Sourcing

Tourmaline by the Ton: Maine Museum Celebrates ‘The Big Find’ 50 Years Later

SourcingFeb 23, 2022

Tourmaline by the Ton: Maine Museum Celebrates ‘The Big Find’ 50 Years Later

Twelve artists are crafting jewels set with gems from the historic 1970s discovery that will debut at the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum.

20220223_The-Big-Find-header.jpg
Three of the tourmalines given to designers to create pieces that will appear in the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum’s “The Big Find: The Legend Continues” exhibition this fall.
Bethel, Maine—It’s been 50 years since one of the largest and most significant gem tourmaline finds in North America, and one museum wants to celebrate the occasion by telling the story through design.

In October 1972, four men unearthed a huge source of tourmaline crystals at the Dunton Mine on Plumbago Mountain in Newry, Maine, according to the museum.

The discovery came to be known as “The Big Find.”

It resulted in more than a ton of gem tourmaline produced between 1972 and 1974 and revived gemstone mining in Maine, the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum said. The discovery included everything from green to red to watermelon tourmaline.

The museum already has several specimens from the find in its permanent exhibitions, including a 100-carat tourmaline and the “Newry Necklace,” comprised solely of tourmaline from the Dunton Mine, the largest of which weighs 40.82 carats.

Since 2022 marks 50 years since the big discovery, the team wanted to find a special new way to tell the story.

“The Big Find: A Legend Continues” does just that, celebrating the material through the lens of modern artists and their jewelry creations using historic tourmalines found during that two-year period.

Watch: An MMGM Video Discussing the Newry Find 
The museum put out a call for artists last year and then created a selection committee comprised of industry professionals who went through all the entries to narrow it down to a final 12. 

The artists chosen for the project were: Andy Lucas, Nick Noyes, Derek Katzenbach, Paula Crevoshay, Naomi Sarna, Matt and Lauren Tuggle, Matt Fischer, Gerardo Gonzalez, Stephen and Tamberlaine Zeh, Patty Daunis Dunning, Steven Manchini, and Eric Stewart. 

About two weeks later, the museum held a Facebook Live event for a random selection of which gemstones each of the 12 would work with for the exhibition.  

The stones range from 9 carats to 45 carats, from pink and green to bicolor and watermelon tourmalines. 

The designers have a budget of $5,000, for which the museum will reimburse them, and total artistic control over their jewels. 

They have until Sept. 1 to complete it. 

“I was delighted to be a gem recipient of the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum’s ‘The Big Find’ exhibition. Many people are unaware of the gem richness in Maine; supporting regional museums that celebrate local gem treasure is so important and I’m happy to participate in this endeavor,” Sarna said. 

“The jewel I will create from my green tourmaline will be a challenge for me as I almost never design jewels with emerald-cut stones and straight lines. I have some ideas how to use my signature curves to embrace the tourmaline, and of course, there will be colored diamonds and sapphires. Making a jewel that will be sold is a perfect way for us to support the museum.”

The collection of their works will be the highlight of “The Big Reveal” event on Oct. 8 in Maine, where they will be featured in a fashion runway show, styled with clothing from Maine designers.

The event will serve as a fundraising opportunity for the museum, which hasn’t had the chance to fundraise or even celebrate its opening since the pandemic hit right after its grand opening.

The pieces will be exhibited in the Museum Store after The Big Reveal event and then will be available to the public via a fundraising auction, the details of which will be announced at a later date. 
 
Until then, the museum is handing over its Instagram to the artists, who are giving followers a behind-the-scenes look at their process.

Follow the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum Instagram account to see their takeovers and get updates on the fall exhibition.

 Related stories will be right here …

The Latest

Stock image of police crime scene tape
CrimeApr 24, 2024
Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High

A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.

Kirsty Hume models Pippa Small Venus collection
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ Collection

Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.

Pomellato Pom Pom Dot necklaces
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1

The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.

1-(3.18).JPG
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry Retail

With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.

JCK Industry Fund Logo
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant Recipients

The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.

Weekly QuizApr 19, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
Take the Quiz
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea in 18-karat yellow gold
WatchesApr 24, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024

The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.

National Jeweler columnist Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s Day

Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.

Jewelers of America Fly In Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your Business

For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.

Hannoush Jewelers Queensbury NY location
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York

Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.

William Ruser: The Jeweler Who Charmed Hollywood book cover
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William Ruser

Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.

Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo modeling Jacquie Aiche’s Rebel Heart collection
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati Prinsloo

The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.

American Gem Society Conclave logo 2024
EditorsApr 22, 2024
The 22 Best Quotes from AGS Conclave 2024

Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.

Virtual Diamond Boutique
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’

The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.

Signet Jewelers employees and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
MajorsApr 22, 2024
Signet Raises Nearly $9M for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.

Retrouvaí’s Treasure Necklace
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure Necklace

A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.

Stock image crime handcuffs
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO Show

Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.

China Pearl collage
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China Pearl

The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.

Printed and digital AGS Ideal grading reports
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed Form

From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.

Stock image of a polished diamond in tweezers
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic Uncertainty

De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.

LVAJWS24_carousel_images_1872x1052_1.jpg
Supplier BulletinApr 18, 2024
Discover History’s Hidden Gems at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show

Kelly Yoch
WatchesApr 18, 2024
Watch E-tailer Collectability Hires Kelly Yoch

The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.

Interior of TAG Heuer Boutique on Carnival Cruise Ship
WatchesApr 18, 2024
TAG Heuer Opens Its Largest Standalone Boutique at Sea

The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.

 Stock image of a gavel
Policies & IssuesApr 17, 2024
NDC Prevails in U.K. Case Over Lab-Grown Diamond Advertising

NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”

John Carter, 2024 Shipley Award winner
Events & AwardsApr 17, 2024
And the 2024 Winner of the Shipley Award Is …

John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.

Visual from Tiffany & Co.’s With Love Since 1837 campaign
FinancialsApr 17, 2024
LVMH’s Q1 Jewelry Sales Fall 5%

LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.

 B&D ribbon cutting in RI
MajorsApr 17, 2024
Stuller’s B&D Opens New Headquarters

B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.

Model Wearing Eat Cake Collection
CollectionsApr 16, 2024
Akaila Reid Launches ‘Eat Cake’ Collection

It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy