16" Mixed Sized Demale Turquoise Cabs Necklace

Stone: This necklace was originally mined and handcut in the 1970s by the mine owner of Damele, Tony Cotner. This came from his late collection. This necklace features 18 gem grade top of the top grade Damele clam fossile nuggets. They are all natural, handcut and polished by Tony, the mine owner. The Damele mine is located outside of Austin Nevada. A miner name Benny Damele discovered the Damele mine in the 1970's. Around the mine there are nearby mines such as the Dry Creek mine and the Godber mine. Miner Clyde Wright acquired the mine before the Cotners. Wright mined and operated the mine for almost 20 years. Wright sold the mine to Tony Cotner (died early 2016). Tony was a passionate lapidarist and miner, and he brought the mine to its prime in the 21st century when high end jewelry makers began to use this material in their designs. Since Tony's pass, this mine is not longer mined nor active. His sisters has inherited the mine and kept little material in his late collection. The