SourcingApr 25, 2023
Gem Legacy Adventures Announces 2024 Dates for East Africa TripSourcingMay 25, 2023
David Yurman Unveils Quartz Exhibition at AMNH
The Yurman Family Crystalline Pass is inside the museum’s brand-new Richard Gilder Center.
The Yurman Family Crystalline Pass is a 19-foot stretch of transparent quartz crystals in the corridor connecting the museum’s Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals and the new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation.
New York—The David Yurman family has announced the opening of a new exhibit at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH).
Found in the corridor connecting the museum’s Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals and the new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation, the Yurman Family Crystalline Pass is a 19-foot stretch of 4,000 pounds of transparent quartz crystals.
The exhibit is a recreation of a section of a 70-foot vein of naturally occurring transparent quartz crystals, known as the Vortex Vein, found within the Avant Mine in Blue Springs, Arkansas.
The mine is famous for producing what many experts consider the finest clear quartz crystal in the world. David Yurman has used this quartz in its jewelry for years.
“It’s one of the most extraordinary outcroppings of crystal in the world,” said David Yurman.
When construction began for the Gilder Center, AMNH curator George Harlow was in touch with James Zigras, who owns the mine. Zigras showed Harlow images of the mine and the vein of quartz crystals, and it sparked the initial idea for the crystalline pass.
“When I saw the expanse of the crystal vein at the Vortex mine, I thought ‘if we could recreate this, it would be dramatic, beautiful, and informative about geology,’” said Dr. George Harlow, curator emeritus in AMNH’s Department of Earth and Planetary Science.
“The idea is to both show something that is fantastic, and to educate people about what it represents.”
Related stories will be right here …
Found in the corridor connecting the museum’s Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals and the new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation, the Yurman Family Crystalline Pass is a 19-foot stretch of 4,000 pounds of transparent quartz crystals.
The exhibit is a recreation of a section of a 70-foot vein of naturally occurring transparent quartz crystals, known as the Vortex Vein, found within the Avant Mine in Blue Springs, Arkansas.
The mine is famous for producing what many experts consider the finest clear quartz crystal in the world. David Yurman has used this quartz in its jewelry for years.
“It’s one of the most extraordinary outcroppings of crystal in the world,” said David Yurman.
When construction began for the Gilder Center, AMNH curator George Harlow was in touch with James Zigras, who owns the mine. Zigras showed Harlow images of the mine and the vein of quartz crystals, and it sparked the initial idea for the crystalline pass.
“When I saw the expanse of the crystal vein at the Vortex mine, I thought ‘if we could recreate this, it would be dramatic, beautiful, and informative about geology,’” said Dr. George Harlow, curator emeritus in AMNH’s Department of Earth and Planetary Science.
“The idea is to both show something that is fantastic, and to educate people about what it represents.”
The Yurman family maintains a longstanding devotion to the arts and innovation, the jewelry company said, and have worked with AMNH before.
Previously, the family made donations to the Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals that included some rare and precious stones, including opals and amethysts from President and Chief Creative Officer Evan Yurman’s personal collection. The son of founders David and Sybil was promoted in 2021.
“When construction began for the new Gilder Center, we discussed expanding our partnership into something more permanent and awe-inspiring for visitors,” Evan said. “We were fortunate to visit the mine during the crystals’ excavation and to work closely with the museum over many years to bring this project to life.”
David Yurman views a shelf of crystals at the Avant Mine. Ahead of the installation of the new exhibit at AMNH supported by David Yurman, the founding family visited the Avant Mine in Blue Springs, Arkansas, in which lies the Vortex Vein — the inspiration for the new 19-foot Yurman Family Crystalline Pass.
Company founder David Yurman stands near the Avant Mine. He has previously incorporated quartz crystals from the mine in his jewelry.
Company president Evan Yurman holds an extraction from the Avant Mine during the executives’ trip to Blue Springs, Arkansas.
Evan Yurman holds a cleaned quartz crystal extracted from the Avant Mine.
Supporting the creation of this exhibit was also an opportunity for the company to educate museum visitors about gemstones’ natural formation and to give back to New York City, the city that has served as David Yurman’s inspiration for nearly 50 years.
“The response has been tremendously positive and eye-opening for visitors. It’s a unique experience to see the recreation of a natural wonder like this, and to better understand the natural origins of the stones that inspire our designs,” said Evan. “We’re pleased to share our love of art, nature, and gemstones with visitors from New York and around the world.”
Sybil Yurman added, “As you’ll see in our collections, so much of what we do is all about the beauty of the earth, what comes to us naturally—every stone. We hope that everyone who sees the crystalline pass feels as inspired as we do by nature’s infinite possibilities.”
More on Sourcing
The Latest
CollectionsApr 25, 2025
Sylvie Looks to Water in New Sculptural Bridal Collection“Shell Auranova” is the next generation of the brand’s bridal line, featuring half-bezel engagement rings with bold and fluid designs.
