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
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
