A celebration of contemporary jewellery, for makers, wearers, and viewers

Nelson Jewellery Week (NJW) is a vibrant biennial event showcasing contemporary jewellery through exhibitions, workshops, and talks. Inspired by global jewellery weeks, NJW offers a unique blend of hands-on experiences and artistic expression. Founder Kay van Dyk shares insights into this year’s highlights, from free events to collector showcases, and how Nelson’s creative community makes NJW a truly special occasion.

Can you give us an overview of Nelson Jewellery Week?

NJW showcases a wide range of art jewellery with an array of exhibitions, workshops, public talks and events for the public to view and participate in. We all know that jewellery is a means of expression for the maker and wearer alike, and NJW is a way of experiencing contemporary art in both a uniquely personal way and as part of a community.

Have you been to other events like NJW – is that what inspired you to create NJW?

There are jewellery week events all around the world, with Munich Jewellery Week being the most established. Last year I attended Radiant Pavilion in Naarm, Melbourne, the equivalent of NJW for Australian jewellers. NJW is based on these events, except that we have an added aspect of all the workshops.

There are lots of exhibitions in NJW! Are there also free events?

NJW exhibitions and public talks are all free to attend. Arts Council Nelson aims to ensure that art is accessible to everyone and is an important part of their initiatives. There are daily floor talks where you can hear makers talk about their work, a panel discussion that focuses on sustainability, use of materials, and ethics, and an engaging talk by architect and jeweller Gina Hochstein.

Do you have many collectors/jewellery-admirers coming too?

NJW attracts curators, museum staff, gallerists, writers, and funders who come to see new works, or perhaps to add a piece to public or private collections. This year we have two shows by Aotearoa jewellers coming directly from Munich – KŌHĀ by Neke Moa, Sophia Tekela-Smith, and Stevia Houkāmau, and Goodness curated by Karl Fritsch, Peter Deckers, and Lisa Walker. This year also coincides with the Aotearoa Jewellery Triennial exhibition at the Suter te Aratoi o Whakatū, curated by Sian van Dyk.

What are you most looking forward to?

Highlights for me are Pin Swap and Evening Jewels Twilight Tour.

Where did you start your career as a designer/maker?

I enrolled in an evening class in 1988 and was hooked, but it wasn’t until I was in London in 1992 where I was able to study at London Guildhall University and begin my jewellery journey. It’s a lifetime of learning.

Are there things in NJW that only happen because it’s in Nelson?

People who attend NJW love coming to Nelson for its geographical location in the middle of the country, its size and walkability, but also because it’s a beautiful place. They come to share and celebrate each other’s art practices, but also to network and talk about everything jewellery. Jewellery people are fun, generous, and dedicated to their craft.

Nelson Jewellery Week
10 – 16 April
nelsonjewelleryweek.nz