Adin's history

The Story of Adin Fine Antique Jewellery, Antwerp, Belgium

Founded in 1985, Adin is a renowned specialist in fine antique and vintage jewellery. The name Adin, derived from an ancient biblical term for noble or fine, reflects the company's commitment to authenticity and excellence.

Elkan Wijnberg, trained as a goldsmith in Schoonhoven, the Netherlands, had no family roots in the jewellery trade—his parents sold waffles at markets. Yet, from an early age, he was passionate about jewellery. At the age of eight, he enamelled his first small jewel, and his fascination eventually led him to pursue formal training as a goldsmith in Schoonhoven. This education sparked his deep interest in restoring and trading antique jewellery. His first steps in the commercial world were at a flea market, where, on a tablecloth borrowed from his mother, he displayed a small selection of vintage jewels and silverware.

In the early 1980s, Elkan established his first business in the Netherlands under the name Elchanan. By 1982, he had moved to Antwerp, where he took over a small gold-buying shop at Vestingstraat 12, formerly called DIJA, and renamed it Elchanan. A few years later, in 1985, he entered into a partnership with Henry Edel, and together they founded Adin, with Elkan as the managing partner.

Originally focusing on antique gold and silver restoration and trade, the company soon developed a specialisation in 19th-century jewellery, a field in which expertise was continuously expanded. From the very beginning, Adin actively built its knowledge base by studying jewellery-related books and historical texts, as well as attending international conferences. This continuous learning laid the foundation for Adin’s extensive jewellery library and strengthened its reputation as a specialist in antique jewellery.

By 2000, Adin had grown into an internationally recognised name, operating five boutiques—including one in Paris—and maintaining an in-house goldsmith workshop with around 30 employees. In addition to its physical locations, Adin actively participated in prestigious antique and jewellery fairs across Europe and the United States, further establishing its presence in the global market. That same year, Elkan Wijnberg was named Entrepreneur of the Year in Antwerp, recognising his pioneering work in the antique jewellery trade. This expansion and recognition solidified Adin’s reputation as a leading expert in antique jewellery.

With a strong focus on innovation, Adin began systematically documenting and structuring the complexities of the antique jewellery trade as early as 1986. Recognising the potential of the internet at a time when few in the industry did, Adin became a pioneer in online jewellery sales, launching its first e-commerce platform in January 1998. Alongside this, a structured system was developed to ensure that expertise, valuation methods, and historical knowledge were meticulously documented and integrated into the company’s operations. This systematic approach allowed Adin to evolve into an institution where expertise is safeguarded beyond any individual, ensuring continuity and consistency in its work. This early adoption of digital commerce set Adin apart and reinforced its position as an innovator in the antique jewellery market.

However, following the global economic downturn after 9/11, Adin faced significant challenges. In 2003, Henry Edel retired, and the company underwent a strategic reorganisation. Rather than continuing its participation in international fairs or focusing on the local market, Adin redirected its efforts towards the global online market, ensuring its expertise and collection remained accessible to clients worldwide. At the same time, the company refined its selection, focusing on exclusive vintage and antique jewellery while maintaining the highest standards of authenticity and quality.

Today, Adin is a globally recognised name, known for its expertise, integrity, and carefully curated collection of antique and vintage jewellery. Over the years, Adin has built a strong foundation where knowledge, valuation techniques, and authentication processes are embedded in its operations. While expert guidance remains essential, Adin’s structured approach ensures continuity, serving collectors, connoisseurs, and institutions worldwide with the same level of care and expertise that clients have come to expect.

Adin’s reputation in the field of antique jewellery is further supported by strong professional affiliations. The company maintains connections with leading organisations dedicated to jewellery history and expertise, including the Belgian Chamber of Experts to the Courts of Justice, The (British) Society of Jewellery Historians, The American Society of Jewelry Historians, and is recognised as part of Antwerp’s Most Brilliant (AMB), a label awarded by the City of Antwerp to jewellers who meet the highest standards of quality, authenticity, and service.