In the early 1990s, I had what many considered a crazy idea: collect beach stones from Maine’s coast and surround them in gold.
For years I searched. By car. By ferry. By 13-foot Boston Whaler. Sometimes alone, sometimes with my children, sometimes with my girlfriend. I explored beaches, islands, coves, and harbors from Kittery to Eastport, bringing home thousands of pounds of stones in search of the colors and patterns that best captured the spirit of the Maine coast.
The first design became the Maine Coast Bracelet. It was an instant Cross classic and inspired a family of jewelry that followed, including the Cape Elizabeth Bracelet.
Cape Elizabeth has been my home for more than fifty years. Long before I began collecting stones, I was walking the shoreline of Kettle Cove, exploring Fort Williams, and visiting Two Lights. Like so many who live here, I developed a deep love for this place.
The beach stone that first inspired the Maine Coast Bracelet was found in Cape Elizabeth. And after years of exploring the entire Maine coast, I discovered something remarkable: some of the very best were within miles of my own backyard.
For those who call Cape Elizabeth home, this bracelet is more than jewelry. It is a reminder of morning walks at Crescent Beach, warm summer evenings at The Lobster Shack, and the sound of surf crashing onto the rocks below Portland Head Light.
All great stories eventually come to an end.
The beach stone jewelry story had a remarkable run. What began as an idea on a Cape Elizabeth beach grew into one of the most successful collections we ever created. Thousands of pounds of stones were gathered, cut, polished, and transformed into jewelry that connected people to the places they loved most.
Today, only two Cape Elizabeth Bracelets remain.
Could we make more? Perhaps. But we haven’t gone stone collecting in a very long time, and when these bracelets are gone, we will likely let this particular line pass into history.
Which makes this bracelet one of the last examples of a Cross Classic. The bracelet is made of stones, gold, and craftsmanship. But what it really holds are morning walks, summer days, ocean breezes, and the feeling of being home. An ode to Cape Elizabeth and all the memories made there.
This bracelet features an additional stone and measures 7 15/16 inches, making it ideal for larger wrists. If a smaller fit is desired, a stone can be removed and retained for future use should sizing needs change. With one stone removed, the bracelet measures 7¼ inches. The price is the same regardless of which option you choose.
