Adventures with Jay King: October in Albuquerque and at HSN
Marty and I at Kingman Mine
Well, September has come and gone. It was fast and furious, and October is looking much the same. I was home this morning and putting together October’s and November’s travel schedule… as far as I can tell, I’ll be home just over four and a half days in October. As my dad used to say, “You have to make hay while the sun shines.” A good friend of mine also had a saying. It went something like this: I would tell him I’ve got to take a break and get some rest. His reply would be you can always sleep when you’re dead. I haven’t tried that one yet and think I’ll put it on the back burner of my bucket list of things to do. Although my list seems to keep getting longer each year.
I’m heading out west to Albuquerque, New Mexico this week. October is one of my favorite months for several reasons. First of all, every year in the first week of October the skies around Albuquerque are filled with hot air balloons. For those of you who have seen this sight you know what an amazing thing it is to behold. The whole sky is filled with all kinds of colors and shapes of these marvelous flying machines. I remember my first Balloon Fiesta experience like it was yesterday. Even though it was over thirty years ago. The fiesta is celebrating it’s 40th birthday this year, but I can remember it’s humble beginnings before it became the huge event that it is today…
I was returning home from a flight back east, and was running low on fuel in the plane I was flying and landed at a small airport on the eastern side of Albuquerque. The airport was closed several years ago, but I remember landing on the short narrow strip and parking my plane. Soon a fuel truck pulled up and started to top off my Cessna. It was very early in the morning and the sun had just started to peak over the Sandia Mountains. At the end of the runway I noticed several people busily moving about. At first I thought they were setting up tents. I thought maybe they were getting ready for some kind of fair or something. It wasn’t until they started to inflate that I realized they were hot air balloons. At the time this wasn’t a very common sight, and I had never seen more than one lone balloon before.
Steve and I at Crow's Point
Today it’s not uncommon to see several balloons in the air on any given weekend morning in Albuquerque. It is now the hub, and hot air balloon capital in the USA. Being the curious type, I went down and spoke with a few of the pilots and found out it was a group of locals as well as a few folks from out of town who got together every year to celebrate their preferred sport. Over the years, I’ve participated in the fiesta in many ways; piloted my own balloon, as well as a vendor selling my wares. It was always a lot of fun and I have so many good memories from this period in my life. Lots of good fun and making lots of new friends over the years.
I can remember waking up in the morning to a house full of sleeping bags scattered about in almost any space available. We would all get up early and share an enormous breakfast then head out with our balloons before first light to get set up from wherever we were launching that morning. The first few days were incredible, but after ten days I can remember praying for bad weather so we could take a break… The balloonist breakfast is propane and champagne so it can get a little hard on you for any extended period of time.
For those who haven’t taken a hot air balloon ride I hope you’ll put it on your bucket list of things to do in your lifetime. It really is amazing and I can’t remember ever taking anyone on a flight and them not being thrilled about it. A few weren’t so thrilled at first and I had to drag a few on board, but, in the end, they always enjoyed the experience once they were airborne.
After Albuquerque and working with my crew on designs and new ideas I head home to Florida and to my sixteen-year anniversary show. It blows my mind that sixteen years have come and gone already. It seems like yesterday when Colleen Lopez patted my hand and told me to “relax, it’s all going to be okay.” I love working with Colleen and still do to this day. If it wasn’t for her and a lot of others, too many to actually list, I wouldn’t be able to do what I truly love doing right now. I want to take the time to thank everyone who has helped my dream come true.
Well, this is going to be a great event. Rachel Huber and I kick it all off on Friday, October 14th at 2pm EST. Then I’ll be working with Lynn Murphy, Shivan Sarna, and Suzanne Runyan all weekend long finishing up with Rachel on Monday. We have a fabulous Today’s Special. It is very rare and extremely limited. To say the least, it’s the most limited TS I’ve ever done. The material was mined in Australia and we used every single piece we could get to complete what we could of the project. This is truly a one of a kind, one shot deal on this one. It was a small deposit and it is now totally mined out. I can’t say what it is but it’s from Australia and people born in October will probably really like it. Hint , hint. We have so much new to show you I’m like a kid in a candy store I just don’t know which design I like the best. I hope you can take the time to join us in the fun and see what’s new.
After the show I’ll depart on a three-week adventure around the globe to check out new materials for next year and start sorting materials I’ve purchased over the course of this year and we have finally got them out of the ground and in the warehouse so we can start opening Mother Nature’s presents and see what we have.
So hope you can join us in celebrating sixteen years of Mine Finds. I look forward to showing you what we’ve been up to.
Until then save 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
Hi!
