Plains, Trains and Automobiles, Plus a Mule, Brought Jay King to His Latest Mine Finds
Well spring has sprung and we’ve now moved into my favorite time of the year! I love spring, because this is when Mother Nature performs her magic and breathes new life into the Northern Hemisphere. Spring to me is full of vivid bright colors, which truly inspire me to design fun
Jay's buddy Alex dressed and ready to enter a copper mine.
creations with lots of life and action.
So far this has been a very fast-paced and action-packed trip. It’s been a whirlwind, and it’s not even close to being over yet. I have been able to see a lot of old friends, and make new ones along the way. By the end of this trip I will have traveled by foot, motorcycle, four wheeler, 4 x 4 truck, Jeep, car, limo, ferry, boat, horseback, mule, train, private aircraft, commercial aircraft and a helicopter. So it’s been very diverse on the mode of transportation.
I’ve seen so many new materials. I have designed so many new designs my head is just spinning. For those who know me well – they would say my head is always spinning anyway. I like staying busy and so far it’s been extremely busy and productive on this go round.
Jay on “Trigger” the horse, leading “Bruce” the mule, right before they enter a copper mine.
I return to American soil on April 15th. Just in time for my April shows on the 17th and 20th. I’ve been reviewing all my new designs and materials for this event and I can’t wait to share them with everyone.
I’m introducing for the first time genuine copal from Columbia. This project has taken me over four years to complete. This is a form of amber. The copal is hand gathered by the Indians in the jungles of Columbia and collected for us by an agent, who then trades food, clothing, pots, pans and other assorted goods for the material. The native Indians have no real use for money; since there really are not a lot of places they can spend it. Trade goods and the barter system are still in effect. It took a miracle to get this out of the country and then many long hours of experimenting with ways to cut and polish it.
We have so many new designs and materials I don’t have time to list them all. I hope you can take the time to visit us on Sunday April 17th and then again on Wednesday April 20th….
Until then…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
Looking forward to your shows in May!
Do you know if the “forest hunter’s stone” is at all related to jade?
If you ever take a break from traveling the world, many of us Jay King addicts would love to have a book with photos and mineralogical descriptions of your wonderful “finds”.
No it’s not a jade or jadite, but looks like jade in a way. I’m considering doing some kind of book one of these days. Kind of a rock travel book. I see so much and have so many funny stories to tell about what I see. Just a little busy right now, but maybe I’ll start working on it. Thanks for the input. Best J
My very favorite piece is the Pink Strawberry Quartzite necklace. I love the color; will you be doing any similar earrings any time soon. I would be first in line to buy.
I also would love to know the weight of the necklaces. I am small and some are too heavy for me-love them though.
I am not a “silver lover” but when I see certain pieces, it just doesn’t matter about the silver.
Jay, I love your variscite, will you be bringing any items to us on your next visit? I have one of your beautiful variscite beaded necklace and pendant set that I purchased about 5 or 6 years ago and would like to purchase some earrings and a ring to match. I seldom see it in your line anymore, so I’m assuming it must be hard to find good quality stones or is it getting rare? I wouldn’t want to buy it from anyone else because of the great quality you bring us.
Hi just getting caught up on whats been a long trip. I don’t believe I have any coming up soon. It comes from a miner in Utah, and I haven’t been able to cut a deal. I do have some from a new mine ine Australia I’m working on right now. I’ll keep you posted. Best J
Jay, here is the end of my “Review” on your Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Butterfly Enhancer Pendant—”The Sterling Silver work was very well done, and it is a very solid piece.” I just wanted you to know that I was the one who wrote this Review about this Item on 04/26/11, but H.S.N. entered the nickname, “Anonymous, FL.”, in error. My nickname, “Preciouswood, FL.”, is my correct nickname which should have been entered on top of this Review. Take care, and be safe wherever you may be, Jay.
Jay–Please STOP making so many of your neclaces 18′–( SHORT )
“GRANDMA” lengths–Pearl Necklace length. Please make more 24′
as a general length–my friends and I like our necklaces to be
medium length. Please bring back the GREEN AGATE in a LONGER length.
