First of all, we are Christy and Dwight. Something that you many not know is that we have been in the business in Tucson, Arizona since 1990. We have been collectors of one thing or another all of our lives. Additionally, we have occupied our current brick and mortar location since 1993.
Another thing is that we have had the good fortune to hunt for this material at the Number 7 turquoise tailing piles of the Lavender Pit. The Number 7 tailing pile is where miners dumped waste rock which contains turquoise. The mine has different dumps which are utilized, corresponding with the minerals present in the waste rock.
We have also hunted in the Royston Turquoise mining district outside of Tonopah, Nevada. We were joined by the owner of the Royston mines, Dean Otteson (now deceased). Tonopah is in the middle of nowhere, about 210 miles
Additionally, we have training at silversmithing and creating cabochons with our finds through the Old Pueblo Lapidary Club. Additionally, we have the privilege of training through master silversmith Sam Patania. Sam is a famous silversmith in his own right. He is the grandson of Frank Patania Sr, who has his work displayed in the Smithsonian. Therefore, the Patania Family is a silversmith dynasty!
The American Antique Mall is a Tucson landmark. Most noteworthy, we are physically located less than 100 miles Northwest of the historic mine. Consequently, we enjoy a unique geographic location in close proximity to this famous location. This adds to our credibility and notoriety as dealers in this beautiful material.
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