David Yurman Unveils Quartz Exhibition at AMNH
The Yurman Family Crystalline Pass is inside the museum’s brand-new Richard Gilder Center.

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.”
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.”
The Latest

The Dayton-based jeweler, which has been in business since 1985, was formerly known as Stafford Jewelers.

Reeds Jewelers CEO Alan Zimmer will be presented with the honor at JVC’s annual luncheon.

The piece, celebrating birthdays from March 21 to April 19, debuted with Sorellina’s new line of astrological pendants.

Supplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA

The Indian jewelry brand recently opened stores in Atlanta and Seattle.


CEO Beth Gerstein shared its most popular price points, what’s trending in non-bridal fine jewelry, and its holiday performance.

The 15 pieces were crafted from the “Insofu” emerald, discovered in Zambia in 2010.

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

Chris Anderson is joining the insurance provider as the new chief financial officer and treasurer.

Jewelers of America is distributing a brochure for retailers to use when discussing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds.

As lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.

Govind Dholakia and Tanishq will be recognized for their contributions to the industry at the Diamonds Do Good Awards in Las Vegas.

The New York City-based brand has opened its first U.K. location with a permanent shop-in-shop at Liberty in London.

A metal detectorist discovered the ring that is believed to have belonged to a bishop in the late 12th to early 13th century.

Organizers looked to new partnerships and interactive experiences to enhance the spring show, set for March 16 to 18.

Kenewendo, Botswana’s minister of minerals and energy, will discuss the future of diamonds.

The suspect allegedly stole almost $800,000 worth of diamond jewelry from a store in Orlando and then swallowed it during a traffic stop.

Ahead of the Gem Awards on Friday, Jen Cullen Williams and Duvall O’Steen share pro tips for taking the best photos.

Founded in 2000, Marco Bicego is commemorating its milestone anniversary with a “25 Best” collection and campaigns honoring its heritage.

Those attending the company’s upcoming Zoom workshop will receive early access to “The List,” its new resource for finding buyers.

The organization will present an award to Amy-Elise Signeavsky, law enforcement and diamond recovery manager at GIA.

Chandler started his jewelry career at Michelson Jewelers, joining the Diamond Council of America as president and CEO in 2001.

Scottish American designer Maeve Gillies collaborated with Platinum Guild International on jewelry created by direct metal 3D printing.

Ahead of its trade show in May, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to five up-and-coming jewelry industry professionals.

The 2025 Gem Awards are set to take place Friday at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

The annual star-studded campaign for International Women’s Day encourages collective action against domestic violence.

The statement piece is seen in Yeprem’s new “You Play the Game” campaign, created for International Women’s Day.