My Gemmology Course in Idar-Oberstein

From Self-Taught Designer to Brand Builder

My journey in jewelry began with curiosity and persistence. With a background in art history and international management, I taught myself everything about jewelry design through years of trial, error, and determination. Without a mentor, even the simplest questions required endless research. It was often a lonely path, but it shaped me. Eventually, I built a jewelry brand that grew into one of Germany’s leading labels, which I sold at the age of 33. Later, I worked as Creative Director for Europe’s largest online retailer—yet I felt there was still more to discover.

Why I Chose Gemmology

For many years, my work focused mainly on sterling silver. Alongside, I created a solid gold piercing line with gemstones, which sparked my fascination for stones and their meanings. I’ve always believed in the beauty and significance of gems and wanted to understand them on a deeper, scientific level.

I longed to broaden my horizon, to explore the very essence of jewelry: gemstones and diamonds—where they come from, how they are sourced, and how to distinguish them. Their formation, taking thousands to billions of years deep inside the Earth, only to end up in the palm of our hands, fascinated me. That curiosity led me to Idar-Oberstein, a town world-famous for its gemstone heritage, where I joined the German Gemmological Association (DGemG) for an intensive gemmology course.

Learning in the Gemstone Capital

The DGemG, founded in 1932, is one of the oldest and most respected gemmological institutes worldwide. Here, I immersed myself in a unique combination of scientific theory and hands-on practice.

We studied how to identify gemstones and diamonds, distinguish natural from synthetic, and detect treatments using advanced instruments such as spectroscopes, microscopes, and polariscopes. Every session revealed just how much expertise and precision is required to “read” a stone and uncover its story.

Discoveries and Impressions

What impressed me most was the sense of time each stone carries. Holding a diamond and realizing it had formed over 1 to 3 billion years ago left me in awe. Beyond their sparkle, I began to see gemstones and diamonds not only as materials of beauty, but as storytellers of Earth’s history. This perspective transformed how I approach jewelry design and sourcing.

Trust and Responsibility in Gem Sourcing

Another key lesson was trust. In today’s world, transparency and ethical sourcing are more important than ever. That is why I now collaborate with Europe’s leading sustainable gemstone suppliers and with friends in Idar-Oberstein who source exclusively fair-trade stones.

Compared to working only with silver, this responsibility carries even greater weight. Trust is the foundation of my work, and I continue this path with my clients, helping them source gems responsibly and with integrity.

The Energy of Gemstones

The gemmology course in Idar-Oberstein itself was purely scientific: focused on identification, testing, and classification of stones. Healing properties or energetic aspects were not part of the curriculum.

However, after completing the course, I found myself reflecting on the stones differently. Spending time with them—under the microscope, in the institute’s museum, and in my hands—deepened my personal connection. I realized that beyond their geological structures, gemstones have always carried meaning for people. Each seemed to evoke a certain presence or response, something I had intuitively felt before but understood more clearly afterward.

Throughout history, some gemstones have been associated with specific qualities. For example:

• Amethyst – long regarded as a stone of calm and clarity, often linked to reducing stress and supporting focus.

• Rose Quartz – traditionally connected with compassion, emotional balance, and love.

• Diamond – seen as a symbol of strength and clarity, representing endurance and resilience.

For me, this was not about replacing science with symbolism, but about acknowledging both perspectives: the measurable properties taught in the course, and the cultural and personal associations that give jewelry its deeper meaning.

These reflections also planted the seed for a future project—my own gemstone collection that brings together beauty, depth, and meaning. It’s not officially planned yet, but it has lived in my mind and heart for a long time.

Supporting Others on Their Journey

Looking back, my gemmology course in Idar-Oberstein marked a turning point. It allowed me to deepen my expertise, broaden my perspective, and connect with the true core of jewelry: the gems themselves.

Today, I use this knowledge to support other brands and designers on their own paths—whether they are sourcing sustainable materials, creating their first gemstone collection, or simply expanding their creative vision.