I was wondering whether Item No: 169-239
Jay King Copper and Sterling Lapis Station Necklace which is on waitlist would be available? It seems sold out now…but I am on the waitlist..it is a lovely piece!
Hi Jay! I wanted you to know that the earrings that are part of the Sleeping Beauty earring and pendant set (offered on your last visit) are SO COMFORTABLE! I can even sleep with them on. Fantastic! Please design more earrings this size.
Also, congratulations on your “new ring”!
Thanks I’m so glad you like them. It’s always nice to get feedback on what you actually recieved. I don’t have pierced ears so I really can never tell personally if they are comfortable. I have designed some sets that will be coming up. One set of three with gemstone cabachons and one set of three with faceted cabachons. I think they will be fun and its a veiwer request so hopefully you’ll like them. Best J
Hi Jay! Remember the turquoise/carved coral necklace that was a Today’s Special several years ago? I would love to have earrings to match in the same color range. At the time, the earrings offered were a silver hoop with coral and turquoise chips at the bottom of the hoop. Great earrings, but I wasn’t fast enough to purchase them. Also, some of the size 8 rings (with wide band) I’ve purchased from you recently seem a little big. Is there anything I can put inside ring to make it a snugger fit?
Hi I remember the necklace. I’ll see what I can do don’t have that material anymore but I’ll look around for something. You can size them up but not down. The good news is you’ve lost some weight. I can now wear rings that I wasn’t able to get on my chubby little fingers at the begining of the year. They do make things but I think they are kinda cheap looking. Hope this answered the question. It’s early here and I’m going for a ten hour ride this morning. Best J
That was so sweet of what you said. My parents were older when they married and they taught me to enjoy nature. Even if that meant collecting every rock out of our driveway in the country where I grew up. When they would deliver new stone for the driveway I would rush out and gather every rose colored stone there was.Maybe I shouldn’t say this but when I was 12 we went to Yellowstone and I took a piece of a rock near a hot spring.I still have it to this day. Mom really loved watching you. Thanks
There are alot of us who are naturally attracted to what mother nature provides. I’m overseas now lookin at alot of new materials I’ve been gathering. Can’t wait to start designing. Family is everything and time is short so I try and enjoy both every chance I get. Take care J
Howdy Jay, I was wondering if you would consider making some medium-size pendants which be more inexpensive, have a simple design, & less “weighty” which could be worn on a cord, omega, ect. (Basically, polished rocks set in silver/copper.) I could imagine some in Varisite, Larimar, White agate, Black agate, Sunstone, Moonstone, ect.
I received my Green Anhui Turquoise necklace–Pretty! Since the anniv. show I also ordered two more–Black-lace Agate & White Flower Stone. Stay well & safe!
Okay with silver being what it is right now its a challange to hit the lower price points I’ll work on some with copper and silver accents. Thanks for the input Best J
Jay, I received the Lemon Serpentine Drop Earrings yesterday. They are fantastic! Design is spectacular! All the ladies at work loved them. I am so impressed I ordered the black agate ones in this same design. I wanted to let you know that this design is so great that you need to do more stones/colors in them….pink, purple, brown, gray, white. The matching necklace is great, too. Fresh, unexpected, unique. I’ve never seen anything else like it. Do more things like these!
Glad you love them I do to. Love the finding and everyone says they are very comfortable to wear. I only wear clipons so haven’t been able to test them myself. Made them in lapis also but they sold out instantly. Best J
Hello Jay. This is Marzena, the Polish gal who spoke with you and Lynn last Sunday. You said that it is a first time you came across my name. Perhaps it is the pronunciation. The correct way to say my name is to keep the r and z rz as one and the sound is similar to the word neglige , so to make it easy you may read Magena. It was a grate pleasure to speak with you, the designer who is so nice and down to earth. So refreshing! Will you ever consider making pin/pendant in one ?
Hi nice speaking with you. I travel the world and don’t hear that name very often. I’m now making pin pendant designs for stand alone pieces. I’ll give you a heads up when I place them. Best J
Hi Jay! I’m new to your jewelry and have bought several pieces. While watching your 16th anniversary celebration, you stated that after wearing them one should wipe it with your cleaning cloth then put them in the plastic bags they came in. Unfortunately, I didn’t keep the bags. I wished you put those instructions on the insert containing the polishing cloth so I wouldn’t toss the bags. Is there anyway to get replacement bags?
If you go to customer service at HSN and enter my name it will tell you how to contact us with your personal information in a secure manner. We would be more than happy to help you out. The bags will keep them fresh and new looking for a long time if you wipe them first. Best J
Hi Abq. neighbor, cant ever catch u in phone line, was next inn line last nite…..Luv Luv Luv ur pieces and mine….turq is most beautiful, but luv it all…..things get more beautiful alll the time dont know how u do it….got a call on my turqand copper pendant maybe or not???? Plz Plz, ……
are u going to have any more turq heart jpendants, missed it twice in a row……Love ur shhows, looked for u in Tucson ….big world.
