Gorgeous Little Things Teams Up with Laguna Art Museum for a Gem Mining Adventure

It was a foggy morning, when the team at Gorgeous Little Things embarked on an exciting adventure with the Laguna Art Museum. As we left Laguna Beach at 7:30 AM, the chill in the air did little to dampen our spirits, for we knew the clear skies of Pala, California, awaited us with not only warmer weather but also the promise of a sparkling gem mining adventure.

"It feels like Christmas morning," exclaimed Adam Neeley, co-founder and board member of Gorgeous Little Things, as we set off on our journey.

About Adam Neeley

Adam Neeley's journey into the world of gems began at a young age, as he explored local Colorado gem mines in search of treasures for his jewelry creations. This childhood passion blossomed into a deep appreciation for the fusion of art and nature, shaping Neeley's unique perspective as a modern-day alchemist.

How did the mine Adventure come about?

The idea of a gem mining adventure was born from the shared passion that Adam and his father, Paul Neeley, had for rock collecting. They had read many times about the famed mines in Pala, California, and their curiosity eventually led them to explore the mines firsthand. The experience was so exhilarating that they quickly realized it was something they wanted to share with others. With Adam’s jewelry exhibition at the Laguna Art Museum on the horizon, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to partner with the museum and sponsor a trip, inviting families of all sizes to join in the fun of gem prospecting and discovering the wonders of the earth together.

Arriving at the Mine

The excitement was palpable as we arrived at the mine grounds entrance at 9 AM sharp, greeted by a long line of cars full of eager attendees. Despite the early hour, not one of the over 60 RSVP’d attendees was late; some had been waiting for up to an hour, having traveled from out of state and underestimated the time change.

Itinerary Saturday, June 8th, 2024

9:15 a.m. Meet at Oceanview & Pala Chief Gem Mines
9:30 a.m. Mining Introduction with Adam Neeley
12:30-1 p.m. Group Lunch – (they have two picnic areas)
1:30 p.m. Depart Mine

Carly Bornmann, Laguna Art Museum's Development Events Coordinator, was thrilled that the Art Access event had sold out in just a few short weeks. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Gorgeous Little Things was able to sponsor the event and reduce the ticket price by half.

The anticipation built as Adam Neeley and Loren Kravitz, our tour director and daughter of mine owner Jeff Swanger, delivered a short but thoroughly humorous introduction. Adam’s engaging storytelling set the stage for our day, blending history and humor to educate the group of gem hounds. While conducting the instructional demonstration of sifting through tails, several youngsters couldn’t resist the opportunity to dive under the staging area to capture even the smallest gemstone.

About the Oceanview Mine

The Oceanview Mine, nestled in the renowned Pala California Gem mining district is the sole actively open-to-the-public mine in the region, offering visitors the chance to unearth their own gems from a pile of gem-rich dirt and gravel.

Work on the mine began in September 2000, focusing on developing the main adit, now the lowest underground haulage way for mechanized mining. This haulage way runs east for approximately 60 feet before following the Oceanview pegmatite laterally along the strike, meandering south to southwestward for over 400 feet.

Underground work progressed steadily until a significant discovery was made on September 22, 2007—a large pocket produced several notable specimens of fine pastel pink, blue, and bicolor beryl crystals. These crystals, often tea-cup sized singles and smaller clusters, were found in association with darkly colored tourmaline and some beautifully arranged on matrices of cleavelandite.

The mine's rich history continued with another remarkable find on December 3, 2009. The “Bonanza” pocket (The 49'er Pocket) as it came be known yielded several deep purple and lavender kunzite crystals, the largest measuring approximately 7.4cm wide and doubly terminated. The pocket also produced many fine gem-quality green and bicolored spodumene crystal lathes and shards.

December 2010 brought the discovery of the "Big Kahuna II" pocket, located down from the original Big Kahuna zone. Although not as voluminous as the first pocket, the color of the spodumene was generally more deeply saturated and exhibited strong pleochroism, making it a significant find in its own right.

The Oceanview Mine continues to thrive today, thanks to the dedicated crew of owner-operators who work passionately for the love of discovering gems and minerals, and the excitement of hitting that next big pocket.

Searching for treasures

Equipped with screens, buckets, and shovels, adventurers of all ages dove into the thrill of discovery, with the promise of keeping everything they find. Participants sifted through dirt and rock, uncovering gems that sparkled in the warm Californian sun. Specimens included; smokey quartz, pink, green & blue tourmaline, soft blue aquamarine and lilac-gray or rose-colored lepidolite. The joy of finding a hidden gem was evident on everyone’s faces, making the chilly start well worth it.

Exploring the Mine

But the adventure didn't stop there. Guests also embarked on a jeep tour of Chief Mountain, where they witnessed the bustling activity of currently active mines and prospects. Against the backdrop of historic sites like the Pala Chief and Tourmaline Queen mines, participants gained insights into the rich mining heritage of the region, guided by experts who shared a passion for both the geological and artistic wonders of these landscapes.

Adam Neeley & LAM guest curator Tim Adams in front of the original Oceanview Mine entrance.

Suitable for ages 8 and up, this family-friendly excursion promised & delivered a day filled with excitement and exploration. And to ensure that every aspect of the experience was catered to, lunch was provided, offering a moment to recharge and reflect amidst the rugged beauty of the surroundings.

This gem mining adventure, a collaboration between Gorgeous Little Things and Laguna Art Museum, was more than just an excursion; it was an opportunity to connect with nature, history, and the art of gemology. We are immensely grateful to Laguna Art Museum team for coordinating this successful event and to Loren Kravitz for her delightful and informative tour.

As we headed back to Laguna Beach, our bags a bit heavier with our newfound treasures, we reflected on a day well spent. This adventure was a reminder of the beauty hidden beneath the surface and the joy of discovering something truly unique.

If you would like to help us make more adventures like this possible, we invite you to donate. Your generous donation will enable us to continue offering unique and enriching experiences that bring joy and discovery to our community of gemstone lovers of all ages.

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Unearthing Family Fun: A Gem Mining Adventure