Number 8 mine closed in 1976. The last owner of the mine was Dowell Ward. He mined a giant stockpile of high-quality turquoise that through today is still on the market. The turquoise from that stockpile is looked at as one of the premier turquoises ever discovered. The reason why this is the case is because once the Number 8 gem quality turquoise stockpile reserve is depleted it will never be available again, making it highly valuable. solid 925 Sterling Silver, quality gemstones, beautifully handcrafted to last a lifetime. Gift boxed.