Adventures with Jay King: An American in Britain
Me in motorcross gear in Cedar, England
Well, here it is July 5th already and I’m sitting on an airplane writing my new blog. It’s late, as usual, and I’ve already been reminded of that fact several times today. So my excuse was that it was a holiday. I love the Fourth of July. I have to say, it’s one of my favorites of all of our holidays. For one thing, like Thanksgiving, it is one holiday that, as Americans, we are the only ones that celebrate it. Also, I have lots of British friends, and I have great fun in reminding them of the fact we are celebrating our independence from Britain. It’s all in good fun, but I did get a lot of calls yesterday from Great Britain, and I made sure I reminded them of the fact we were having a party.
I love to cook, and when I say that I mean BBQ. That’s another American tradition that you don’t find in most places in the world except, I have to say, the South Africans and the Australians love a good cook out and are very good at it. Not as good as us, but a close second.
One of the fun little facts I’ve picked up in my travels is that you always know when you go to a country that was part of the British Empire, at one time or another, or that the British were there for any length of time. The key thing you’ll notice is that they tend to drive on the wrong side of the road. All the vehicles are right-hand drive.
Jay King 3-piece Lapis Sterling Silver Heart Pendant and Necklace Set Item: 133-223
I drive each year numerous times in these countries, and should be considered dangerous at times. Usually, it’s in the wee hours of the morning when I haven’t had my second cup of coffee yet, and have forgotten where I’m at. I’m then reminded by loud honking and screaming from oncoming traffic followed by an international hand gesture. I’m also known for grabbing the wheel or screaming something like, “You’re on the wrong side of the road!” to the person driving until I’m reminded of exactly where I am. It can be embarrassing, but what the heck.
Like most things, I’m always curious about how things like this originated. The most logical reason I’ve heard is that it started with the English Knights. Since most people tend to be right-handed they use to prefer riding on the left hand side of the road to keep their sword-hand free in case they needed it in a hurry. I don’t know if this is true, but I’ve heard it from more than one source.
I had the pleasure of stopping in England for a couple of days at the end of June on the return from my last trip. I got suckered into going motorcrossing on that weekend. I use to ride and race in my youth, but after a few laps my body reminded me of the fact this is for young, rubbery people not old guys like me.
The next day, I had to hop on a plane and head back to the states to do my July 2nd show. I want to thank everyone who tuned in and made it a remarkable show. We had lots of sell outs, and some of the best deals we’ve ever been able to offer on certain designs.
Mine Finds Exclusive: Mexican Onyx Bowl
This week, I’m getting to spend a few days with the crew in New Mexico going over our new Mine Finds, and putting together our latest designs. Then I’m off out of the country in search of our next new finds, as well as visiting some of the turquoise mines to see if I can replenish my now dwindling stocks of rough materials.
I’m back at the end of the month just in time to do our July event on the 27th. I’m really looking forward to this. I have a wonderful new lapis Today’s Special to share with you. A lot of our viewers have requested this look, and it’s taken a long time to bring it to the table, so I hope you can take the time out to take a moment to see what we have to offer you.
Hopefully, we will be offering new bowl designs during the July event. These will be limited in quantities, and I look for them to sell very fast. They are made from a natural yellow onyx and a natural banded agate. There will be a stand alone bowl and a smaller set of three custom bowls. These are all handcrafted from a solid piece of natural rough and an exclusive design for us. I hope you will enjoy them, and we will be able to pursue more of these types of decorative bowls in the near future.
Update: Shop all exclusive Mexican Onyx Bowls now
Until next time!
Safe travels,
J
More from Jay King on hsn.com:
» Shop all Mine Finds by Jay King Jewelry
» The story behind Jay King Jewelry
» How to take care of your gemstones
» Read more from Jay King’s blog
Jay, I purchased the beehive stone earrings. Beautiful. However, this is the second pair of earrings I’ve had to return because the stone fell out of the sterling silver findings. On this pair it didn’t look like the stone had ever been securely fastened…fell out as soon as I removed it from the pouch. Very disappointing.
Jay,Even though I had some mild “bug” all that week (chills, fever, headaches), and too rough to go to work, I was able to do some work at home, and watch your Shows between naps during the day and night. I was not surprised at all to find out toward the end of your Show, with wonderful Hostess, Colleen Lopez, at around 11:15 P.M.(E.T.) that your “Today’s Special” had sold out. You really did an extraordinary job, Jay, with this precious Set. Be safe in your travels wherever you may be. (L.O.L.)
