Gemstone craftsmanship in the Upper Nahe region has cleared a major hurdle on the path to recognition as intangible cultural heritage: this time-honoured craft has already been recognised at state level and nominated for inclusion in the national register of immaterial cultural heritage. This paves the way for the next decision – to be made at federal level later this year. This is a significant step for the region around Idar-Oberstein. An initial application had already been submitted in 2022, but this had to be revised following a review by the German UNESCO Commission.
The application at the time was generally well received, but certain aspects needed to be addressed. These included, amongst other things, an examination of colonial ties in the gemstone trade, issues of sustainability in the use of raw materials, and the contemporary significance of craftsmanship for regional identity. At the same time, the organising body needed to be given greater visibility – as a central component of this established identity. These points were taken into account in the new application.
At the heart of the application lies the so-called ‘supporting community’ – that is, all those who currently uphold and further develop the gemstone-cutting trade: craft workshops, designers, the Idar-Oberstein Campus of Trier University of Applied Sciences, and other institutions within the sector. The application was largely initiated by Hans-Ulrich Pauly, Chief Master Craftsman and Chairman of the Association for the Promotion of the Gemstone-Cutting Trades. The engraver from Veitsrodt has been committed for decades to passing on the craft and raising its profile.
Julia Wild, teacher at the Idar-Oberstein campus of Trier University of Applied Sciences, took the lead in drafting the application. In particular, she brought the perspective of training and the networking of the various stakeholder groups to the project.
Wild emphasises:
“The gemstone industry thrives on its diversity – from traditional cutting to contemporary design. It is particularly important to us to raise the profile of the community of practitioners and to further strengthen it.” He continues: “If the various stakeholders work together even more closely, we can not only preserve this knowledge, but also develop it further together and ensure its future viability.”
Pauly also sees the application as an important signal:
“The craft of gemstone cutting has been passed down through the generations – often in a very practical way, from person to person. This practical knowledge is a central part of our tradition.”
Looking to the future, he says: “It’s also about raising the profile of our craft and showing young people that there are real opportunities here.”
The gemstone industry has shaped the region around Idar-Oberstein for centuries. From the rough stone to the finished piece of jewellery, every step of the process is characterised by precision and experience. Today, the craft combines tradition with fresh impetus from design, training and research. Young people from many countries around the world study at the Idar-Oberstein campus of Trier University of Applied Sciences – a reflection of the international significance of the gemstone industry. The close collaboration between the industry and the university demonstrates how this cultural heritage continues to evolve.
Following its successful nomination at regional level, the application is now being considered at national level. A final decision on its inclusion in the national register of intangible cultural heritage will be made there later this year. For the region, this would send a strong signal – one of living tradition, shared responsibility and the future of a unique craft.
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