A Fascinating Visit to a World-Famous Stone Museum
In 2010, I visited a dear friend in Germany. One day we made a 2- hour car trip to a town called Idar Oberstein. In the past, it was the place to go for precious stone merchants. They would come from all over the world to buy and sell.
Nowadays India and Thailand have taken over. Still, Idar Oberstein is visited by many, be it, merchants or tourists.
Lovely Agate image Photosforyou
The world-famous stone museum in Idar Oberstein
At 10.00 o’clock sharp we were in front of the entrance to the world-famous museum, just as well as at 10.15 o’clock a full bus arrived. We were able to visit the fantastic stone museum, room by room, at leisure.
The museum has amazing pieces, small to huge, polished, and in their natural state, some even mentioned in the Guinness book of records.
A collection of Semi-Precious stones image Brett Houdow
How stones were polished in old times
Close to the museum is the place wherein old times the stones were polished. Working conditions were unbelievably harsh. They had diverted water from the river to flow through a small workshop. The force of the water was used to make an enormous stone wheel rotate.
On a small platform, a person would lie on his belly and, with both hands, hold a stone to be polished against the rotating wheel. It should not need mentioning that in this humid environment a worker would not live past the age of 40. Arthritis and lung disease would take their toll.
I tried this position myself and immediately got a cramp in my arms. Awful that people had to work like this.
Of course, we each bought a delightful piece of jewelry in the shop afterward. There was too much to choose from, so it took some time till we finally settled on a necklace.
The unusual Sand-Rose image alusruvi
In addition to Germany and all of Europe, this company has suggestions for specific tours. For example, you can take Game of Thrones tours in Europe or see the sights in Austria. Before your next vacation, see what they have to offer.
A rock tumbler as a birthday present
Conclusion
My entire life I have had a passion for stones. Going on a trip I will always try to find an interesting piece to take home for my collection. Some years ago, I got a rock-tumbler for my birthday. I save the empty yogurt buckets and put the stones from the different regions. I must say, lots of fun.
In About Me, I tell you about this passion and how it started.
I have made a special page for you. It holds a collection of things you might find interesting. Before you leave, please visit Recommendations.
Source: My Life
Photo Source: Pixabay and Private
Comments
Alejandra
Thanks so much for sharing a great article to learn more about Visiting a Historic Gemstone Museum, I must say I never pay much attention to stones, but after I married my husband, as he is always looking to find different types of stones wherever he goes, I got interested to learn more about them, I didn’t know there was a museum about Gemstones, it might be interesting to visit it one day.
Taetske
Good Morning Alejandra,
Nice to see you again and thank you for the comment.
That trip in September 2010 to Germany was really special. I traveled by train, visited many friends and saw many places. The weather was perfect at 23C. The visit to the stone museum was one of the highlights. In 2016, Michael invited me to the U.S. In Denver we also visited a stone museum.
I have a nice collection here at home. I enjoy looking at the unique pieces and remember how and where I found them.
Regards, Taetske