Don’t Miss Moment: Jay King Celebrates 15 Years at HSN with a Today’s Special on Friday, 10/15
I can’t believe its October first. As usual I’m in an airport getting ready to catch a flight. This time its Air Iceland. We will be making a stop this morning in Reykjavik Iceland then on to Florida. So I guess its time to get back on American time once again.
Getting ready for the bi-plane ride.
Got lots going on and looks like October is going to be quite busy and a lot of fun. First big news is it’s my fifteenth anniversary for my show. It’s hard to believe its been 15 years but I guess it has. I think back at all that’s happened in the last 15 years, and it all seems like a wild dream on a very fast time machine. I got a lot done on this trip and had many wonderful adventures. The first three weeks were business and the last two were with family and friends. I was able to rent a 1928 Gypsy Tiger Moth Bi-plane for my birthday and take a flight along the South West coast of England one morning. It’s amazing what you can see from the air and the way things look so different from that perspective.
I started off my trip by going up to Tennessee to see a friend of mine James. He has supplied us over the years with most of the Pink Mother of Pearl that I have used in my designs with shell. Like so many people I have had the pleasure of meeting in what I do, James has a very interesting life story to tell. Most people don’t know this but about 90% of all pink shell you see in jewelry actually comes from the fresh water rivers and lakes in Tennessee, Arkansas and Georgia.
Some of James's harvested shells and pearls
James comes from a family of eight children; he went to work harvesting the shells when he was ten years old. By the time he was fourteen he had his own boat and he harvested shells by brailing. This is a form of dredging with chains. Later he made enough money to purchase scuba equipment so he could dive for the shells. He harvested one shell which had over 2117 pearls inside it. I have attached a picture of it for you to see.
He also has the largest abalone pearls ever discovered. Over 800 carats appraised at over one point five million dollars. In 1973 he was one of the first westerners to venture to China. James supplied the nucleus material to make modern day cultured pearls in the fresh water pearl farms in China. I was lucky enough to get to see his collection of natural freshwater pearls. Its is probably the largest collection of its kind in the world.
Jay King Turquoise and Sugilite Sterling Silver 18-1/2" Necklace with Cultured Freshwater Pearl Item: 371-117
It’s hard to imagine but when you’re holding a pearl in your hand and look at the appraisal and its $85,000 to $205,000 dollars it really gets your attention. James and I are currently working on a spiney oyster project in Mexico. You should be seeing the fruits of our latest efforts soon.
The big news is starting October 15th early in the morning we will start our four day visit with a very special Today’s Special starting Saturday morning. So I hope you can take the time to tune in and see all of our latest designs.
Hope to see you soon. Safe Travels!
Jay
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 your designs & have MANY pieces. I saw today your liquid copper. Can you possibly sell just the liq. copper as you do liq. silver. I am greatly desiring this item alone. I do make my own jewelry & am planning to start selling . You give me many ideas; hope you don’t mind. Your jewelry is just BEAUTIFUL. Thank you for sharing your wonderful “gift” that you have. Mary Durham ; a midwest farmers daughter.
Jay, I have over the years purchased a vast array of your pieces. From your recent anniversary visit bought about 10 necklaces. I’ve noticed that the sterling end caps that finish the necklaces are being made smaller on some pieces or are non existent on others. Please do not sacrifice quality and workmanship for cost. Your true collectors would rather pay a little more to get the quality. I’ve had to send some pieces back because of this. All the best, Kat
Dear Jay,
I just adopted your language when I received my 57″ Red Agate and Aventurine necklace, and my Peanut Wood Swirl ring. “That’s just STUPID!!” I said. I am so thrilled, they are truly gorgeous and “stupid” values, thank you!! I know you are pulled in all directions with requests, and I might be in the minority, but I also wanted to say I like the option to wear necklaces shorter/closer to choker length since I love seeing jewelry close to my face and neck.
