Idar-Oberstein - The Gemstone Capital

German entrepreneurial spirit and competitive zeal has found fascinating expression in the art and craft of the gem industry.  For more than five centuries craftsmen have plied their artistic talent and finely tuned skills in cutting, shaping and polishing agates, jasper and precious gems.  During the first few centuries, local mines provided ample supply of agates and jasper.  As local resources dwindled, German emigrants travelling to far flung countries and(particularly Brazil) started to collect precious stones and bring them back to Germany.  Here in Idar- Oberstein,  factories began to specialize, each developing sets of skills designed to enhance the quality, value and appearance of the stone and gems they worked with. Idar-Oberstein is referred to as the 'gemstone' capital of Germany and has a world wide reputation as a cutting center for all types of gems; only Antwerp exceeds it in reputation as the diamond cutting center of the world.  I purchased a set of blue-dyed agate bookends [only 20 euros].

The Edelsteinmuseum provides a unique glimpse  into this fascinating world.  Gems from all over the world, with spectacular samples of amethyst, opal, jasper, precious gems of every type, crystalline formations and carvings displayed the creative and artistic ability of the local craftsmen on three floors.  We were treated to a guided tour of the museum with over 9000 exhibits of incalculable value.  The displays were spectacular but more than that, the museum pays tribute to the agate cutters, hollow cutters, facetteurs, lapidaries, diamond cutters and especially the outstanding works of local gemstone engravers and goldsmiths.  This is certainly
a diversion from the normal tourist fare, but nevertheless, an engaging way to spend quality holiday time.

Although was much to see in Idar-Oberstein a change of scenery seemed in order so we headed a half hour down the road to the picturesque town of Bernkastel on the Mosel River.  It was a beautiful spring day and this little town came highly recommended.  True to form, the city was a mix of old and new spanning both sides of the beautiful Mosel River.  The old part of town was full of eye-catching half timbered houses, quaint shops and narrow cobblestone streets referred to as "gasse".  Here vehicles were prohibited as they probably couldn't navigate the streets anyway.  We  spent a leisurely Saturday afternoon taking in the sights and sounds along the river.  We drove up to the ruins of an old fortress and from this prominent vantage point, we could see up and down the Mosel.  This is prime vineyard country and all the steep hills were covered in vines. Undoubtedly a pretty site in full bloom.