'From Walter to Valerie' examines the concept of ‘jewelleryness’ from an artistic perspective: what are the qualities and characteristics that make an object into a piece of jewellery? The chain – as an endless series of interconnected links – takes centre stage in this project.

24 designers, students and researchers worked with chains made by Walter Fischer, one of the world’s largest chain manufacturers. Located in Idar-Oberstein, the company produces annually between 30 and 40 tons of chain that are mainly supplied to wholesalers, makers and labels in the fashion and jewellery sectors. For this project, Walter Fischer donated more than 400 metres of chain, each designer receiving ten metres with which to create a wearable piece of jewellery.