SourcingSep 15, 2022
See the 101-Carat Rough Ruby With Record-Setting Potential SourcingSep 19, 2022
Maine Museum Ready to Reveal Jewelry Designs Set with Historic Tourmalines
The Maine Mineral & Gem Museum enlisted 12 jewelers to create pieces using gems from 1972’s “The Big Find” for fundraising.
The Maine Mineral & Gem Museum will soon reveal the 12 designs created using gemstones from the historic “Big Find” discovery of tourmaline in the early 1970s. “The Big Reveal” will take place Oct. 8 in Newry, Maine.
Bethel, Maine—It’s almost time for the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum to reveal the jewels created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of the most significant gem tourmaline finds in North America.
In October 1972, four men unearthed a huge source of tourmaline crystals at the Dunton Mine on Plumbago Mountain in Newry, Maine, a discovery 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 the state. The discovery included everything from green to red to watermelon tourmaline.
The museum already has specimens from the find in its permanent exhibitions, but in honor of the 50th anniversary of The Big Find, it announced earlier this year a new initiative to tell the story of the discovery through the lens of jewelry artists.
Twelve jewelers from across the country were selected by a jury of industry experts to create a piece of jewelry using one of the tourmaline gemstones reserved from the discovery as part of “The Big Find: A Legend Continues.”
Now, months after announcing the project, the museum and the artists are nearly ready to reveal those pieces.
They will be debuted at “The Big Reveal” on Oct. 8, a ‘70s themed runway event to be held in Newry, Maine.
After the event, the collection will go to Tucson, Arizona, to be on display during the gems shows before being sold at an auction that will benefit the museum, located in Bethel, Maine.
The museum said the estimated value of the gemstones, which were donated, is $300,000. Its goal is to raise more than $1 million from the finished pieces.
Tickets for The Big Reveal are on sale now. General admission tickets are $50, while tickets for museum members are priced at $40.
There is also a limited number of VIP tickets available for $125; the VIP Experience includes access to the VIP Lounge, a first look experience, and more.
Related stories will be right here …
In October 1972, four men unearthed a huge source of tourmaline crystals at the Dunton Mine on Plumbago Mountain in Newry, Maine, a discovery 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 the state. The discovery included everything from green to red to watermelon tourmaline.
The museum already has specimens from the find in its permanent exhibitions, but in honor of the 50th anniversary of The Big Find, it announced earlier this year a new initiative to tell the story of the discovery through the lens of jewelry artists.
Twelve jewelers from across the country were selected by a jury of industry experts to create a piece of jewelry using one of the tourmaline gemstones reserved from the discovery as part of “The Big Find: A Legend Continues.”
Now, months after announcing the project, the museum and the artists are nearly ready to reveal those pieces.
They will be debuted at “The Big Reveal” on Oct. 8, a ‘70s themed runway event to be held in Newry, Maine.
After the event, the collection will go to Tucson, Arizona, to be on display during the gems shows before being sold at an auction that will benefit the museum, located in Bethel, Maine.
The museum said the estimated value of the gemstones, which were donated, is $300,000. Its goal is to raise more than $1 million from the finished pieces.
Tickets for The Big Reveal are on sale now. General admission tickets are $50, while tickets for museum members are priced at $40.
There is also a limited number of VIP tickets available for $125; the VIP Experience includes access to the VIP Lounge, a first look experience, and more.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Private Equity Firm Wants to Buy 100+ JCPenney StoresOnyx Partners has submitted a second offer to buy the department stores after its first offer fell through last year.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Atlanta Jeweler Introduces $10K MartiniSolomon Brothers Jewelers has partnered with local cocktail bar Roaring Social on a new martini garnished with a tennis necklace.
IndependentsAug 05, 2026
Another Member of the Siegel Family Joins Hamilton Jewelers Benjamin Siegel, son of President and CEO Hank Siegel, started working for the family business this week.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
MajorsAug 05, 2026
Bulgari Opens Store in San DiegoThe new space features a modern design that blends Bulgari’s Roman heritage with San Diego’s coastal spirit.
Weekly QuizJul 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeAug 04, 2026
Crew of Thieves Break Into Indiana Jeweler’s HomeFour men were charged in connection with the break-in and accused of stealing $365,000 in cash, jewelry, and designer goods.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Pandora Hires Former Signet Board Member to Lead North American MarketAndré Branch has more than 25 years of experience with various brands, most recently serving as CEO of Ariana Grande’s cosmetics company.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
MajorsAug 04, 2026
Sasha Primak Acquires GemlokNew York-based atelier Gemlok is best known for creating the innovative “bridge” setting that became popular in the bridal market.
CollectionsAug 04, 2026
Musician Carlos Santana Launches Jewelry BrandSantana Now's debut collection, “Unidad,” features symbolic motifs as well as pieces of wood from the Woodstock stage.
CrimeAug 03, 2026
Florida Man Gets 15 Years in Trio of Jewelry Store RobberiesThe 50-year-old man pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbing two jewelry stores and a pawn shop of more than $700,000 in merchandise.
WatchesAug 03, 2026
Citizen's New Spider-Man Watch Is a Collector’s DreamThe watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.
CollectionsAug 03, 2026
Chatham Releases First Men’s CollectionThe new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.
TrendsAug 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Spinel vs. Peridot While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn DownThe massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.
SurveysJul 30, 2026
Consumer Confidence Slips in JulySurvey respondents were concerned about the rising prices of food and groceries as well as unemployment.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Vicenzaoro Releases 2026 Education LineupThe trade show, slated for Sept. 4-8 in Vicenza, Italy, will feature sessions on trends, AI, gemology, and manufacturing.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Hillsborough Show Moves to New Location for 2026The public shopping event featuring art, jewelry, watches, and rare collectibles, will take place in Santa Clara, California, this fall.
EditorsJul 29, 2026
Q&A: The Past and Future of Angola’s Diamond Industry Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.
MajorsJul 29, 2026
Kevin Reilly Retires After 39 Years in the Jewelry Industry Reilly has been with PGI USA for the last 20 years, leading partnership development and professional education.
FinancialsJul 29, 2026
Kering’s H1 Jewelry Sales Up 14%Boucheron reached record sales while Pomellato found success in its signature collections.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2026
Lauren Harwell Godfrey Designs a Flag for ArkansasShe was one of more than 120 American designers who created flags for the “United Flags of Fashion” project led by CFDA and Vogue.
ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”
CollectionsJul 28, 2026
Lionheart’s New Collection Unites Spiritual Iconography“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.
