gems, agate, Germany, Idar-Oberstein, history, lapidary, fashioning

A firsthand account of Idar-Oberstein’s gemstone industry following its postwar recovery. Visits to Professor Schlossmacher’s gemological institute, the Gebrüder Leyser cutting establishment, and the Heinz brothers’ historic water-powered workshop document laboratory equipment, specialized cutting operations, and traditional agate-working methods. Photographs illustrate sawing, grinding, and polishing. The article also describes the town’s extensive network of cutters, dealers, and jewelry manufacturers, its international rough supplies, and difficulties recruiting skilled workers and attracting younger people to the craft.