Thanks I’m glad you liked it. I’ll be making shorter lenghts in necklaces in coming shows. Best J
Hello Jay….. you are a genious ! Love watching you on HSN. You are so knowledgable and willing to share your knowledge. I have learned alot listening to you, and you are very handsome to look at as well…. keep up the good work and take some time for Jay and relax from time to time. How did you get started in this? I have always had an interest in creating such as yourself and find it very interesting and I am sure it is a very long haul. Thanks
I got started along time ago just collecting stones then cutting and polishing. I find it very relaxing. I would go to some gem shows and just check it out. Have fun and enjoy life. Best J
Hi Jay. This is Carol from Florida. I was wondering how you are, and what you are up to lately. Please either call me or send me an E-Mail message and let me know when we can meet each other, and when you can deliver that Rainbow Calcilica rough, that you have for me, at the same time. Take care.
Hi Carol haven’t forgotten you just been very busy. I’ll tell you about it when I can get you on the phone Best J
Just received the Todays special of the Lapis. Very very nice. I am wondering if you have any abstract pieces coming up? Love the more modern abstracts. Also I love aquamarine. Any chances of this happening? Thank you for all the hard work you do and also your fellow employees. I always dvr you so I can rewind if I miss something on your story telling. Take care, be safe and Happy Holidays.Lisa
I have some great new lapis designs coming up. I do see aquamarine from time to time that is the quality and large enough for me to work with. I’ve had it several times on the show and it always sells out fast. I’m always on the lookout for new material at the right price. Thanks for your input. Best J
Hi Jay. I absolutely fell in love with the Phosphosiderite stone you showed on your last visit. However, as I am Jewish, I could not purchase the suite of pieces you made with this stone since they all included a cross in the design. Can you please make more jewelry with the Phosphosiderite stone (specifically a necklace, dangle earrings, and a ring) that is non-religious in nature so that I can finally enjoy this beautiful and unique stone? Thanks.
Thanks for your input. I will make sure that I do something else for you in this great natural material. I have in the past but I hear you. Thanks for taking the time to give me your feed back Best J
Due to short fingers, would like to see more free form & rectangle rings that are 1 inch or slightly shorter. I purchased the Green Opal ring (965-687)in size 7. I think it is the greatest; however, did not realize I needed to order up a size & it is too tight, wished HSN had said so during the preview. Maybe it will fit when cold weather gets here.
Hope to see more cornrow or doublet rings. How about using up some of those left over chips in rings, rather than necklaces. Luv your jewelry!!
Thanks sorry I should let everyone know to order a size larger for the bigger rings. I’ll make sure a make a note of your request Best J
Hi Jay – A while back, I ordered (& LOVE) the turquoise inlay interchangeable earrings with turquoise, black agate & mother of pearl drops. You said sometime in the future you would make drops in different colors that would fit the base earring. Any idea when I can expect them? Thanks!
Thanks I’ve made the designs. No date has been set yet as to when they will show. Thanks J
Hi Jay, I have a necklace very similiar to the one you have featured on your intro on HSN. The very light green turquoise with the what looks to be rawhide necklace …..I don’t see it featured for sale. I am actually looking for earrings to match. Do you have any in your showcase? Please reply.
Thanks,
BADKINS
I’m not sure if we have any. I’m out of town right now. Best J
Jay, I posted a cooment on your blog Oct 14th and have not recieved a response from you yet. COULD YOU READ IT AND GIVE A RESPONSE PLEASE. THANK YOU, sorry about the typing errors, but i broke my arm a week ago, learning the one handed typing. thanks again for your help in this matter.
Hi can you resend it to me. I think I’ve replied to everything so far. I was having trouble getting into the blog at one time. Best J
Will you be doing anything in Larimar? I am intrigued with this stone but do not own any yet. I trust your products and would purchase a set from you without hesitation.
