
23 Aug Key of Amsterdam Collection
Key of Amsterdam Collection
Key of Amsterdam Collection by Bonebakker
The Key of Amsterdam is Bonebakker Jewelers’ signature collection. The Key is closely intertwined with the history of our beloved Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and our Maison itself. The Key of Amsterdam Collection is based on the keys of Amsterdam that Adrianus Bonebakker, the founder of Bonebakker, made in 1806 and which were handed over to Napoleon. You can read more about it on our timeline and by clicking on the + to read more about our amazing history.
Jewellery full of symbolism and history
The Key of Amsterdam Collection consists of gold jewelery whose shapes are derived from these historical keys. Sometimes the whole key is used, and sometimes part of the key, such as the head. As an object, the key also has a high symbolic and personal value, especially between lovers. Don’t we all know the expression ‘you’ve found the key to my heart’?
Want to see more Key of Amsterdam Collection?
The complete collection of Bonebakker Jewellery is too big to show online here. However, you can already see a preview on our webshop. We cordially invite you to try on the jewels of your choice in our jewellery store in the Conservatorium Hotel.
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A different kind of symbolism
As a symbol between lovers, the key has a personal value. Within mythology, the key stands for knowledge and even power. Whoever owns the key has access to locations that remain hidden from others.
Famous keys as inspiration
The long and impressive history of Bonebakker Jewellery (since 1792) is a lasting source of inspiration for new jewellery collections. Bonebakker’s history and DNA are also embedded in the Key of Amsterdam collection. The jewellery collection is based on the historical keys of Amsterdam that Adrianus Bonebakker designed and manufactured in 1806.
Keys for King William I
Adrianus Bonebakker is the founder of jewellery house Bonebakker. The keys were handed over to Napoleon in 1806.
These keys travel further through Amsterdam’s history. In 1813, when King William I came to Amsterdam on 2 December, the keys that Bonebakker made again played an important role. During his entry as the first king of the independent Kingdom of the Netherlands, the set of keys from 1806 is handed over to him.
Today, the keys are on display in the Amsterdam Museum. There is also a recently restored painting by Van Bree. This painting shows Napoleon handing over the keys by the mayor of Amsterdam.
Key to the mysteries of the heart
The stories of Amsterdam’s historic city keys are now revived by Bonebakker Jewellery. Today, the key represents a symbolic welcome in Amsterdam. But also, the usual symbolism of the disclosure of power, knowledge, new ideas and the mysteries of the heart is hidden in the jewellery.
The jewels are designed with great attention to detail. They are handmade in our own workshop in Amsterdam. Keys from the collection are beautiful pieces of jewellery as a memento of Amsterdam, but also as a key to the heart of a loved one.