I was inspired by the unique regional history
and situation of Idar-Oberstein, Germany, the
gem centre of Europe. Idar-Oberstein has a
history of working with gemstones going back
over 500 years. The first major activities started
when miners found amethyst and agate in the
area around the small towns of Idar and
Oberstein in the late 14th century. After these
gemstones ran out in Idar-Oberstein, German
workers moved to Brazil for mining gemstones
and they introduced mining, cutting, and
gemology.
In the past, more than 5000 workers worked in
the small town. For a period of time, the Nahe
river was polluted with toxic substances used
to colour metals. The toxic substances and
dust from stone cutting damaged workers’
health. Now, this labour has moved to Asian
countries, including India and other
manufacturing countries.
At present, only high-quality gem dealers and
cutters work in Idar-Oberstein. All kinds of
gemstones are gathered in this small town.
Interestingly, we can find gemstones (although
not of jewellery quality) alongside the Nahe
river. This is because cutter factories used to
be built next to the river to use water power
and cutters threw substandard gems into the
river. We can witness the broad, global
network at the Nahe riverside.
This installation praises, remembers,
sympathizes with and expressing gratitude to
jewel industry workers. It is an homage to
former workers’ times and all kinds of labour.