Thanks I’m making more longer now than shorter. As always I’ll write you comment down for when I’m designing. Best J
Thanks I’m just getting caught up and getting ready for May so I haven’t read it yet. Best J
Hi Jay. “Beautiful and Whimsical Butterfly in Flight! * * * * *
“This Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Butterfly Enhancer Pendant is so beautiful with the stones being that “Robin Egg” color of Blue. It looks so feminine and neat with the S.S. bail being set at an angle which reflects a butterfly in flight when worn around the neckline. This enhancer Pendant can be worn either with a Sterling Silver Box Chain or a 2mm Omega S.S. Necklace which would really make it stand out and be noticed!
Hi Jay. I hope you are fine. I need to send this short message to you first, as a test, just to make sure that my nickname on your website is correct. There was a “technical issue” earlier today when I wrote and submitted a Review on your Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Butterfly Enhancer Pendant. Someone at H.S.N. had entered “Anonymous, FL.” at the top of my Review in error. As you know, my nickname on your website is “Preciouswood, FL.”. I will try to send my Review to you on your Blog site.
Great show this last week Jay. I have purchased many of you creations for my wife. The finding on one of her favorite pairs of ear rings broke this week, so I was wondering if it is possible to get these fixed through your company. Thanks in advance.
I always warrant my work for as long as I’m still kicking. Just go to HSN Customer Service. Enter key word Jay King. This will tell you how to send us your personal info and we’ll take care of you. Thanks for the support. Best J
Jay your green agate is beautiful, opalessencent and is more beautiful than on tv. PLEASE make matching earrings!!! Also make pendants and nugget necklace smaller for us petite ladies.Big jewerly is a current fade and i’d hate to put them away. Is the green agate from china(HSN #120172)? Love your stories and videos.
I love this material and it turned out great. I don’t want to give you bad information but I think the original material came from Africa in this case. I do know I didn’t have enough rough to make the order. So it will be a while before you see something else. Thanks for your support. J
Dear Jay,I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed talking to you tonight :) I’ve tried many times before but never could get through. I’m a big fan of yours and love the beautiful jewelry you design.As I said on the phone I didn’t care for the amber/turq. combo at first but it grew on me because of your creations.I have a bunch of amber and a bunch of turquoise so now I can put together lots of looks.I also have several of your turquoise rings and love them.Thanks for talking to me today :)
Thanks for your interest and support. Thats one of my favorite designs. Glad we got to talk. Have a great day J
I wish I could buy every piece you bring us! I have a (double strand)turquoise necklace I bought approx 3 yrs ago that came w/a large turquoise heart pendant. The heart is beautiful, but being very petite, I never wore it until recently. I had worn it for only a few hours. When I leaned forward the heart came off the bale and fell onto my tile floor. I would have just fixed it myself, but the heart is chipped. I understand you warranty your pieces, how do I send the piece in for repair?
Absolutely we’ll take care of you. Just go to HSN Customer Service and enter key word Jay King this will tell you how to send us your personal info. Best J
Jay, when will we see next another bowl or box?? And, what’s with that gorgeous bowl that sits next to you when you are presenting on tv? It’s amazing! Can you do more with bigger chunks of gaspeite? How about mixing gaspeite with amethyst and/or turquoise? You really DO need to write a book, or at least offer a pictorial digest of your items….that could be done by one of your staff…my redsking is getting mixed up with my Kingman and Annui and ….you get the gist of this message…!
Thanks the next bowl project is coming out soon just watch the blog. The bowl I have is one of many proto-types I do but just aren’t going to work out. The cost on that bowl would be $1800 dollars at least. I’m always working on new designs. Gaspeite is from Australia from a nickel mine. I’ve been working on getting new material. Best J
Jay, while reading the verses, you can listen to a nice, relaxing, and soothing melody. I know that you and Jill will truly enjoy this E-Card! I am looking forward to watching a few of your Shows on H.S.N. today.I want to see you, your new pieces, and hear about your adventures.I will be staying up this morning to watch your very early Show which airs at 2:00 A.M.(E.T.). Then I will try to get a few hours of sleep, afterward, before having to get up for work later this morning. Take care. L.O.L.
