Only one Miss America crown is as unique as the one on display at the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum. The tiara, which contains several different gemstones, was worn by Miss Colorado for the first time in July 1973.
The crown features a variety of gems, including aquamarine, the state gemstone. White zicrons at the top of the crown represent the snow and ice of the Rocky Mountains, while dark blue sapphires below symbolize water. Twenty-one diamonds in the centers of Columbine flowers feature amethyst petals, the leaves around them made from dark green tourmalines and light green peridots. At the base of the crown, light golden and orange citrine and topaz resemble wheat.
“I am excited to have this piece here as it spreads Colorado’s legacy,” Dr. Bruce Geller, director of the museum said. Geller said the piece was sitting in a bank vault before Rocky Mountain Jewelers Association loaned it just last week. He hopes to have one of the Miss Colorado contestants wear the crown at the museum for a special appearance in the future.
The museum will have their annual Open House Wednesday, Sept. 11, from 6-9 p.m. The event is open to the public.
Some of the museum’s most popular exhibits include moon rocks from two Apollo missions and two cases of fluorescent ultraviolet minerals. The museum is located at 1310 Maple Street.
Contact:
Kathleen Morton, Communications Coordinator / 303-273-3088 / KMorton@mines.edu
Karen Gilbert, Director of Public Relations / 303-273-3541 / KGilbert@mines.edu