I’ve been to the mine and done a few projects. I’m always trying to strike a deal but so far no luck. Thanks for your interest. Best J
Hi Jay, Love your shows and your designs. I have your turquoise “Cleopatra” necklace that I bought about a year and a half ago. You mentioned on air that you gave one to your mother and it was her favorite – she wore it all the time. I do not have the item number ( I actually found it in one of the HSN stores) Can you possibly tell me the source for the turquoise? Thank you so much, and look forward to buying more of your designs.
This material is called Red Skin because of the iron rich ore it is found in Best J
Hi Jay, I have a bracelet from you and the stone (purple) fell out. How can I have it repaired? I have lots of jewelry from you and this is the only problem I’ve had. Great jewelry.
We will always fix anything for you for free if you have a problem. Contact Customer Service Keyword Jay King and it will tell you how to send your personal information. Best J
I love your designs. Although I haven’t been able to buy anything yet, it is my dream to own some of your jewelry, as well as buying some amethyst for my sister. A few years ago you had some pieces made from azurite and malachite. Any chance of this stone coming back? I love it so much. You are a true artist. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.
Thanks for watching. This material is very rare in its natural form. I don’t have any rough now but I’m always on the look out for it. Best J
Dear jay, I am in final stages of a blood cancer.I own every piecce you sold on HSN. I am a big rock hound. My last wish is to see Tucson Gem show this year. Any suggestions of best week or if need wholesale pass. how to get around with cane. I may be traveling from Maryland alone or possibly my 33 yr old daughter can go??? Where to stay? how to get around alone? no wholesale pass! Don’t know anyone; coming from Balto. Maryland. If you have no time for quick answer-maybe Shivan?? My last wish!
I usually go the first two weeks of Febuary. I’d love to show you around but I don’t want to promise anything now its very crazy for me when I’m there. I’d love to meet you if possible. There are many shows going on all at once so many don’t reqire a pass to get into. Any travel agent can book you into a nice hotel. I stay usually at the Sheraton down town. Hope you feel better. Best J
Hi Jay,
I am so fascinated by your jewelry. One thing though I really wish you would make some of your rings with smaller stones. I feel the big stones are not feminine enough for me and look too big for my small hands. PLEASE consider doing this as i so much want to wear your rings. I bought the turquoise ring and am sending it back because the stone is just too big. I also bought the tigers eye and agate necklace and am completely mesmerized at looking at the stones. WoW!Thank you!
We do design smaller size cabachons on rings but I usually go with bigger stones. I try and do things most other people can’t do. I will have some fire opal rings soon that are smaller. Best J
Hi jay! This is my first time on your blog. Can you please bring back Chrysocola in a Smaller/oval ring–the ring(960-141) is too
Big for me, I am Not into the large styles.Also, please make a Pink Opal round ring to go with your pink opal neclace–not Too
large–size like S.African Moyo Ring(960-222).Can you make a Oval ring -Not large- same size as Hubei Turquoise ring(351-253)
of Purple Agate?Also, please bring back aGreen Agate Ring–you only had necklace & earrings.Thanks for everything!
Hi Jay,
I’m a newbie, just received my first order of the jujube stone ring, earrings and pendant set. I’m just knocked out by the beauty and quality of your products! Waiting for my Nako earrings and pendant next, can’t wait to see them. I’m a goner, that’s for sure! Thanks for bringing us your best.
Thankyou it’s always nice to get new viewers. Just so you know I will always stand behind my work if something is wrong. Thanks J
Hi Jay,
I was not able to purchase the large turquoise bowl; I did however was lucky enough to get the smaller one you had. I also got the lapis one.
My question is: Are you going to do again the large turquoise bowl? I understand you are planning a new version. Hope my luck does not run out, and I can get that one too.
Some people were not happy with the lapis one because it was not smooth and shinny like the turquoise. It would help if that is part of the description.
