Here’s the surprise, this is heavy for its size. It’s solid, exquisitely detailed, with 3 little diamonds (1 showing front, and 2 semi-hidden on the sides). Is this a reason to buy this necklace? No, not at all! Back to the surprise. You could study this under a jeweler’s loupe or a microscope, every surface has detailed engraving, and the gems are so solidly set that this necklace could last 1,000 years. Is this a reason to buy? Maybe. The pink tourmaline is bright, pure pink. It was found on Plumbago mountain in 1972, in Maine’s western mountains, 75 miles north of our store. Seeking something tight, solid, compact, with an exquisitely engraved pattern? This is it.
For over fifty years, Maine has been known for the outstanding clarity of our pink tourmaline. Maine has become world famous for the combination of beautiful color, outstanding clarity, and magnificent rare sizes in pink tourmaline.
Early on, we recognized this unique combination, and started collecting these amazing native gems. Since 1972, there have been no significant finds of pink in Maine, and these gems become rarer each day.
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.
