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For those in the know, the small German city of Idar-Oberstein is a world-famous center for the working and cutting of gemstones. Although the mines that once provided the precious stones for the city’s craftsmen to carve and set have long since seized operations, many jewelers continue to carry on their trades here.
Once a year, the jewelers and artisans of the town invite the public into their studios to see what goes on behind the scenes when it comes to working their precious stones. This weekend usually occurs around Easter, but due to COVID-19 concerns, the date was pushed back to autumn in 2021.
As the new date appears to be holding steady, fans of shiny objects may wish to expand their collections over this coming weekend, Oct. 23 and 24. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on both days, about 20 jewelry designers from the town will open their workshops to show the public their latest creations.
Each of the designers’ workshops produces unique pieces with their own personal nod to style and tradition. Many of the rings, chains and earrings on display represent decades of expertise and untold man hours.
On the tour through the workshops, a variety of different ways of working with gems and metals are presented, from the grinding of sparkling gemstones to the forging and soldering of precious metals. Some of the workshops even offer visitors a chance to try their hands at the various techniques.
Those who don’t leave town having acquired a beautiful piece of jewelry can hang on to precious memories of a day well spent with friends or loved ones instead.
To see which studios are participating in the initiative, see http://xn--offene-werksttten-idar-oberstein-xyc.de/
