I have always been fascinated by the natural beauty of gems and minerals. Growing up in Colorado, surrounded by mountains and nature, I began collecting stones when I was very young. Later I moved to Lake George, Colorado and began digging for specimens and cutting materials. My finds have been showcased at museums and I have donated several notable pieces to charity organizations for fund-raising and public enjoyment. For nearly a decade I attended trade shows to promote my minerals as The Anita Kuhn Collection, and the gemstones I have mined have been purchased by collectors from all over the world. My passion for minerals continues, and I currently use the lapidary techniques I have learned over the years to design and create unique jewelry, carvings and cabochons in limited quantities.
Each of my items is handmade and finely crafted into a unique creation, no two items are ever alike.
If you are interested in purchasing one of my creations please feel free to contact me, I am happy to provide quotes for my custom orders.
Scroll down to see images or view a slideshow of some of my work with natural stones and handmade jewelry!
Mining claimants work very hard to secure their operations. Most small independent mining operations must be bonded and approved through a precise negotiation and permit process. In the years I worked as a miner I became deeply involved in the legal practices, policies and procedures of many relevant agencies. Mining is a complicated occupation, and eventually I became a freelance prospector.
In my negotiations with with the Forest Service and BLM, I had to do a lot of research into statutory laws and the Code of Federal Regulations, and I was constantly preoccupied with paperwork, which is no fun at all! You can read my formal appeal letter to one of those agencies, regarding claims in my area, by clicking the link below. It is a convoluted script, and not likely to hold your attention unless you are familiar with mining law. However, with this letter I successfully achieved a Congressional Inquiry and public advocacy defending the rights of small claimants and providing learning opportunities for geology students and rockhounds who wanted a little guidance too.
Before digging on a prospect, please make sure that the area you are excavating is not located on a privately owned mining claim. Even in the modern age we still call it "claim-jumping". It is considered theft and it is illegal! Do your research, there are plenty of fee-sites throughout the West if you are looking for a day of rockhounding exploration.
In my negotiations with with the Forest Service and BLM, I had to do a lot of research into statutory laws and the Code of Federal Regulations, and I was constantly preoccupied with paperwork, which is no fun at all! You can read my formal appeal letter to one of those agencies, regarding claims in my area, by clicking the link below. It is a convoluted script, and not likely to hold your attention unless you are familiar with mining law. However, with this letter I successfully achieved a Congressional Inquiry and public advocacy defending the rights of small claimants and providing learning opportunities for geology students and rockhounds who wanted a little guidance too.
Before digging on a prospect, please make sure that the area you are excavating is not located on a privately owned mining claim. Even in the modern age we still call it "claim-jumping". It is considered theft and it is illegal! Do your research, there are plenty of fee-sites throughout the West if you are looking for a day of rockhounding exploration.