Adventures with Jay King: How I Fell in Love with the Great Outdoors
Petrified Wood in Indonesia
Ancient Railway Scale in Indonesia
Well, here it is… September once again. This is a memorable month for many reasons. At the top of the list is that fifty-five years ago my parents had a brand new bouncing boy to add to their young family, and someone to torment my older sister. Which, by the way, I still do to this day, and quite well if I do say so myself. I was born in a very small farm and ranching community in Kansas where my father grew up. Although my grandfather did work in the oil fields as a Wild Cat Oil driller when he was young. He and my grandmother settled in Kansas, and had a small farm where they raised their three children later on.
I can remember spending my summers with them and learning the ins and outs of farm living. They literally raised almost everything themselves, and really lived off the land. I can remember my grandmother canning fresh vegetables and fruit for the winter. They also made all their own sausages and smoked their own meat in a large smokehouse out front of the main house. As a young child I remember being given the job of collecting the eggs from the hens in the morning. It was usually dark and you never knew what would be in that nest when you reached in. On more than one occasion I’ve reached in and grabbed a bull snake. This will get your day started off real quick and wake you right up. I had a great childhood and this is where I learned what Mother Nature could provide, and learned to love the great outdoors. My father moved our young family to what I consider my home state, New Mexico, when I was just six months old.
I have to say, I think this is one of many great things my father did for us. New Mexico is a great place to grow up. If you have never been there I highly recommend it as a state to visit in the good ole U.S.A. It has so much to offer. I can’t even list it all in the space available. If you love the outdoors New Mexico has it all, pretty much. The only thing it doesn’t have is an ocean. I guess that’s why I’ve always maintained a home in both Florida and New Mexico for my entire adult life. I really have the best of both worlds, and also get to travel the world doing what I truly love. Finding new Mine Finds and designing jewelry with my discoveries.
Designing with Kingman Blue Basin Turquoise
Kingman Blue Basin Turquoise
That brings me to the August show. All I can say is, “Wow!” I’m still riding high on the rush from the event. It was just crazy. First of all, the day before I left my home on the east coast of Florida to go to St. Petersburg, where the show is live, we had hurricane Irene arrive. Oh boy, what to do? Batten down the hatches or hope your friends will do it for you if the need arises? Since I have good friends, most of who are responsible adults unlike me, I decided to leave my home in their trusting hands. Turns out, Irene stayed out to the east and hit the Bahamas instead. Just so you know, if you fly out of my hometown airport, once you get to 12,000 feet you can pretty much kill the engine and glide to the Bahamas if the need arises, but that’s another story… To say the least, it was interesting. When I got to HSN, Diane Gilman needed to catch the last flight out to go to her home in New York, so I did the eight o’clock spot on Friday. I haven’t spoken to her, so I hope her home was spared. After that it was just crazy and full bore. We had so many new great Mine Finds, and tons of new designs and great deals on limited-stock items. The time just flew by, and we sold out completely on the lion’s share of what we were able to offer. I also got to talk to so many viewers and had so many great calls. I love this part of the show when you can talk to everyone and get their direct input.
One of the big events was the release of our brand new line of designs that incorporated native copper. I was just overwhelmed by the response. It was incredible. Like they say, necessity is the mother of invention. I’ve never worked in any metals except silver or gold. Copper was something totally new and different. It took a lot of effort to bring this to the mix. Copper is a whole different animal and our silver-smiths had quite the challenge when learning to work with it. Even many of my most-experienced smiths just couldn’t seem to get the hang of it. The designs were a lot of fun to do, and it opened a whole new window of opportunity for us design-wise. What’s really amazing are so many of the natural roughs and materials we work with actually work wonderfully with copper, even more so than with silver in some cases. I can assure you we plan on remaining true to our brand. Focusing on natural materials set in sterling silver, but we will add a few handcrafted copper and copper silver designs to the mix in future shows.
This month will be interesting as I plan on traveling out west to visit the Kingman and Sleeping Beauty mines to do some filming and look at new and old materials available. I also have many new materials lined up to look at with miners who have contacted me recently with their new finds, and some turquoises that were mined in the 70’s. So can’t wait to get moving in that direction.
