J130 Godber turquoise inlay cuff by lapidary artist Tim Busch. The 3/4" cuff has an inside measurement: 5 1/2” with a 1” gap.
The Godber mine is located east of Austin, Nevada and was discovered in 1932. First claimed under the name “Last Chance”, it was later sold to Frank Burnham and then in 1934 to Walter Godber. The turquoise ranges from medium to dark blue usually with a beautiful spider webbing. It has also been known for a very dark or black mottling forming blotches and veins running through the stone. Godber has always been considered a very high quality turquoise. Oscar Branson in his book, “Turquoise” has called Godber ‘so hard…’ and ‘some of the finest turquoise in Nevada. Godber has always been a very collectable turquoise.
“My appreciation for the Southwest was instilled in me from an early age and grew through my Mother’s love of the Native American Arts after we moved to Tempe, Arizona when I was six years old. Inspired by artists like Charles Loloma and Larry Golsh, I began working primarily in gold and incorporating precious and semi-precious stones into contemporary Southwest designs. Each piece is started with an idea however the design typically changes throughout the process as I pull inspiration through the materials and different color combinations that I am working with to create a truly one of a kind piece.”
About the artist
Tim Busch
Tim Busch: "My appreciation for the Southwest was instilled in me from an early age and grew through my Mother’s love of the Native American Arts after we moved to Tempe, Arizona when I was six years old. I would accompany her to Byron Hunter’s Trading Post where she worked and various other places such as the Pow Wow in Flagstaff which extended my love and appreciation for the Southwest heritage and art. Another shop I often visited was Trader Gene’s in Scottsdale which is where in fact I purchased my first Turquoise Cabochon’s.
In the mid 1970’s I was attending college and working towards a degree in Commercial Art when a friend of mine showed me how to make a simple Silver ring. I was instantly fascinated with the art and quickly moved on to make a bracelet and squash blossom that I later took into a local jewelry manufacturer whom I was promptly hired on with. I knew at that time jewelry was the career path that I wanted to pursue.
In 1977 I began working for Aura, Inc. where I learned the art of lapidary. We created high end jewelry pieces for buyers such as Saks and Tiffany & Co. Some of the pieces I inlayed throughout this time were featured in the April 1979 Collector’s Edition of Arizona Highway Magazine. My work has been and is currently featured in galleries and fine jewelry store throughout the Southwest.
Inspired by artists like Charles Loloma and Larry Golsh, I began working primarily in gold and incorporating precious and semi-precious stones into contemporary Southwest designs. My wife, Cora and I own a ranch in the White Mountains of Arizona where I draw daily inspiration from the natural beauty surrounding us. Each piece is started with an idea however the design typically changes throughout the process as I pull inspiration through the materials and different color combinations that I am working with to create a truly one of a kind piece. " Tim Busch
