The Designers

Jo Den Haerynck & Dirk Vrints

Gemspoon | Antwerp, Belgium

From their creative sanctuary in Antwerp, interior architect Dirk Vrints and jewelry designer Jo Den Haerynck have orchestrated a profound fusion of disciplines. Under their collective, ArchiJewel, they transpose the macro-scale principles of architecture into the micro-form of wearable art. Their creation, the Gemspoon, is a “hand jewel” designed to slow down the gastronomic process, framing the appetizer as a precious gemstone and turning the first bite into a choreographed, multi-sensory ritual.

More about the Designers in our Discover. Designers edition.

The Chef

Sebastiaan Hoogewerf

Executive Chef / Culinary Director – Bangkok

At the heights of The Okura Prestige Bangkok, a 2 Michelin Key hotel, Chef Sebastiaan Hoogewerf oversees all culinary outlets. While his pedigree is rooted in the “uncompromising” world of Dutch patisserie, Sebastiaan has successfully transitioned to a master savoury chef, now overlooking the entire operation including the patisserie. With 9 consecutive years of Michelin recognition for the hotel’s flagship restaurants, Sebastiaan is a visionary leader in Asia who does not just follow trends; he anchors them through technical mastery and the soulful spirit of Japanese “Omotenashi”.

More about the Chef on our Discover Chef Interviews.

The Collaboration: The Pioneer of the East

This dialogue marks a historic moment for the Inspired by Design initiative. When the Gemspoon arrived in Bangkok, it found its first hands in the Asian market through Chef Sebastiaan. He stepped forward as the pioneer and the anchor of inspiration for this unique object in the East.

In the high-energy landscape of Bangkok’s fine dining, Sebastiaan recognized the Gemspoon not just as cutlery, but as a “hand jewel” that solves the reception dilemma with unparalleled elegance. Using his dual mastery of savoury and pastry disciplines, he utilized the Gemspoon as the stage for a trio of “culinary jewels”: a delicate white fish composition with violet blooms, a vibrant sea urchin crowned with caviar, and a floral tartlet cradling bright red berries. By sliding the object between the fingers, the guest is invited to admire the colors and breathe in the aromas before the final act of savoring.

In Their Words

“The Gemspoon is about a philosophy of stillness. It is a tool that forces the guest to pause and appreciate the micro-work of the chef before the flavor takes over.” — Jo Den Haerynck & Dirk Vrints

“Being the first to introduce the Gemspoon to the Asian market is about more than just a new tool; it’s about redefining the ritual of the reception. It transforms the appetizer into a personal experience—a jewel held in the palm that celebrates the intimacy of the first bite.” — Chef Sebastiaan Hoogewerf

The Result

What began in an Antwerp studio has found its soul in a Bangkok kitchen. Chef Sebastiaan Hoogewerf has successfully bridged two worlds, proving that true design is a universal language. As the first to handle this product in Asia, his work remains a beacon for the industry—showing how architecture, jewelry, and gastronomy converge into a single, radiant moment.

As he continues to expand his footprint—most recently celebrating the one-year anniversary of the Okura Cruise on December 20, 2025—his commitment to excellence remains Indelible. In a world of speed, Sebastiaan and Gemspoon have created a reason to linger. Where the hand of the maker meets the hand of the pioneer, the story of the “Gemstone Appetizer” has only just begun.