In 1972, 26-year-old Bill Larson set out on an evening excursion to the Tourmaline Queen Mine in the foothills of northern San Diego County and returned hours later with the “Candelabra,” a piece so magnificent that it currently resides at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC.
![](https://thejewelerblog.files.wordpress.com/2023/10/candelabra3.jpg?w=575)
The specimen is more than a foot wide and looks like three hot pink candles in a quartz and albite candelabra. It is arguably one of the world’s finest examples of October’s official birthstone. (Opal is October’s other official birthstone.)
The Candelabra is the most exceptional piece from a strike that exposed brilliant rubellite crystals in what was called “the find of the century in terms of color and perfection.” The Tourmaline Queen Mine soon became one of the world’s prime sources for fine tourmaline and put Pala Properties International (now Pala International) on the map.
The tourmaline family consists of more than 30 distinct minerals, but only one — elbaite — accounts for nearly all of the tourmaline gemstones. Varieties of gem-quality elbaite include rubellite (red-pink), indicolite (blue), Paraiba (neon greenish-blue) and the multicolored watermelon (pink surrounded by green).
In an article published in a 1972 edition of Lapidary Journal, Pala International’s president shared a first-hand account of how he carefully extracted the “Candelabra” earlier that same year…
“The Main Find,” as Larson described it, was unearthed in two sessions.
He recalled how he had exposed a nice single tourmaline earlier in the day, and then returned to the mine later — with his father’s permission — to dig it out. The evening’s activities would be no cake walk, however. The generator that was supposed to light the way was malfunctioning so he and his co-worker, Carl, had to manage using a large flashlight.
“As we got to the pocket, I forgot our troubles as the red translucence shone back at us through the crystal I had exposed earlier,” he wrote.
He used a sledgehammer and a chisel to “chip, chip, chip” away at the pocket.
“The work went on so slowly, and I was further slowed by the cramped position,” he continued. “To get the results I wanted took the better part of an hour.”
As he removed the clay around the specimen, a quartz crystal was evident behind the tourmaline. They appeared to be attached.
“My heart raced,” he wrote. “I felt a tremendous urge to rip the piece out to look at it, but I forced myself to use restraint and to continue to work completely around it.”
He moved material methodically as the complete specimen took shape.
“It was really quite large, over a foot, then at the rear I found a second tourmaline attached. I knew then we had a great piece,” he added.
When he was ready for the final removal, Larson placed a small bar in the center and applied gentle pressure.
“I could feel the entire mass move. What a thrill!” he recalled. “I reached in with both hands and pulled out the now famous ‘Candelabra’ specimen.”
It measured more than a foot long and had two tourmalines on either end. Larson also notice that in the center-top of the piece there was a place where a third tourmaline had once been attached.
“We dug for about 40 minutes more and found the third tourmaline. It was a perfect fit. This was a fabulous specimen, one of the finest ever,” he wrote.
When he and Carl returned to the shop they knew the Candelabra would some day grace the halls of the Smithsonian — and they were right.
Credit: Photo by Chip Clark / Smithsonian.
📅 Experience elegance and history at Elliott's Jewelers Estate Jewelry Event, August 22-24! Explore timeless pieces ready to tell their next story. Preview and select your favorites (like this dazzling ring) here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories& and book a private appointment to see them in person. Your journey through time awaits! ✨
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💎 Step back in time with Elliott's Jewelers at our August Estate Jewelry Event! From August 22nd to 24th, explore exquisite, historical pieces from our collection. Preview our treasures here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories& and reserve your private viewing appointment between 9:30 am and 5:00 pm. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of history! 👑 🕰️
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Picture this: an 'Anniversary Diamond' that sparkles with brilliance and the memories of years together. Why not consider upgrading the diamond in your wedding ring this upcoming milestone anniversary?
It's a beautiful way to renew your commitment and add an extra chapter to your love story. 💖💍
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Mark your milestone anniversary with a special upgrade from Elliott's Jewelers.💕 Can I make this ring for you?
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That is a very beautiful ring! What would something like this cost?
That’s a Beautiful ring WOW!
I no longer have anniversary’s, but it’s very pretty. Thanks for sharing. JS
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🌟 Uncover the history and beauty of estate jewelry at Elliott's Jewelers this August! Join us for our exclusive Estate Jewelry Event from August 22nd-24th. Dive into our vault here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories& and select pieces to view at your private appointment. Book now to secure a spot from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm each day and make history part of your style! 🕰️✨
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Make your old jewelry work for you! 🌟 At Elliott's Jewelers, every piece holds value. Trade in your unworn treasures for funds or upgrade to something new and sparkling. Refresh your collection today. See how far your jewelry can take you with us! 💍 Find out more: www.elliottsjewelers.com/sell-your-jewelry/
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Book an Appointment At Elliott’s Jewelers, you can be sure that you are getting the best possible appraisal for your jewelry. Our jewelry experts are trained and certified in jewelry appraisal, and ...1 CommentComment on Facebook
I have sent you pictures twice but never received a response.
🌟 Step into a world of timeless elegance with our August Estate Jewelry Event at Elliott's Jewelers! 📅 Mark your calendars: August 22nd-24th. Immerse yourself in the stories of exquisite pieces from our vault. To make this experience truly personal, we are scheduling exclusive appointments from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm each day.
Spaces are limited to ensure privacy and dedicated attention. 🕒 Book your appointment now and let us help you find a piece that not only enhances your collection but enriches your story.
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Gorgeous
💎 Discover timeless treasures at our August Estate Jewelry Event! Join us from August 22nd-24th at Elliott's Jewelers. Each piece has a unique story waiting to be part of yours.
Explore our exclusive collection here and book your private appointment from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm daily. Spaces are limited to ensure personalized attention. ✨ Find your next jewel with us! See more here: www.elliottsjewelers.com/from-the-vault/#categories&
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Very pretty.
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Beautiful 😍
Well done!
Thank you so much for your support & for such a beautiful piece!
Elliott's Jewelers wishes you and your family a Happy 4th of July! We will be closed on Thursday, July 4th. Elliott's Jewelers was thrilled to be part of Mitch and Lauren Fussell's love story. Do you have an Elliott's Jewelers story too? Let's celebrate by sharing it with us so we can continue making history together! Your stories inspire us every day. 🎆
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Wish I could click the “Love” and “Wow” Buttons at the same time.