GemScholar Bootcamps

^{The Art of Conscious Seeing in Jewellery}

_{Jewellery reveals more than meets the eye—if you know how to look. The Mastering Observation: The Art of Conscious Seeing in Jewellery course is designed to sharpen perception and train participants to observe details with absolute precision—free from assumption or interpretation.}

_{This hands-on one-day workshop teaches participants how to use a loupe effectively, analyse stamps and identifying marks in jewellery, and document visual details accurately. They will learn a structured approach to observation, similar to the classic drawing grid method, where each element is examined objectively before forming conclusions.}

_{Through structured exercises, participants will sharpen their ability to detect hidden details, correctly interpret maker’s marks, stamps, and other identifying symbols, and uncover subtle irregularities that might otherwise go unnoticed.}

_{Course Details:}

Duration: 1 day
Languages: English and Dutch

Requirements:

• No prior knowledge required, although participants with experience in jewellery or related fields will greatly benefit.
• Active participation is essential due to the hands-on nature of the course.
• 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
• Investigators and forensic specialists involved in jewellery-related cases.

Key Course Topics

• Developing observational accuracy – Training the eye to see without assumption.‍
• Using a loupe correctly – Hand positioning, focus, and keeping both eyes open, while maintaining comfort whether seated or standing, and adjusting for optimal lighting conditions.‍
• Understanding and identifying jewellery marks – Learning to recognise and document stamps, maker’s marks, assay marks, and other identifying symbols, understanding their variations, and interpreting their meaning for authentication and historical context.‍
• Systematic visual documentation – Accurately recording details without subjective interpretation.‍
• Training perception through structured exercises – Using a mental ‘grid’ to break down complex details.‍
• Recognising authentic vs. altered pieces – Identifying inconsistencies and potential modifications.‍
• Interpreting missing or unclear jewellery marks – Understanding what the absence or partial presence of marks may indicate.‍
• Practical exercises with real objects – Applying learned techniques on a variety of pieces to refine observation skills and analyse identifying marks.‍
• Understanding material aging and wear patterns – Examining how metals, gemstones, and settings change over time, identifying natural patina versus artificial aging, and recognising signs of repairs, alterations, or interventions made throughout an object's lifetime. Just as handwriting reflects the era of its writer, craftsmanship carries a subtle "signature of its time"—through distinctive techniques, material choices, and construction methods that can offer clues about when, and sometimes where, a piece was made.

_{Examination & Certificate:}

Examination:

• No formal examination.
• Participants receive a structured reference guide for note-taking and reminders.
• Final discussion and Q&A session.
• Progress Exercise: At the beginning of the course, participants document an object based on their initial observations. At the end, they revisit the same object and refine their analysis, reflecting on their improved observational skills.

Certificate:

• Type: Certificate of Participation
• Statement on the certificate:
  "This certifies that [Name] has successfully participated in the Mastering Observation: The Art of Conscious Seeing in Jewellery workshop, developing advanced observational skills, critical analysis of identifying marks, and a structured approach to jewellery examination."
• 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:}

• Standard rate: €295 (excl. VAT) per participant
• Internal exclusive group bookings: For organisations or private groups, an exclusive session can be arranged for €2,000 (excl. 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: To be confirmed at the time of email submission.
• Course hours:
  • Doors open: 10:00 AM
  • Course starts: 10:30 AM
  • Ends: 16:00 PM (Due to the intensive nature of this training, the session concludes at 16:00 PM, ensuring participants have the mental clarity needed for precision observation.)
  • Includes two short breaks (15 min each) and a 30-minute lunch break (lunch not included).
• Additional value: All participants receive a structured reference guide for note-taking, along with hands-on practice using real objects.
• Custom & Corporate Training: For corporate training or custom sessions, content and scheduling can be adapted to specific needs.

_Location:

• Adin Academy
• 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.

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Five Centuries of Design and Craftmanship
‍
^{This intensive one-day course is designed for professionals and enthusiasts who want to develop a deep and practical understanding of antique and vintage jewellery. Through a structured journey spanning 500 years of jewellery history, participants will gain essential expertise to recognise and contextualise different styles, with knowledge that can be directly applied in the trade.}

^{Unlike traditional lectures or books that focus on museum jewellery, this course centres on historical pieces that are still found in the market today. What sets this course apart is its unique blend of expert lectures and hands-on examination, allowing participants to immediately apply their knowledge to real historical jewellery.}

^{Participants will explore how jewellery styles evolved alongside major artistic, architectural, and cultural movements, while also handling authentic pieces to develop their practical identification skills. This interactive approach ensures a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship, materials, and historical authenticity.}

Key topics include:

• Recognition of jewellery from major style periods: Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Classicism, Empire, Romanticism, Neo-styles, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and 20th-century trends.
• The cultural and artistic influences that shaped jewellery design over the past five centuries.
• A structured approach to jewellery identification, combining lecture-based learning with hands-on analysis of authentic pieces.

^{By the end of the course, participants will have sharpened their ability to analyse and date jewellery with confidence, making this an invaluable training for jewellers, appraisers, collectors, and anyone passionate about antique jewellery.}

_{Course Details:}

Duration: 1 day
Language: English/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
• Museum guides and docents

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.‍
• Market relevance vs. museum pieces – Unlike traditional museum-focused lectures, this course emphasises jewellery that is still found in the market today—historical but not necessarily rare or inaccessible.‍
• Hallmarks, signatures, and provenance – Introduction to hallmarking systems and provenance research—understanding their role in jewellery authentication.‍
• 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.‍
• Recognising period reproductions and later modifications – Understanding how jewellery was altered or imitated over time.‍
• 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.‍

_{Final Course Exercises & 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
Signed by: Course instructor or a representative of Adin Academy
Statement on the certificate:
"This certifies that [Name] has successfully completed the Jewellery History: Five Centuries of Design & Craftsmanship workshop, developing expertise in historical jewellery recognition, stylistic analysis, and authentication methods used in the trade."
Endorsement:
"The Adin Academy is officially certified as a professional education provider by HRD Antwerp."

_{Course Schedule & Pricing:}

• Standard rate: €295 (excl. VAT) per participant
  Internal exclusive group bookings: For organisations or private groups, an exclusive session at Adin Academy can be arranged for €2,000 (excl. 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.
  Custom & Corporate Training: For corporate training or custom sessions, content and scheduling can be adapted to specific needs.

_Location:

• Adin Academy, Vestingstraat 16, B-2018 Antwerp, Belgium
• Paid parking available at three parking garages within walking distance on Vestingstraat.
• Several sandwich shops nearby for a quick lunch during the break.