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 love reading your blog and about all your travels/adventures. I’m a Sept “baby” too – I like being a fall rather than a summer kid. I’ve been watching you virtually since you started on HSN and so have an extensive collection of your jewelry plus the lapis bowl and the wooden box with the turquoise inlay. I missed the turquoise bowl as I was staying with my mother in the hospital after she had a stroke, but I do get the emails when you’re going to be on. Thanks loads for everything!!!
Hi it’s because of viewers like yourself which makes what I do possible. So thanks. Hope your mom is better. My new blog should post soon for October so you can see what we have coming up for this visit. Best J
Hello again! I think it’s awesome how you take the time to answer us “groupies.” :-D Just got your apricot stone cuff — gorgeous design. Same question I’ve asked a few times before, what is its make-up? I love to look up the metaphysical properties of stones, but need to know their base to do the research. Thanks! Looking forward to mid-October — not only your show, but my kids are having twins (a boy and a girl) any minute now. Exciting times! ~marsha~
Congradulations on the kids, that is exciting. I’m traveling now but I’ll get back with you. If not please ask again when October blog posts. Best J
Jay, It’s Oct. 1 and I’m ready for your next shows!! Can you try to do more crazy lace and Picasso jaspers? Jaspers are so versatile…but, give us a chance to get the extras, too (earring, ring, bracelet). Got your red crazy agate and it’s been VERY hard to get matching items to go with it! Say, when are you bringing new bowls or boxes?? I have one of all of them…….love your items!!
I’ve got new bowls, boxes, coasteres, and new inlayed shell bowls also. The October blog will post any day now and give you an updated schedule of events. Best J
Hi Jay, Thanks you so much for doing a larger collar and bringing early next year for us plus size ladies! I really appreciate you wanting and listening to our feedback. It’s great! Can you give us bloggers some hints as to what is coming for October? Thanks for all you do!
Hi thanks I always listen and try to make what you need. The October blog should post any day now and let you know whats happening. Thanks for the interest J
Hi Jay! Was wondering what is the make-up of fantasy stone? I know that your “carnival stone” is mostly tourmaline, but not purely so, so you can’t call it that. What is the underlying basis of fantasy stone? Have loved it since I saw Rachel Huber wearing it. Also, when are you scheduled to be back on HSN? Safe travels! ~marsha~
Hi Marsha. The fantasy stone is a combination of many differant things, but its primarily a quartz base. I found it in Indonesia. It comes from a small surface deposit on one of the many islands that are part of the main island. They go out in a very small ponga boat and camp where they mine it. My anniversary show starts October 14th thru the 17th. Got lots to offer and a rare TS. Best J
Jay, Well, carry on now, and have fun looking and playing with all of your new Mine Finds! I am looking forward to seeing you and your Shows in October, but I hope that I don’t fall in love with any of your new pieces as I can only do some “window shopping” now as I have to hold off on purchases for a while. But, if I should see one of your pieces that I would really like, I think that I could squeeze just one into my budget. (Laugh) Take care, and be safe in your travels. (L.O.L.)
Thanks for the info. Best J
Jay, I received your beautiful Amber Oval Pendant w/Copper Frame Necklace. It is so feminine and precious! I was in awe, and it almost took my breath away. I can hardly wait to wear this piece! I also received your Beehive Stone Pendant w/Necklace. The Pendant looks like a “Cow Bell”, and I think it’s the perfect design for this material with the fossils and beigy/natural color within this stone. I really love it too. (Con’t.)
Jay, Regarding your Green Moss Agate w/Sunburst Pendant and Necklace, I told my friend, Jeremy, “If your girls love jewelry, they are really going to love Jay King’s Jewelry Collection”! He asked me to let him know next week when your Shows are going to be on in October so he can watch some of them. I told him I will let him know. So, I have to get going and get my October Brochure done early. Then I can give him a copy, and put a copy for display in my husband’s office—like I usually do.
Jay, Another one of my friends, who works there, Jeremy, noticed your necklace on me and was really impressed with it. I told him about it, and all about you being a world traveler for new mine finds and also a jewelry designer, and that you had put this piece together, etc. He wrote down the websites where he can find your jewelry collection so he can see your work. He said he has three nieces that he is going early Christmas shopping for, and he was looking for gift ideas.
