SourcingJan 27, 2022
A Tapestry Set with 26K Gemstones Is Making Its US DebutSourcingFeb 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.
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
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 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 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.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
TrendsFeb 17, 2026
A Bit of Jewelry for the Year of the HorseWestern wear continues to trend in the Year of the Fire Horse and along with it, horse and horseshoe motifs in jewelry.
GradingFeb 17, 2026
Dr. George Rossman, Former GIA Governor, Dies at 81Rossman, who advised GIA for more than 50 years, is remembered for his passion and dedication to the field of gemology.
CrimeFeb 13, 2026
JSA Offering $10K Reward in Nancy Guthrie Case Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted just as the Tucson gem shows were starting.
Brought to you by
The MJSA Mentor & Apprenticeship Program: Attracting & Training the Next Generation of Bench JewelersLaunched in 2023, the program will help the passing of knowledge between generations and alleviate the shortage of bench jewelers.
IndependentsFeb 13, 2026
97-Year-Old New Mexico Jewelry Store To CloseButterfield Jewelers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is preparing to close as members of the Butterfield family head into retirement.
Weekly QuizFeb 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsFeb 13, 2026
A ‘Rosebud’ Necklace for Valentine’s DayPaul Morelli’s “Rosebud” necklace, our Piece of the Week, uses 18-karat rose, green, and white gold to turn the symbol of love into jewelry.
MajorsFeb 13, 2026
JFC Announces New BeneficiariesThe nonprofit has welcomed four new grantees for 2026.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
MajorsFeb 12, 2026
These 8 Saks Fifth Avenue Stores Are ClosingParent company Saks Global is also closing nearly all Saks Off 5th locations, a Neiman Marcus store, and 14 personal styling suites.
CollectionsFeb 12, 2026
British Museum Raises $5M to Keep Jewel Linked to Henry VIII, Katherine of AragonIt is believed the 24-karat heart-shaped enameled pendant was made for an event marking the betrothal of Princess Mary in 1518.
Events & AwardsFeb 12, 2026
Kering Opens Entries for 2026 Sustainability-Focused AwardThe “Kering Generation Award x Jewelry” returns for its second year with “Second Chance, First Choice” as its theme.
TrendsFeb 11, 2026
Halle Berry’s Retro Engagement Ring Is a Sapphire-Set StunnerSourced by For Future Reference Vintage, the yellow gold ring has a round center stone surrounded by step-cut sapphires.
MajorsFeb 11, 2026
Francesca’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy AgainThe clothing and accessories chain announced last month it would be closing all of its stores.
CollectionsFeb 11, 2026
Zales Turns Sweethearts Into Jewelry for Valentine’s Day CollectionThe “Zales x Sweethearts” collection features three mystery heart charms engraved with classic sayings seen on the Valentine’s Day candies.
TechnologyFeb 11, 2026
Gemvision Symposium 2026 Slated for AprilThe event will include panel discussions, hands-on demonstrations of new digital manufacturing tools, and a jewelry design contest.
Events & AwardsFeb 11, 2026
TJS Announces Roundtable, Launches New AppRegistration is now open for The Jewelry Symposium, set to take place in Detroit from May 16-19.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
At Meeting in South Africa, Support for Natural Diamonds Picks Up Steam Namibia has formally signed the Luanda Accord, while two key industry organizations pledged to join the Natural Diamond Council.
TrendsFeb 10, 2026
Bad Bunny Wears Football-Shaped ‘Desert Diamond’ for Halftime PerformanceLady Gaga, Cardi B, and Karol G also went with diamond jewelry for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show honoring Puerto Rico.
SurveysFeb 10, 2026
Shoppers to Spend Big on Jewelry This Valentine’s Day, Says NRFJewelry is expected to be the No. 1 gift this year in terms of dollars spent.
FinancialsFeb 10, 2026
Kering Plans Transformation as 2025 Sales Sink 13%As star brand Gucci continues to struggle, the luxury titan plans to announce a new roadmap to return to growth.
SourcingFeb 10, 2026
AGTA To Debut ‘Stuller Color of the Year’ Spectrum Awards CategoryThe new category asks entrants for “exceptional” interpretations of the supplier’s 2026 color of the year, which is “Signature Red.”
Policies & IssuesFeb 09, 2026
U.S., India Trade Deal One Step Closer to Being FinalizedThe White House issued an official statement on the deal, which will eliminate tariffs on loose natural diamonds and gemstones from India.
Events & AwardsFeb 09, 2026
JA Now Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsEntries for the jewelry design competition will be accepted through March 20.
IndependentsFeb 09, 2026
James Free Jewelers Unveils Revamped FlagshipThe Ohio jeweler’s new layout features a curated collection of brand boutiques to promote storytelling and host in-store events.
TrendsFeb 09, 2026
These 14 Jewels Will Melt Your Heart This Valentine’s DayFrom heart motifs to pink pearls, Valentine’s Day is filled with jewelry imbued with love.
CrimeFeb 06, 2026
Florida Man Sentenced After Selling Fake Native American Jewelry for a Decade Prosecutors say the man attended arts and craft fairs claiming he was a third-generation jeweler who was a member of the Pueblo tribe.
FinancialsFeb 06, 2026
Pandora’s North America GM Departs Amid Executive ChangesNew CEO Berta de Pablos-Barbier shared her priorities for the Danish jewelry company this year as part of its fourth-quarter results.
