The Smiths

The Smiths purchased a majority share of the Lone Mountain turquoise claim from Gene Waddell in 2015.  At the time, the Smith’s knew nothing about the business of “mining” but their love of stones, and particularly turquoise, has always been a part of them.  In fact, Nick’s grandfather, Orsino Smith, was a prospector and mineralogist who researched and authored books on mineralogy. His love and fascination with stones passed down to his grandson, thus, when the Claim became available, it seemed almost a natural fit.  These days, the Smiths identify their time as being either PM (Pre-Mine) or AM (After Mine).

Through the years (PM), the Smiths amassed a sizable collection of Native American/Indigenous jewelry, mostly with turquoise stones or inlay.  As they expanded their collection, they got to know more artists and it was through those artists that they gained genuine appreciation of the natural beauty of turquoise and the artistic mastery of silversmithing.  It was during this time that they met Gene Waddell and learned more about Lone Mountain turquoise and the many talented artists who use the stone.  Over the years, the friendship grew so in 2015, when Gene told them the Claim was for sale, the Smiths became “overnight miners”, and the rest, as the saying goes, is history.

The Waddells

Gene Waddell and his family have been in the turquoise and Native American/Indigenous jewelry business for decades, now spanning into a third generation of working with Lone Mountain Turquoise. And, while Gene has stepped back from actively mining the stone, he continues to be a great educator and promoter of Lone Mountain Turquoise while he focuses his primary attention to the Waddell Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona, which he operates with his son, Mike. The Waddell Gallery is widely known for its inventory of some of the best and most notable Native American/Indigenous pieces ever made. You can see their spectacular collection by clicking on the following link: Waddell Gallery