Open Workshops Idar-Oberstein

Craftsmanship in Focus

Idar-Oberstein has over 500 years of history in processing agate, minerals, and gemstones. Generations of goldsmiths and gemstone cutters have developed from this tradition, whose workshops are still active in Idar and Oberstein today. The Open Workshops make precisely this craft experienceable for the public over a weekend.

22 Workshops, Two Days, Free Entry

Approximately 22 participating workshops are spread throughout the city – some in the historic cutter's quarter around the Weiherschleife, others in modern studio spaces in Idar or Oberstein. Visitors usually receive a map with the participating addresses and can wander from workshop to workshop at their own pace. Some goldsmiths demonstrate the live creation of a ring, others demonstrate gemstone cutting techniques on historical water mills, and still others explain diamond calibration and modern CAD-assisted jewelry design. Those who wish can buy works directly on-site – often at preferential conditions.

Tradition Meets Present

The format is more than just advertising for the Idar-Oberstein jewelry industry: it is an honest encounter between craftspeople, hobby jewelry enthusiasts, art students, and a broad public. The weekend becomes particularly impressive when combined with a visit to the historical Weiherschleife or the German Gemstone Museum – the history and present of Idar-Oberstein become tangible for every taste in one weekend.