7" huge Godber turquoise Navajo sterling cuff bracelet by E Piaso

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7" huge Godber turquoise Navajo sterling cuff bracelet by E Piaso, solid sterling silver, weight and measurements in pics. I … Read more 7" huge Godber turquoise Navajo sterling cuff bracelet by E Piaso, solid sterling silver, weight and measurements in pics. I believe the previous owner paid $9500 for this bracelet about 25-30 years ago. High grade Godber is expensive.

History of Godber-Burnham Turquoise
The Godber mine, discovered in 1932, is located east of Austin, Nevada. First claimed under the name “Last Chance, it was later sold to Frank Burnham and then in 1934 to Walter Godber. It is said that during his short time owning the mine, he pulled out over "100,000" worth of turquoise, before selling it to Godber. Godber turquoise has been featured in the movie "The 10 Commandments" in the 50s, and was sold in Tiffany stores. The Godber mine was mined underground for the majority of its early years.

Due to the miners chasing veins underground, you never know when you will run into an underground working where the turquoise has already been mined. The turquoise ranges from medium to dark blue, usually with a beautiful spider webbing. It has also been know for a very dark or black mottling forming, blotches and veins running through the stone. This mottling forms blotches and veins running through the stone that creates a impressive spiderweb appearance. Oscar Branson in his book, “Turquoise has called Godber 'so hard and 'some of the finest turquoise in Nevada'. Godber has always been considered a very high quality turquoise and very collectible. See less