In about 1976 Suzi introduced me to Lee Louden and it ended up that this introduction led me to bigger and better things in life. Lee was and still is an active lapidary and stone bead maker his inspiration and friendship in the early years really helped me get to where I am today.

I had a turquoise customer send me an image of this strand that was for sale in a gallery, I got back to them and told them that if they were not going to buy it I was going to, they told me they were not and to have at it. The strand arrived today and we are now the proud owners of a super Lee Louden strand.

Lee usually did not cut his beads quite this small so this fact in itself makes it even more special. The beads range in size from 2.8 to 4.8 in diameter. Stones used Orville Jack, Northern Lights, High blue Nevada turquoise, lapis, sugilite, red coral, orange coral, pink coral, gem chrysocolla and a white stone I cannot identify.

Seems funny that Lee and I paled around for years and we never owned one of his strands, we finally own one but have not had the pleasure of seeing Lee in years as he moved to Nevada and pretty much became a recluse. Sounds like us two living in the bush of New Mexico.

All my best ........... Danny

P.S. Suzi claimed these as soon as she saw them .......... Forgot to say Suzi went to high school with Lee.