I didn’t get to see all the lapis bowls before we shipped them I was out of the country. They should have a good polish on them. I did tone it down a little though because I thought the turquoise bowls were a bit over polished. I would be happy to rebuff yours if you want. Best J
Hi Jay,
Just want to say thank you for the splendid works of art that you make for us. Although I am only able to buy 1 or 2 pieces per visit, this keeps me coming back each time. I especially enjoy the inlay and intricate work of your gallery designs. I do not care that they are made in China bacause the cost savings benefit me! Stay well and keep bringing more great jewelry!
Thanks I’m glad you like what we do. Again to say we make everything in China isn’t really accurate at all. We do have to assemble and cut certian things overseas to be competitive. Thanks J
Part 2:
Also, some items like the tree of life, regular moon and stars, with your own special twist on them. Also cats were worshiped in Egypt, so you could use a cat or panther’s languid form. Lots of cat lovers. It would be a dream come true if I could buy a Jay King piece fashioned in a symbol of Ancient Egypt. Lapis was sacred to the Egyptians, as was Turquoise and many other stones, which I am sure you know. Well, I don’t know if you will get this or not.
THANKS JAY!
This is a great idea and I have done something simular many years ago. I’ll put it in my design notes Thanks J
Hi Jay! It was wonderful watching your Anniversary shows. I enjoy watching the shows even if I don’t buy anything! (If I could, I would probably buy one of almost everything!)
One one of the shows you mentioned you would like some suggestions for new or different designs, besides crosses and hearts. I agree!
Have you ever considered ancient Egyptian symbols like the Anhk or the Eye of Ra? Check out an Egyptian Website. Also, what about items from nature, like lightening, clouds, etc.?
Thanks again for your ideas Best J
Hi Jay, Just received the 3 psc malachite set, and the 6 strand garnet necklace. Both lovely and as expected quality. I would like to request that beaded necklaces include hand knotting ( I know this is more labor intensive), for safety, in the event the necklace breaks. Could be potentially VERY stressful if after paying all that money, beads would be lost. I do have one complaint with the amber necklace (going back). VERY cheap/plastic looking. For the price expected better quality!
We use soft flex so they won’t break, but if they ever do you have my word I will fix it always for you free of charge. We use the absolute best amber on the market, but as you probably know real amber is very exspensive and its naturally very light weight. Thanks for your feed back Best J
Hi Jay, I have so many of your pieces. I especially love the modern gallery pieces. I want to thank you so much for creating the beautiful sleeping beauty turquoise and amber Star of David. I so often look at all the beautiful crosses and wish for an equally large stunning star. I hope you will consider making more Star of David’s in the future. We Jewish American Princesses may be a small minority, but we are mighty, and will buy what you create. You are so cute, love watching you on HSN
Thanks I’ve been called lots of things by many people cute usually hasn’t been one of them but thanks anyway. I’ve had several requests for the star of david and will continue to offer new designs. Thanks for your support Best J
Jay – I thought you were going to have a mens line?? I always loved your work and would always buy my Mom several pieces whenever you were on air. She has passed and I would love to continue to buy your beautiful pieces in her honor. I, like everyone else am also looking forward to one day getting my hands on one of the bowls, as everytime I would look at it i would think of her and how much she enjoyed your jewelry.
Sorry to hear about your loss. We will be releasing a new line of mens jewelry its been designed and approved. I’ll keep you posted. We have 200 turquoise bowls coming up for the November visit. I believe I’m on the 29th of November so go to HSN.com and check early that week. Again so sorry for your loss. Best J
Mr. King, I have alot of large Amber pieces and missed out on the pair you made up for your conversion Turq, MoP & Onyx earrings you did, I have them and am wondering is there any way that I can buy from you a pair (have them made up for me)???? If so please let me know I just love all of the pieces I have of yours, and look forward to obtaining more. Thank you for your ear, looking forward to your answer.
Bead Gal
Hi if you go to customer service at HSN and enter key word Jay King it will tell you how to send us your personal information. Please write Jill and I a note and I’ll see what I can do. Thankyou for your support Best J