4th Long Night of Gemstones

Idar-Oberstein as the Gemstone Capital

Since the 19th century, Idar-Oberstein has been the German center for gemstone processing, jewelry production, and mineral trading. The town in the Nahe region combines over 500 years of agate processing history with modern diamond calibration, goldsmithing, and mineral research. The Long Night of Gemstones, organized by Messe Idar-Oberstein, is the format that makes this wealth accessible to a broad audience for free – beyond the trade fair halls.

Museums, Mines, and Industrial Monuments

Participating locations include:

• the Oberstein Mineral Museum with an opening ceremony at 6:30 PM
• the German Gemstone Museum
• the historic Steinkaulenberg gemstone mine with the Weiherschleife water-powered grinding mill
• the Jakob Bengel industrial monument with historical jewelry production
• the Harald-Fissler Vocational School with its jewelry and gemstone department
• the Fischbach copper mine in the surrounding area

At the locations, visitors can expect readings, guided tours, live music, and short program items related to gemstones, minerals, and jewelry. Some tours have limited capacity and require advance online registration.

Bus Shuttle and Free Night

Since the locations are spread throughout the city, Messe Idar-Oberstein organizes a free bus shuttle that connects the main points. Those who wish can also travel on foot or by their own car. Admission to all participating locations is free during the event hours – an exceptional offer in a city whose museums normally charge admission. The Long Night of Gemstones thus offers perhaps the most compact opportunity to grasp Idar-Oberstein's gemstone DNA in just a few hours.