Hello my beloved readership,
another hidden treasure in the Mosel-land is Idar-Oberstein. Read here what this place is about and what makes it special as it is. Perhaps a gift-idea?
When we visit my parents-in-law once a year we usually do not leave it to the simple family-program. The adventurer-gene within us makes us want to travel around and discover “new” places – well, new to me and at least known for my husband. But, even though, my parents-in-law, who accompany us always get to discover something new with us, too. Like this we among others made a trip to Cochem or Traben-Trarbach which you can check here and here. This time my husband wanted to spoil me and took me to Idar-Oberstein: A place what a woman like me would love.
Historical Pond Loop
The historical pond loop in Idar-Oberstein is a former grinding where gemstones have been crafted. Meanwhile it serves as interactive museum where visitors can experience very lively the craftmanship of gemstones from the times back then. The tour would continue in the building next to the historical pond loop. First you are led to a chamber where a selection of different kinds of gemstones from all over the world in different sizes are exhibited. Some of them in glass vitrines some others openly where you cannot resist to make a touch. After a while you are picked-up to some kind of little cinema where you are offered to watch a brief but informative film about the town of Idar-Oberstein and its meaning for the gemstone-industry in German. You learn about the academy of gemstone craftmanship as well as the German Gemstone-Museum as internationally famous spot. The last step of your tour is marked by a dark exhibition-hall where the main and most well-known gemstones are exhibited as well as explained in their meaning, color and origin.
German Gemstone-Museum
The German Gemstone-Museum is an internationally famous tourist-attraction. All kinds of jewelry and gemstones from all over the world, among others or foremost to mention record-holding ones are exhibited across four floors there. Since the 14th century the museum in Idar-Oberstein is a certificated place where gemstones were found. Since the 16th century agate loops were crafted there. You can not only watch gemstones there but as well the tools which were used for crafting. On the last floor you can find a room which gives you a real experience on the caves where the gemstones where discovered and taken.
Nothing to do at the Mosel-region on a Sunday? My suggestion would be to visit Idar-Oberstein and their museums. The German Gemstone-Museum also offers sitting possibilities. Personally, I would plan a duration of one to two hours. We have been there with our children (almost 3 and almost 6) and it worked quite well. But as I learned the museum offers a special rally with a giveaway to entertain children. You can find all information regarding the exact location, opening-times, prizes etc. on their official page here.
…Because Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend
You probably want to reward yourself after your new learning on jewelry and gemstones with a gemstone or piece of jewelry from the place of origin? I did not only gift myself with an amethyst but also got my mother and sister a gemstone according to their taste as little gift from our holiday. So for a special occasion or person this definitely marks a significant gift. As for me it did because this special necklace will always remind me of my husband spoiling me as he did and all the thoughts he put in this trip.
In the beginning of October the nature around the historical pond loop was very agreeable and also the children could enjoy it with a playground right nearby. If you are coming by car also parking possibilities are given that are not too expensive. In November the indoor activities in the museum are very much recommendable.
Of course, there are more impressions I could share with you but at this point I do not want to spoil you but rather suggest you to go and discover the beauty of Idar-Oberstein yourself. Personally it left me very fascinated about all the knowledge I gained. As a lover of gemstones this is your destination and as soon as you visited this place you will start loving gemstones if you haven’t yet. As always I am going to share all impressions on Instagram.
Love, Johanna
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[…] In the end I matched my lilac dress to the gem-stones of Idar-Oberstein which you can read about here. I chose grey tights, even though you could have as well made an all lilac look from it, turning […]
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