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
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 17, 2026
FBI Issues Warning to Refineries, Retailers Due to High Price of GoldThe alert states that burglary crews are targeting jewelry businesses and details how jewelers and refineries can protect themselves.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed RobberyJSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
ColumnistsApr 09, 2026
Jewelry Demand Isn’t Stronger, Prices Are Just Higher Jewelers who misinterpret the state of the jewelry market risk employing the wrong retail strategy, cautions columnist Sherry Smith.
MajorsApr 09, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Promotes Nathalie Verdeille to SVP, Chief Artistic OfficerIn her newly expanded role, she will continue to oversee the jewelry category, as well as watches, home, and accessories.
WatchesApr 09, 2026
Jacob & Co. Rolls Out Its Sequel to ‘The Godfather’ Musical Watch“The Godfather II” watch plays two melodies from the mob film’s score, “The Godfather’s Waltz” and “The Godfather Love Theme.”
Events & AwardsApr 09, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerOrganizers have also introduced the new JCK Talks Signature Series, as well as an offering of watch-focused workshops and lectures.
