-ABOUT US-

The Pier Avenue Rock Shop was started in 1998 to showcase some of the stones we cut and the jewelry that we made from them. It was started and still remains as part of our home. It became a full time operation when I retired from being a General Contractor in 2002. Now I build new and rebuild used equipment, Cut cabs, Make Jewelry, and take care of  my mining interests.
My name is Lee King, I have been a Rockhound since I could walk. I began cutting cabs at the age of 12  [in 1952]  and have been involved in various aspects of the Lapidary and Gem world since. My Grandfather, John King was a jeweler in Camas Washington in 1928. and my father, Mailand King, did assessment work in the mines of Oregon and Washington in the 30’s. He collected specimens from all over both states. After WW-2 was over we began to Rockhound in earnest. In 1952 we bought our first cabbing machine. A HP 8 inch with a saw, 2 wheels, and a changeable sand and polish pad. It was a good machine and lasted till a few years ago when I switched to a diamond machine. We traveled throughout the northwest collecting and ended up with 20 to 30 ton of material. I continue to add to the pile to this day by collecting at various sites and purchasing estates. My Father was also a Facetor and for some time we handled the “Facet” faceting machines when they were made in Washington back in the 60’s. I guess I forgot to mention that I was born and raised in Vancouver Washington. In 1969 a friend of my Dad’s called and invited us down to the “Sunstone” area near Lakeview Oregon where he had staked out a few claims. Those claims are now the ones in the withdrawn area. We went down, and in 1971 we staked our original claims. We now own and control 43 mining claims in the Plush Sunstone area. “Sunstone” was made the Oregon State Gemstone in 1987 and has been gaining in popularity since. Sometimes it is called “Red Labradorite” or “Heliolite” but no matter what it is called it is still beautiful.
Most of the old time Rockhounds and miners I knew in my younger days have passed away as have my parents who started me in this obsession with rocks. I have passed the interest to my children who are involved with me in the mines and it seems that some interest from a couple of the grandchildren is beginning to surface. So you could call it a real family affair. 5 generations. Rockhounds are a friendly bunch and love to swap stories and rock tales. Sometimes even rocks. Drop us a line.