We could say “last call” 100 times a year and it would be true. First, the gem. The twilight cut is a rare gem. The color is apple green from Plumbago Mountain in 1972, there was so little of it. The apple green color is rare; it was the first color to vanish after the discovery in 1972. We have three gem cutters who could cut a gem like this. One has passed away. As the jeweler responsible for this gem, I have no idea where we would get a gem like this today. The gem is impossible and yet it exists as a pastel apple green twilight cut. Then to the setting. I know the shank; it’s our Churchill which we made in 2024. I am clueless as to who made the center-head. Studying our production card, the maker of the center-head is a mystery.
If you have twins you’re out of luck. If it’s your lady love you’re thinking of giving this to, there is one in the world. The twilight cut is magical because it chops light into little reflecting cubes of pastel green light that twinkles up and down the length of the gem. Should you have this? If she wanted a Maine tourmaline, if she likes white gold, and would love to have a one-of-a-kind ring today, this might be it. When this was made, gold was $2,450. Today gold is over $3,500 per ounce. It’s a really good value.
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.
