| Camden County Woman Newspaper |
| Cape May....A Timless Treasure |
| 2004 |
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| Camden County Woman Newspaper P O Box 2800 Cinnaminson, NJ 08077 PHONE: 856-461-7001 |
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| “Gems on the Beach” Cape May Diamonds |
| At Cape May Point was the tribal headquarters of the Kechemeche Indians, a component part of the Lenni0Lenape Council. These Indian were blood affiliates of the Algonquin Nation, a peace loving tribe of aborigines. The Kechemeche were the first to find the beautiful translucent stones now known as “Cape May Diamonds.” The gems were found in limited areas on the beach along Delaware Bay. These gems were held in high esteem by the Indians, who attached mystical powers and a sacred trust to their possession. The Kechemeche believed these curious stones possessed supernatural powers, influencing the success, well-being and good fortune of the possessor. |
| The bonds of friendship and lasting good will were often sealed with the gift or exchange of these beautiful sacred gems. This was especially true of those gems which were larger and free of any flaws. One of the largest “Cape May Diamonds” was presented to an early settler, Christopher Leaming, by King Nummy, last chief of the Lenni-Lenape. King Nummy received the gem from the Kechemeche as a tribute to him and as proof of their faithfulness and loyalty. Mr. Leaming had the stone sent back to the old country. In Amsterdam, Holland, a lapidary expertly cut and polished it into a most beautiful gem. These beautiful gems we know as “Cape May Diamonds” are pure quartz crystals, thrown by tides to appear as pebbles on the beach. Quartz is the most common of minerals coming in a variety of colors. |
| Your Business could be seen here for just $45 for a full year! Contact Bob Mclaughlin 856-461-7001 or email rwmccwomannews@aol.com |
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| The source of the “Cape May Diamonds” is a the upper reaches of the Delaware River, some two hundred miles upstream, where for thousands of years the swift waters have eroded away pockets and veins of quartz crystal. Then begins the long journey to the ocean taking thousand of years to complete. Upon reaching the mouth of the Delaware Bay, some 17 miles across, causing a strong flow on both the outgoing and incoming tide. This strong flow comes against the sides of the concrete ship “Atlantus”, which swirls the quartz pebbles ashore, along with other material, including fossil sharks’ teeth and Indian arrowheads. The larger stones come ashore mostly in the winter months when the surf is considerably stronger, particularly during the storms. The “Cape May Diamond” comes in a variety of sizes. Finds as large as eggs have been reported. On one occasion, a gem weighing over one pound was found. |
| When polished or cut and faceted, these gems have the appearance of a genuine diamond. When finished, Cape May Diamonds” can be mounted in gold, silver or platinum, creating beautiful jewelry items. The “Cape May Diamonds”, are found in abundance on Sunset Beach in historic Cape May Point. From early Spring until late Fall, visitors come by the thousands to collect “Cape May Diamonds”, fossils and Indian artifacts in the shadow of the concrete ship “Atlantus”. |
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| Your Business could be seen here for just $45 for a full year! Contact "BOB" at rwmccwnews@aol.com or 856-461-7001 On duty NOW |
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Look for Your Gems on the Beach In Beautiful Victorian Cape May |