Hi Jay, I hope you are fine. It sounds like you are very happy and excited with your trip out west, and I’m so glad for you! That Kingman Blue Basin Turquoise material looks like a more deeper blue than the other Kingman Turquoise, and with white matrix going through it, I actually like this new material better. I can’t wait to see what kind of design you will decide on for a necklace. I wore your Green Moss Agate w/Sunburst Pendant and Beaded Necklace yesterday when I went out food shopping.
Hi Jay, a couple of weeks ago I was showing my mom the last couple of pieces I got in august and she pulled out 2 rings that she bought 20 years ago when she retired. They are in black boxes like hsn but there is a stamp inside of them, large D, then a T and R one on top of the other. Was this a stamp of yours back then? They look like something you would make. Both rings have very unique stones. I am the gal that asked for a nice north and south lapis ring. Thanks!
Thats my registered trademark, much like a cattle brand. I’ve been doing this thirty plus years so they probably are mine. Thanks for info. Best J
Dear Jay,
I purchased the Pink Strawberry Quartzite necklace. It is one of my very special pieces. I love it. Will there be any coordinating earrings somewhere in the future?
The necklace is such an unusual color, I personally love wearing it with taupe but the possibilities are endless.
I will be watching for those coordinating earrings.
alvalou102
I’ll be in South America first part of the year and I’ll look for more rough material at that time. Glad you enjoyed your necklace I love this material. Best J
Jay, I know you said there is no more nuummite. What really made the nuummite earrings and ring favorites for me was the plain, clean designs that are not overpowering in size. Perfect designs for me – comfortable, wearable, versatile. I’m hoping to see more in this clean design theme with other gemstones. Some of my design favorites from Mine Fines – Item Nos. 959-675, 959-677, 136-496, 109-242. BTW, I do like the copper, just haven’t seen the perfect piece for me yet. Maybe in Oct. shows.
I really like the clean simple look also. Most of what I do is big, bold and simple. I have lots more copper coming soon I hope you’ll see something you like. Silver and gemstone will still be our main focus, but I’m having fun with the copper. Best J
Jay, I happened to find some of these items, in this Birthday Gift Box, earlier this year that reminded me so much of you. Since you won’t be back home in Florida from your travels until next month, I won’t send this gift I have for you until then. I hope you will appreciate them. Again, have a wonderful Birthday. I am looking forward to seeing you and your upcoming Shows in October. Take care, and be safe wherever you may be, my friend. (L.O.L.) Carol
Thanks for the thoughts. Just filmed a new vein they found in Kingman. Awesome trip so far J
Jay, The woman at my food store said she was so motivated that she watched all of your Shows in August. She said I was so right about you. She said you are so sweet and such a wonderful person, and your stories are so interesting, and you are so knowledgeable about your field of rocks and jewelry. I have prepared a nice Birthday Gift Box filled with all kinds of interesting things for you to look at, read, and enjoy.
Jay, What more perfect and precious gift can there be than to have a rainbow presented on one’s special day? I am wearing your beautiful Green Spider Web Necklace with one of my Minty Green tops in remembrance of you on your special day. I really love it! I really got some nice complements on your Spider Web Jasper Pendant w/Necklace I was wearing when I was out shopping last weekend. I must have made a believer out of one of my friends at my food store.
Hi Jay, Happy 55th Birthday! A Birthday hug, a Birthday kiss, and best wishes I want to express to you for a wonderful day filled with sweet memories and whatever makes you happiest on your special day. Also, on your special day, we had a sun shower early this morning, and when I looked out our kitchen window, I saw a beautiful rainbow, along with a mixture of some gray and blue skies with some white cloud formations overhead created by Mother Nature herself! (To be con’t.)
Jay,
I truly enjoyed the August shows. I purchased the petrified wood carved necklace, the malachite & lapis 3-strand necklace, the zebra agate necklace & the green crackled quartz long necklace. Awesome.
I purchased a lapis bowl from you a while back, I love it. I do have a question; is the lapis treated, stabalized or color enhanced? Everyone that sees it asks me & I tell them I don’t know, but I love it regardless. Also, I love the banded onyx bowls, very unique. Thanks. Stay safe.
