Navajo Turquoise Morenci Squash Blossom Necklace

Purchased at The Gordon Collection gallery in Telluride,CO; renowned for their authenticity and integrity. This item is guaranteed hand made by and purchased from a Navajo artist, signed ‘ES.’ The mine is now depleted, making Morenci turquoise difficult to obtain and highly collectible. The Morenci mine started as a copper mining operation in 1864, and in 1956, William "Lucky" Brown acquired the turquoise rights. From 1956 to 1984, Brown and his sons mined some of the world's highest grade turquoise. In 1984, the mine was depleted and all operations ceased in the Morenci area making it rare and highly collectible.