Hope you enjoy your new necklace. Thanks for shopping with us. Best J
Needless to say, Jay, I placed my order for your 3-Piece Lapis Lizuli Heart Pendant/Necklace Set right after that “Early Bird” Show on Wed., July 27. This is the most beautiful Lapis material I have ever seen in my life. The material is so clean with the Gold Pirite sprinkled within it. The color is such a deep Cobalt, almost Sapphire Blue. It almost looks Regal—fit for Royalty! Also, you did an excellent job in designing each piece in this Ensemble with this material. (To be continued)
Hi Jay, Before I saw any of your Shows on Wed., July 27, I told my son, Chris, that I have to discipline myself, and I can only buy one of Jay’s items—and only if I see something really extraordinary that I would really want. When I saw your “Early Bird” Show at 12:00 A.M. that morning, your “Today’s Special”—3-Piece Lapis Lizuli Heart Pendant/Necklace Set (Afghanistan), just took my breath away! I told Chris, “Oh my God, there’s my one piece! It is so-o-o-o gorgeous!” (To be continued)
Hi J,
I just received the 3-piece Lapis Sterling Silver Heart Pendant and Necklace and it is stunning.
Wanted to congratulate on such exquisite pieces!
Take care.
Becky
I’m glad you like it. That makes my day Thanks J
Jay, I received your Mexican banded onyx bowl today. I love the bowl. The color is a beautiful soft yellow. Thank you.
I’m glad you like it. Because of the amazing response I have many more designs coming up. Best J
Jay, Jay, Jay…no one who is out in the wilds as much as you should have such great skin! :) I was lucky enough to finally get your butterscotch amber necklace and still waiting (2 years) for matching earrings…Any coming down the pike?? I’m trying sooooo hard to be patient because I know you have so many others wanting more, more, more too. You have the best made jewelry and you always give my wallet a heart attack when you’re on! :) Keep it coming!
Hows it going. I just bought amber on this last go round. It will take some time to get it out of Russia. I’ll try and get something in the pipeline soon. Thanks for shopping with us. I don’t know about great skin but I’m natural born redneck so I quess that helps. Thanks for the input J
Yipee would like to see somemore amber ty Jay
Hi, Jay! Many, many thanks for the liquid silver and lapis necklace you brought on your last visit. Now, if you’ll repeat the coral version that would be terrific.
Deanna M.
Glad you liked it. I’ll be making this design in many stones and materials in the future. Thanks for the support J
Hi Jay. I bought your Pink Strawberry Quartzite 2-row beaded necklace that was new for your latest visit. It’s so pretty. I can’t wait to see it in person. Do you think you could make matching earrings (preferrably dangle-style on french wires)?
Also, I have a question/suggestion. Have you ever thought about making pins that can be worn on a jacket or lapel? My mom collects pins and loves your Mine Finds, so we would really love if you made pins. Thanks as always.
I have designed pin pendant designs. This way you can use the design as a pendant or it can be used as a pin.I love the pin idea and if you look at my jacket on TV I wear my lucky Kokopelli pin on the show. He was a trader and traveling salesman several hundred years ago. I don’t have any material to make your earrings now but I’ll see what I can do next time I’m in that part of the world. Thanks for your interest and ideas. J
JAY-MORE SPINY OYSTER PLEASE. LOVE YOUR DESIGNS
Gottcha look in the November and December shows for the new creations. Thanks for the interest J
Hi Jay. I was able to order the banded Mexican bowls in the single and set of three. So excited. Cannot wait to receive them. Also, back in June I ordered the red lace agate necklace and it arrived not all together. I contacted HSN and mailed Jill a letter. She was a delight to work with. It took no time for the repair and, the workmanship made this necklace even prettier than the initial day of receipt. Thanks so much.
Thanks Jill is a jewel as I have to say all my people are. We sincerely care about you and that you are happy with what you get from us. All of us stand behind our products and designs. I have new bowls coming and other cool stuff so thanks for the support. J
As crazy as this sounds to me, I’d like Jay’s answer. I was told some of the Lapis in Afghanistan was imported once they realized it’s value with all the girls wearing it.
Whoever told you this is mistaken. Number one I would have to ask where are you going to import it in from? Thanks for asking. Best J
July 27, 2011 at 2:08 AM
I love the show, question? I purchased some time ago a blue lapis bead set-necklace, with magnetic closing , the magnet end fell off after 3 times of wearing it. too late to have HSN replace..can it be fixed and how do I mail it to you? it is beautiful but unwearable..Darlene
We stand behind all our product so don’t worry. If you go on-line to Customer Service and enter Jay King. It will tell you how to send us your personal information in a secure manner. Trust me we’ll take care of you J
Jay, where’s your bowls? I’ve waited all month long and I can’t find them on your shows or on hsn.com. You stated yesterday, the 26th on your blog, that they were in. Customer Service can’t find them in their system. Please save me one. I’ll try again later today and hopefully, HSN finds them in their warehouse.
