Dos discovered his profound passion for collecting during his formative years, influenced significantly by his father, an ardent nature lover and dedicated collector of fossils and shells. The thrill of uncovering treasures on sun-kissed beaches ignited a lifelong fascination within him. At approximately 14 years of age, a memorable vacation on the enchanting island of Elba inspired him to search for elusive pyrite and hematite, ultimately captivating him and marking the beginning of his devoted mineral collecting journey. During a momentous visit to Idar-Oberstein, he encountered the love of his life, Bertie, and they joyfully tied the knot in 1969.

Following their union, a series of adventures unfolded, as they traveled extensively in search of exquisite mineral specimens from around the globe. To support these numerous excursions, they began selling some of their precious mineral finds, only to reinvest in new discoveries. However, as the years passed and responsibilities mounted, the working years took precedence, leading to a waning interest in minerals. Ultimately, the collection remained with his father, who cherished it dearly.

After a long and fulfilling life, Dos's father sadly passed away at the age of 95, and a considerable portion of the cherished collection was sold. Surprisingly, this loss reignited Dos's passion for minerals, reminding him of the joy and wonder they had brought into his life. Now, as they reflect on the extraordinary journey they have shared, filled with countless beautiful moments, Dos and Bertie recognize that while life may be fleeting, the allure and splendor of minerals will endure eternally.

With love,
Dos & Bertie Winkel