We love this ring because of how it makes us feel every time we touch it. The tealy-green simply glows. We sit in wonder as we look at the gem that we found right here in the western mountains of Maine. Try to imagine what we think when we get a call from one of our gem miners who says, “We’ve just hit a great pocket of green.”
The gem in the center of this ring is special because the teal Maine tourmaline is rare, has a particularly pretty color, and is an ideal size: 7 x 5mm. It’s the perfect size for this ring design, and the diamonds on either side bring out the color of this beautiful teal gem.
Could we make another?
No! Because the maker of this design has retired, and this Elizabeth Stars ring is the last one.
Why We Love This Ring
We make a ring called Elizabeth Islands that is similar to the ring called Elizabeth Stars. Elizabeth Stars was made by a partner who has since retired. It is a similar design, but has two diamonds on the east and west sides of the center gem, the “stars”. The ring is smooth, low-profile, glove and baby-friendly.
Maine Tourmaline, A Maine Story
An American Gem
First discovered in 1820 and in subsequent finds over the years, these early discoveries put Maine on the world map as a source for high-quality tourmaline gems. A major discovery in 1972 on Plumbago Mountain in Newry, Maine established Maine as a significant world source of fine tourmaline gemstones.
Cross recognized the historical significance of this find and began working closely with the miners of these magnificent gems. The close partnership continues today with the ongoing discoveries in Maine’s western mountains.
100% Natural
We go to Maine’s gem mines. We know the miners. We know the gem cutters. We guarantee our tourmaline to be from Maine and is 100% natural. Cross maintains the largest collection of fine Maine tourmaline jewelry in the world.
Window of Opportunity
Fifty years have passed since the major 1972 tourmaline find in Newry, Maine where they found 3.5 million carats of tourmaline crystals. Over the years we bought more than we sold knowing that gem finds don’t last forever. There are now colors, sizes, and shapes that are extremely rare and, in some cases, no longer available. If you see something you love it’s best to act quickly. There’s no guarantee another gem like this one exists.
Case in point: In 2007 there was a find of tourmaline in Newry, Maine called Eureka Blue. People loved the color. The gems sold quickly, but the find was small and the mining only lasted a few seasons. Within three years of the discovery, all the large Eureka gems had sold. We still get calls from people who are now ready to buy. What they want, however, simply no longer exists from that find in 2007.
Gem finds are rare, especially in North America. Maine tourmaline is a piece of Maine and American history, it’s a connection to a place we all love, an exquisite creation of nature. Today, there is a rare opportunity to own a bit of Maine/American pride and heritage, and history in choosing a piece of Maine tourmaline jewelry.
