VAN ESSER. NOT A DETAIL.
"Not a detail" sums up the spirit that has established itself year after year. When he created his brand, Denis Van Esser, an independent creator, had a demanding vision. He not only wanted to make jewelry elegant and free, as demonstrated by his collections that have grown over time. He wanted to honor high-quality jewelry that embodies values in which his customers recognize themselves: those of timeless, creative jewelry, off the beaten path that nourishes the quest for self-expression through a piece of jewelry.
DENIS VAN ESSER
After graduating as a watchmaker and jeweler at the Technicum in Antwerp and working in La Chaux-de-Fonds - the Mecca of the Swiss watchmaking industry - Denis Van Esser opened his own jewelry store in 1983 at 17 Kapelstraat in Hasselt.
Nothing in Denis Van Esser's destiny is the result of chance. Over the years, his passion for his work, his quest for excellence, the attention and care given to the design of his models as well as to his customers have built his reputation.
After the courage to launch his own business, Denis Van Esser quickly decided to develop his own models, notably bracelets, which met with great success and helped to establish him in the local landscape.
At that time, he had already come up with ideas for bracelets, rings, earrings, cufflinks and watches, which today are called Amalfi, Chameleon, Donatella, Noark or A One. Contemporary creations that have matured over a long period of time and are quickly becoming classics.
In addition to the great pride of seeing his two sons' natural affiliation with jewelry grow, Denis Van Esser is pleased to start seeing his creations in auction rooms. More than a consecration, it is for him the demonstration that the promise of a timeless jewelry that crosses generations is on the way.
A FAMILY BUSINESS
Denis Van Esser was joined by his two sons Anthony and Alexander several years ago. The three of them are jointly responsible for the brand's destiny. From the collections to the collaboration with the jewelers to the reception of the customers. Anthony provides personal service in Antwerp and Alexander in Hasselt.
THE DESIGNER'S JOURNEY...
THE MECCA OF WATCHMAKING
THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE A ONE
It was in the mecca of Swiss watchmaking that he began his career after graduating as a watchmaker and jeweler from the Technicum in Antwerp. His professional and sentimental connection to the city is still strong.
1983
The Shop
Opening of his own store at 17 Kapelstraat in Hasselt on April 21, 1983. He will never forget it. He even made a sale that day. A symbol of faith in his gamble and his luck.
Timeless elegance
The origins of the style
The Italian and French jewelry industry undoubtedly remains his main point of reference in jewelry culture. There he finds the roots of his own style.
The artisan jeweler
Love of the trade
Denis Van Esser enjoys working with the best goldsmiths to customize his jewelry. As the trade requires, you can only talk about it if you love it and have mastered it yourself. Jewelry is not only about creation, equally important is the know how.
The little train
Clockwork mascot
A 60-year-old model of a Märklin train on rails stands proudly in the store in Hasselt. It is the owner's mascot.
The A ONE
The realization of a dream
When Denis Van Esser began his life as a jeweler, he suspected that with his passion for watches he would one day want to create his own model. The dream became a reality with the creation of the A One in 2002, which is already 20 years ago. He does not spoil his fun by regularly returning to La Chaux de Fonds in Switzerland for this wonderful pretext.
The frog
Lucky charm
This quirky animal has been a trademark of Van Esser for many years. An imaginative talisman to which the brand is attached. Chosen as the symbol of his hallmark, Denis Van Esser loves everything the frog stands for in terms of prosperity and happiness. Well chosen in other words!
The Amalfi Coast
The colors of italy
Still the Italy where he fell in love with the culture. He takes much of his inspiration from there, whether it is design, colors or simply what one looks for in a piece of jewelry: a form of elegance, a way of thinking or a piece of eternity. He even gave the name of this mythical place to one of his collections.
The Knapcake
A history of transmission
Not a detail," the requirement and sense of craftsmanship undoubtedly come from there. Denis Van Esser grew up with a father who was a pastry chef whose reputation drew customers from far and wide. To encourage and inspire himself, his father liked to visit the great pastry chefs every time he traveled to appreciate their talent and understand their know-how. The Van Esser family, a history of transmission.