“For natures like mine a journey is invaluable; it animates, corrects, instructs and develops.” This wise pronouncement came from no lesser personality than Johann Wolfgang von Goethe himself. And I am glad, in the first issue of the Gem Journal, to be able to take you on just such a journey. A journey through my fascinating world of gemstones. And not least: a journey through my homeland. People who know me are aware of the fact that I love adventure and different cultures – be they in South America, Africa or Asia. But Idar-Oberstein, my oasis of wellbeing, is the place I like to be best of all. That’s why I’ve dedicated a large part of this issue to the Deutsche Vita. Let’s set out together on a journey from Frankfurt, the metropolis on the Main, to my Gem Room! … Sparkling greetings Constantin Wild