I’ll be making more crosses for sure. Thanks for watching I’ll be in Tucson first two weeks of Febuary. Best J
Hi Jay, I’m a relatively new shopper at HSN & I love your “mine finds”! I lived at Alamogordo, NM when I was a little girl & was it neat…rocks, mountains, ghost towns, & desert! Once a person has a taste of the ol’ West, you’re hooked for life! I ordered your green Anhui Turquoise 42″ bead necklace from this past weekend. I watch/record the shows as I’m a dye-hard rockhound who wanted to become a geologist, but…my dad frowned on it as an occupation for me in the late 70s due to my gender.
Your right you really can’t get enough of the southwest in my opinion. I love New Mexico and the surrounding areas. It’s never to late in life to do something you love. Best J
Hi Jay! I spent the weekend with you on HSN! You’ve had many spectacular shows in the past but this weekend surpassed them. There were so many new and surprising combinations of copper and stones, and the design work was extraordinary. Of course I bought several pieces!
Let me add my voice to one of your callers’ this weekend — please design some stone stud earrings for those of us who have multiple ear piercings. Thanks!
I’ve already got it o nmy list of things to do. I’m gone around the world this month and most of next but I’ll get them in the loop. Thanks for the support. J
I have many of your pieces and love them all. Currently I need some purple agate earrings to go with a recent purchase. I like the shephard’s hook-not too long or heavy. I have the turquoise and agate necklace. If you can, we ladies need earrings to go with many of the necklaces you make that cannot be worn with standard rings-like turquoise or black agate or just silver. Some need matching ring to complete the set. Also need some more copper pieces to go with neck rings and earrings to match.
Okay got it. I’ll put it in my brand spanking new design book I just started. I’m in the process of sorting things out now that I have from my old one that didn’t get done yet, but I’ll start working on more ideas now. Best J
What an exhausting weekend!Everytime I was being tempted,I’d do some vacuuming or dusting..the place is clean, but I still got lapis/turq,red coral,green turq earrings,black lace…can’t stop..love your super solid silver!You wear me out…watching you holler “I can’t anymore of this rough!”so I run to get the latest “must have”…Jay, you are a marvelous addiction!See you Nov. 26!Want those shells!My office loves your things(through me, as I wear them..make my outfits around them!)
Hi JAY
Well you did it again. I did have lots of work to do this weekend but what did I do??? Watched you & your beautiful smile & those blue eyes…Okay I have a question? Did you get married?I know it is none of my business but after meeting you last year at the store on our way to Utah & getting three beautiful treasures, I want to say congratulations if you did & also on your 16th anniversary. I love, love, love all your things. I am from Texas & never miss your shows. Safe travels, Joleen
Hi Jerleen I remember you and still have a picture in my camera. So much has happened in this year. Lots of good stuff. Hope we can see you again one day. Best J
Hello again Jay, just received my todays special and it is beautiful, I was lucky enough to get the earrings too…I printed my pictures that we took of you that day, had to see that smile and show my friends. Best wishes to you in all your travels and I do hope we can meet up again and meet the love of your life.You deserve good things to happen to you.
Joleen from Texas I would love to come to Tucson one day, it is on my bucket list, so maybe we can see you there.
Thanks for the support. People sometimes don’t believe I can’t get more. This included my buyer at times but now she believes me after all these years. There are so many materials I wish I could find just one more time. Thanks so much for your support it means so much to so many Best J
Please see my reply it posted below Jerleen for some reason Best J
Hi Jay, Your shows have been great. I look forward to all your visits and enjoy your stories. Love all your jewelry and have several pieces. I keep waiting for the original turquoise bowls to return. I will be celebrating my 60th birthday in January and would love to get one for my birthday. Will I have a chance to order one? Please put me on your list. Thanks for all your wonderful designs. Keep up the good work..
Hi I would love to give you one for your birthday. Just so you know my mom has been asking since she saw the first one we made, and I haven’t been able to get her one yet. I’m working on getting more rough to make them with. I’m hoping to have a few soon. Watch the blog. Best J
Jay, do you ever make earrings with lever backs? Myself and several of my friends wear mostly lever backs but you don’t seem to have any….are you considering this type of earring in the future?
Yes we do, thanks for asking. I have made several designs in the past and will be making more in the future. J
Hi Jay -
I love your things, have been a customer for many years. You sometimes talk about your “showroom” or “gallery”. Where is this showroom? Is it in Albuquerque? I also live in New Mexico.