FinancialsApr 25, 2025
Kering’s Jewelry Brands Persevere as Q1 Sales Sink 14%Boucheron and Pomellato performed well in an otherwise bleak quarter for Kering amid struggles at Gucci.
EditorsApr 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Deborah Meyers Experience’s ‘The Birds’ EarringsDesigner Deborah Meyers created her birds from oxidized sterling silver, rose-cut diamond eyes, and Akoya Keshi pearl feathers.
Brought to you by
Emerging Jewelers Accelerator Program Announces Second Cohort of Aspiring Jewelry Entrepreneurs Six new retail businesses were selected for the 2025 program, which began in January.
Supplier BulletinApr 24, 2025
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessSponsored by the Gemological Institute of America
Weekly QuizApr 24, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsApr 24, 2025
Q&A: Wolf’s CEO Talks U.S. ExpansionSimon Wolf shares why the time was right to open a new office here, what he looks for in a retail partner, and why he loves U.S. consumers.
IndependentsApr 24, 2025
Longtime Iowa Jeweler Herman Ginsberg Dies at 99 A third-generation jeweler, Ginsberg worked at his family’s store, Ginsberg Jewelers, from 1948 until his retirement in 2019.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessThe risk of laboratory-grown diamonds being falsely presented as natural diamonds presents a very significant danger to consumer trust.
FinancialsApr 24, 2025
Charles & Colvard Delisted From Nasdaq Due to NoncomplianceThe company failed to file its quarterly reports in a timely manner.
TrendsApr 24, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: So CharmingCharms may be tiny but with their small size comes endless layering possibilities, from bracelets to necklaces and earrings.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
Bulgari Doubles Size of Jewelry Factory in ItalyLocated in Valenza, the now 355,000-square-foot facility includes a new jewelry school that’s open to the public, Scuola Bulgari.
Events & AwardsApr 23, 2025
PDPaola Creative Director Wins FGI’s ‘Rising Star’ AwardPaola Sasplugas, co-founder of the Barcelona-based jewelry brand, received the Fine Jewelry Award.
AuctionsApr 23, 2025
Rare Custom Rolex Daytona Heads to AuctionA platinum Zenith-powered Daytona commissioned in the late ‘90s will headline Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Geneva next month.
MajorsApr 23, 2025
David Yurman’s New Campaign Stars Carmelo Anthony, Jaylen BrownThe basketball stars wear men’s jewelry from the “Curb Chain” collection.
MajorsApr 22, 2025
Zales’ Rebrand Takes Playful Approach to Fine JewelryThe Signet Jewelers-owned retailer wants to encourage younger shoppers to wear fine jewelry every day, not just on special occasions.
AuctionsApr 22, 2025
Christie’s to Auction JAR Jewelry CollectionThe 21 pieces, all from a private collector, will be offered at its Magnificent Jewels auction next month.
ColumnistsApr 22, 2025
The PR Adviser: Building Buzz Through Word of MouthLilian Raji answers a question from a reader who is looking to grow her jewelry business but has a limited marketing budget.
GradingApr 22, 2025
Avi Levy Is GCAL By Sarine’s New Chief Growth OfficerGCAL by Sarine created the new role to sharpen the company’s focus on strategic partnerships and scalable expansion.
IndependentsApr 22, 2025
Brinker’s Jewelers Acquires Fellow IndependentThe Indiana jeweler has acquired Scottsdale Fine Jewelers in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
An Exhibition Exploring the History of Cartier Is Now on Display“Cartier: Design, Craft, and Legacy” opened earlier this month at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
New York Jeweler to Close After 111 YearsVan Cott Jewelers in Vestal, New York, is hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
IndependentsApr 21, 2025
IJO Names New Director of Vendor Relations, Merchandise StrategyIndustry veteran Samantha Larson has held leadership roles at Borsheims, McTeigue & McClelland, Stuller, and Long’s Jewelers.
Events & AwardsApr 21, 2025
Jewelers of Louisiana, Mississippi Jewelers Association to Co-Host ConventionThe two organizations will hold the educational event together this fall in Mississippi.
Events & AwardsApr 18, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las VegasThe entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.
CollectionsApr 18, 2025
Piece of the Week: Dukachi’s ‘Easter Bread’ PendantThe Ukrainian brand’s new pendant is modeled after a traditional paska, a pastry often baked for Easter in Eastern European cultures.
IndependentsApr 18, 2025
Bremer Jewelry to Reveal Renovated StoreThe jeweler has announced a grand reopening for its recently remodeled location in Peoria, Illinois.
MajorsApr 18, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Employees Star in Mother’s Day CampaignThe “Strong Like Mom” campaign features moms who work at Tiffany & Co. and their children.
