
Adin’s reputation is further supported by affiliations with leading organisations such as the Belgian Chamber of Experts to the Courts of Justice, The Society of Jewellery Historians in the United Kingdom, The American Society of Jewelry Historians and Antwerp’s Most Brilliant label, awarded by the City of Antwerp to jewellers meeting the highest standards of quality and authenticity.
Continuing the legacy
More than forty years after its founding, Adin continues to combine tradition with innovation. It is a name built to last, shaped to endure beyond any single person through methods and standards that can be carried forward. Through projects such as Adin’s NFTwins, launched in 2022, Adin ensures that each jewel’s story and provenance become part of a lasting, living history. For insight into our current philosophy and working methods, visit “The Way We Work”.