We have a store open to the public in Albuquerque which opens several times a year. It has one of a kind designs, unique beads, and other interesting things. Our showroom at my office is where we lay out all the new materials and designs, but it’s not open to the public. I hope it answers your question. I love New Mexico. J
Will be at your store the 18 & 19th, my birthday present, hope you might be there again, could I be that lucky???
Joleen from Texas
Love all the new finds Jay, only managed to buy a couple. BUT the question of the week is, “Were you wearing a wedding band.”. If so than that is a story that should be on the blog!
Humm don’t know how to answer. I try and keep somethings private. So the best I can do is same wonderful woman in my life new ring. Best J
What can I say but you made my entire weekend. Even though I waited 40 minutes to say hello to you on the air it was worth it. Also my mother had had a stroke 3 years previous and had lost her voice, but before then, I would go to her room at the nursing home and we would sit there and watch you. I would always ask her do you want to watch Jay? And she would say that good looking man? Even before she passed she would mouth the words,”OH MY.” You made an elderly lady quite happy. Thanks Lisa IND.
Lisa you want to make me cry. I’m glad you could share that with me. Thanks for taking the time to do so. I’m in Canada today waiting for a flight overseas, and its cold and gloomy and that made the sunshine for me today. Take care J
Thank you so very much for all you and your group do to make us beautiful with all the mine finds. I dabble in jewelry making and get so much information from your shows. The stones I can buy are not as unusual as the ones you have but it still fun. I have one request, could you make the collars at least 18in long? It would be so nice to have the pendant hang longer. Thank you again and see you next time.
Thanks glad you get the chance to make your own designs. It’s a great feeling. I’ve been working on collars alot and have a few requests for bigger ones. I’ll see what I can do. Take care J
More wonderful shows and beautiful jewelery! Thanks for the variety. Is there any possibility a small paper stating the stone and origin for each piece you send out. As I get older, my memory fails, I like the piece, but can’t remember where it comes from. Just an idea, but a great help when we are explaining to friends where these pieces came from. Thanks and keep up all the good ideas you come up with.
Alot of people have rquested this and you would think it would be a simple mateter, but it isn’t unfortunetly. Because of how we have to ship our designs it isn’t possible now but I’m working on a web site that you could go to to look up the material and story behind it. Thanks for taking the time to write. J
Happy Aniversary Jay. I have spent 16 hours with you so far and am loving every minute of it. The new copper is beatuful I bought a collar. I know that you had a plain copper earring avaliable not to long ago, would it be possible to make some more. My husband enjoys you also, he wanted to send a big thanks. Shopping for B-day, xmas ect for the last 7 years is super easy he buys Jay King.I picked up about 5 new this visit encluding the opal. Love you.
Thanks its always good to know the husbands get something out of it to. I’m glad you like what we do its a big team effort and I enjoy hearing from you. Gotta catch a plane now so catch you later J
Jay, you amaze me congrats on your 16th. I would like to know when you are going to have more stones for the interchangeable earrings. Also I bought the lapis & blue lace agate earrings more than a year ago I lost one & was wondering if I could purchase a replacement if you still have one. Just bought the bloodsone necklace can’t wait to get it. I’ve learned so much about stones watching. You are the bomb.
Thanks if you go to HSN customer service and enter my name it will tell you how to send us yor personal information in a secure manner. If you write to us with what you need to replace the lost pieces we’ll see what we can do. Best J
Jay, I loved your shows this weekend–always enjoy the stories! I have looked and looked for things to wear with the Boulder Turquoise bold necklace I’d purchased sometime ago. I’d hoped you were working on earrings, but I haven’t found them–I’d be happy with 2 of the disks hanging. . . .perhaps you could work on some type of intrchangable-earring device whereby we could purchase matching pieces on certain-types of necklaces to change out for a perfect match every time! Safe Travels, Pam
Pam its not from the same mine but check out the earrings featured on the main page of dot com. These are a very close match as far as color, not as blue but will work. I’d make you a pair but I’ve got none of this material right now. Best J
I have tons of your jewelry, and I love every bit of it. Please do some drusy!!!
I’m working on a turquoise druzy right now. It’s a secret so don’t tell anyone. Hope to have it soon still working out the bugs with Mr Marty. Best J
A request – Jay, I really love the style of the new drop earrings that you have featured during this visit (in lapis, black agate, and lemon serpentine). However, they are too long for me. Would you consider a slightly smaller length of 2 to 2.5 inches? The 3.25 inch earrings would lay on my shoulders. I love your jewelry!
You got it love this look. I will make some with a little less length to them J