The lapis isn’t color enhanced it came from a mine in Chile. This particular lapis tends to have quite a bit of white in it so it shows up in the bowl. The bowls are made by hand in Scottsdale Arizona. They start with what we call mine run rough. In this case it goes through many steps where it is crushed and pressed together to form a large solid mass. Then it is carved and polished by hand. It takes many days to complete each bowl. Best J
Hi Jay
I am a new watcher of HSN and wanted you to know I love your stuff! I don’t really like buy anything unless I and can feel it and try it on in person; But I bought the Chrysoprase 21 1/2 ” because I love green and I just want you to know it’s gorgeous and goes with everything. Then I bought the Rainbox Feldspar and I think I like it better than The Chrysoprase! It is so sparkly; and makes me feel rich!!!! I love the weight and feel of it. Thanks for making me feel pretty…….T
Well welcome to the show. I’m glad you like what we do. Its a huge family effort to get it all done, but truly a labor of love. I love that Chrysoprase necklace. I found the natural rough in Australia and was able to make a great deal with the miners to keep the price down. I’m glad you like it I’ll relay it to the miners. Best J
Jay, I so love the barrel turquoise and copper necklace I ordered from the last show; it is beautiful and love all the copper pieces! But, I missed the matching barrel earrings and they would go so perfectly with this necklace making a real statement set. Could you please have some more of that earring made, so those of us with the new copper pieces could have the earrings to match? Thanks so much, and for all the beautiful pieces I have bought throughout the years, Judi
Glad you love your necklace. In this case I have to say the native copper works better with that turquoise than silver in my opinion. I have more copper designs coming. I don’t have anymore of that turquoise but I’m working this week on an old American turquoise that might match. Best J
Hi Jay, I’m one of gals needing a 20-22″ inch collar. Just following up with you to see how it went in the design meeting. Any chance of us getting one? Thanks for all you do for us!!
Yes we’re working on larger collars now. Just keep in mind I’m making jewelry now for the Febuary show. Since it’s all handcrafted we have to work way out. I’ll try to get something placed in the April event. Thanks for the input it really is helpful. Best J
Hey Jay(It’s me)If SHE get a bigger one, make me a “scrawny,’chicken necked’ 14″ in mixed metals, with a hanger loop,if you please Mr Wizard.I’ll wait ’till April LOL.BTW, Happy B-day to ‘us’, and this year at least our numbers match, though “33″ would be better,right?Puppy is fine,old dog,not so much,and the troll is ‘as usual’, except he got run over by a Brahma bull last week. Sending package Monday.BTW,it was 38 here the other night!Going panning next week!My knees are aching already.Best,T
Saw your 1 hr show not knowing Diane left(said was an unexpected hour with you?)Watched most of your shows using 2 small generators.We’re getting a propane-run one so I won’t miss any future shows-we lose power for days twice a year or so.Sounds like Happy Birthday wishes are due! My brother and nephew share this month w/you-wishing good health&many more.Looking forward to Nov.shows,new finds,BOWLS! N.M.is on my list of trips to start in a year (daughter graduates!)Love native Am. culture. Sue
Thanks Sue, I have a huge natural Mussel shell I’ve inlayed in turquoise and another I did in lapis for November. These are very special and I think you’ll like them. Virgos are interesting people and I meet alot of them in the jewelry trade. I have a generator they brought in on a crane because of the last hurricanes we had I was without power for six weeks. Not fun. Hope you survived with no damage Best J
The new bowls sound awesome!I’ll watch for them in case they post before your TV slots so I don’t miss out.If both bowls are available I’ll get both if I can.W/college tuition on our budget in a year,I’ve slowed spending but your jewelry is 1 exception-sometimes there’re no 2nd chances!(I’m on disability and husband retired but I was frugal during 24 yrs as a chemist/patent agent).Lots of bad floods and trees down near here from recent rains but we were blessed to have no damage.Stay well!Sue
Jay,
I was totally blown away by the August shows! I am an 18K girl and love the look of the copper pieces especially with the turquoise- a true marriage of materials. I’m a December gal and own 18 of your turquoise necklaces plus other turquoise pieces. I’m looking forward to the next series of shows to see what other copper goodies await us. I’ll definitely mix the coppers with my 18K pieces.
Safe travels,
Marcia
Thanks I’m so happy you liked it. It’s opened a whole new aspect in design for us. We have lots of new surprizes coming soon. Thanks for watching J