The bowls are there! Look under “Jay King Crakled Bowl” Or “Jay King Banded Bowl”
Hi sorry what a nightmare. We finally got them on at the last minute and I was able to show them on air. First time ever any bowls have made it past HSN.com. Hope you got one if not I have lots of new bowls coming your way. I’ll keep you posted on the blog. Best J
I have been eagerly awaiting your bowls, and your email today said HSN.om should now have them available. Well, I have been checking in every 2 hours and they simply aren’t there! I will be watching your first show at midnight even though I’m to go into the hospital that morning, because I’d hate, after all this waiting, not to see the bowls! I even called customer service who say the bowls aren’t even in the inventory! I’m very concerned (not about the hospital), but about the missing bowls
Jay, Have fun showing off all of your new and beautiful jewelry designs during your sporadic Show Events tomorrow—Wed., July 27. Also, try to relax and enjoy yourself while you have this time for a little break from your very hard labors! I am planning to stay up to watch your very “Early Bird” Shows on Wed. morning. Hopefully, I will be able to stay awake so I don’t miss anything that you will be talking about. (Laugh) Take care, and be safe. (L.O.L.)
Jay, I am looking forward to seeing you and your Shows for most of the day tomorrow—Wed., July 27, on H.S.N. However, I will have to miss a couple of them during the day as I have to work—you know. I will try to watch your first two really “Early Bird” Shows before going into work, and then your other evening Shows. I would love to hear about your adventures, and, maybe, some funny things that may have happened, during your travels to the Far East! I bet they will really be very interesting.
Hi Jay, I was wondering where you went last month—in the jungles of the far East ?! I’m sorry you had such bad weather while you were over there. We should not do any complaining about the rainy weather here in mostly “Sunny” Florida though. We really need a few down pours over here for all of the poor plants, flowers, and trees to recover from the very long drought. My poor Plumbago bush in my front yard is just starting to bloom again, and it is really looking nice again. (To be continued)
Hi Jay – I’ve been asking for several months now when you’re going to have more of the interchangeable ear rings that you promised. The 1st set was turquoise, mother of pearl & black agate. You said they’re ready, you’re just waiting for a show to put them in. Will they be in your next visit on the 27th? Thanks! I can’t wait!
I know exactly what you are talking about I have that set including the amber, I would love some new colors too.
I have designs done and product made I’ll let you know when I’ve placed them thanks for the interest J
I love the show, question? I purchased some time ago a blue lapis bead set-necklace, with magnetic closing , the magnet end fell off after 3 times of wearing it. too late to have HSN replace..can it be fixed and how do I mail it to you? it is beautiful but unwearable..Darlene
Thanks Jay, I can’t wait to add to the collection.
Just so you know it takes months for us to get designs produced and placed. Everything is handmade so it takes time. We hear you and they are in the process. Best J
Hi Jay! Will bowls be available this visit?
I’m hoping to present them during the show. They should be up on HSN.com now. Thanks for asking. J
Hi Jay,I have just checked your current Blog here tonight, and I noticed that something has been added that wasn’t there before—a picture of you! You look real nice, and you are so handsome in your cool and refreshing Minty Green shirt and brown leather vest.I made a copy of this Blog to keep for a Keepsake(Laugh)!I just love that cool Minty Green color, too, as you already know! Have a safe trip home on Sat., July 23.I will see you and your upcoming Shows on Wed., July 27. Take care. (L.O.L.)
Thanks just got back from the jungles of the far east. It rained my whole trip. Just got back to Florida with more rain, but we need it badly so I’m not complaining. We have a great show coming up on the 27th. Best J
Hi Jay, I am a great fan of yours. I love the stones and designs you come out with. My only wish is that you not forget your male friends. I am hoping that you come out with more rings for the men. I have only found a couple of designs that will work for men so am looking forward to any new rings for us. Thanks again, Gary.
Hi Gary thanks for taking the time to give me your input. Just back from the jungles of the far east. It’s monsoon season so I’m just now drying out. I’ve done lots of mens designs. I’m working on placing several now. What would be nice to know is what you think men would like to see I’ve got several ring and cuff designs I’ve created. The rings are a problem because of sizes needed. Any input would be helpful. Best J
Hi Jay, It was nice hearing from you again. Regarding your Russian Green Opal, I will be checking your jewelry site every so often to see if you made some new designs up with this material because I just love that soft, cool Minty Green material. Also, I saw your new bowls made up with Mexican Natural Banded Agate in this Blog. Would you ever consider making up some nugget necklaces with this material? They would be so-o-o-o gorgeous and precious! Please let me know your thoughts. Take care.
I’m so looking forward to being back and showing you them J
I’m looking forward to getting back and presenting my new designs for you. Thanks for the interest. J