Idar-Oberstein

The town Idar-Oberstein in its present form only evolved in the 20th century, but through the natural existence of the gemstones agate, jasper and rock crystal in the region, the town is also connected with the work of Hildegard of Bingen. In „Physica“, her comprehensive work on natural history, Hildegard dedicated an entire book to the gemstones and within her theologically shaped understanding of medicine gave advice for their use in this field. With this, she was part of a tradition proven to be there since ancient times attributing special powers to these glittering stones. The jewellery and gemstone town Idar-Oberstein provides many opportunities to learn more about the different minerals and their extraction and processing. In the gemstone mines of the Steinkaulenberg, which are open to interested people as visitor mines today, former dig sites can be visited, and in the „Historical Water Mill“ („Historische Weiherschleife“), a water mill for grinding the gemstones at the Idar creek, the historical ways of processing are shown. Furthermore, the gemstone adventure worlds with their caves, waterfalls and wells as well as a dig site provide for a completely different approach to the topic of gemstones.

Deutsches Edelsteinmuseum (German Gemstone Museum)

After seeing how the raw stones were processed, it is time to gaze at the colourful treasures in probably the most comprehensive gemstone exhibition in the world. The German Gemstone Museum offers the visitor the world of gemstones in perfection.

All types of gemstones can be admired here in more than 10,000 exhibits. Apart from raw and ground stones, the visitors can also marvel at artful sculptures and engravings. Even experts are deeply impressed by this variety. Alone the Wilhelmian style villa that houses the gemstone museum is a treasure in itself.

From the railway station you can reach the handicapped accessible museum by town buses; bus stop Börse. Parking places for buses and cars are located in close proximity.