Thanks Carol. Best J
Hi Jay,
My mother and I have several of your pieces. We just love your jewelry. Would love to see you write a book about your finds. Like where you found it, pictures of rough and polished so we could see the beauty. I know you find new stuff all the time. What you could do is write the main book and say every 3 to 5 years do a update booklet. Travel safe and keep bringin in the gems.
I get asked to do this all the time, and maybe soon I can. Right now just keeping up with what I do is really tough. Thanks for the in put J
Hi Jay,
Glad to see u back..Watched your show on Sunday 4/17/11. I must tell u that I really am freaking about the Turquoise thing. I dearly love the Sleeping Beauty and have many pcs. When I hear that everything is going, going, gone…My reaction is to BUY,BUT,BUY ! I hope Kingman can turn out some spectacular finds !
I am looking sooo forward to seeing your programs in May..I think that you have a TS…Can’t Wait !! Look forward to hearing from your buddies… Will watch Wed. 4/20
Monte owns that mine and be on with me and Marty. He can give us the scoop on whats happening now. Best J
(continued) opal necklace has broken and spilled everywhere. But I did manage to find all the beads. Is there a way I could send it to you to be restrung? I know you always stand behind your pieces. Anyway thanks for all your great designs as always thanksD
Just go to HSN Custmer service and they’ll tell you how to contact me with your personal info. We’ll take good care of you. Best J
Hey Jay, nice to see you back on again fell for a few new pieces. Loved that multicolor agate. Still have a few things on wish list that I must have like the blue spider necklace and the green moss agate. It never fails that I buy your pieces first then look for an outfit to match which many times are already in my closet. Great to get the compliments about your great designs. One of my favorite necklaces, which I was wearing in Tucson the day I missed seeing you.
Blue lace agate with boulder
But then, Jay, I see one or more of your beautiful pieces that I fall in love with / must have. (Laugh) I’m not trying to make you feel uncomfortable, Jay. I’m thinking with my heart—not my head. Everything will work out fine, financially, for me if I stay focused in “window shopping only” mode for a while now. You have the best philosophy for a happy life—Live, Love, & Laugh, which you had inscribed on the back of one of your jewelry pieces. Be safe in your travels, Jay. Take care. L.O.L.
Just watch the budget and don’t over spend. I wouldn’t want anyone to do that. Best J
Hi Jay. Remember when I told you yesterday that I was interested in one of your pieces? Well, I changed my mind. There were three other pieces that I wanted more—your Sleeping Beauty Turq. Butterfly Pendant, Green Agate Stretch Bracelet, and Turq. (that reflects “Hugs”) Necklace. These were “must haves” so I bought them. So much for my “window shopping only” idea. I didn’t want to increase my charge card balance anymore as I am trying to pay it down. (To be continued on next Blog)
Hi Jay,
Thank you for addressing my question. I appreciate it. I heard
about a new vein on another station a couple of weeks ago from
Paul D. Since I only Sleeping Beauty, Malachite, etc from
you, I wanted you to have this information which I am sure you will
look into and verify one way or another. I really enjoy your shows,
will be watching all of them on Wed. Keep safe. Maria
Monte the mine owner will be on my show with me at the end of May. I’ll have him tell you any new developments. Thanks for watching J
Hi Jay, Loved your show this week. I’m wondering what is the material your new small bowl is made out of? When will it be available? I’ve been so lucky in getting both your turquoise and lapis bowls. Glad that you are finally back in the good old USA for awhile.Patti
Nice to be back I’m a little burnt out right now. The next bowl is out of a yellow onyx. It’s beautiful. Thanks for the interest J
Hi Jay – loving your shows today!I’ve watched you & your jewelry for some time, & today Im finally purchasing a few of your pieces! So excited!Question:item 109-221 turq ring…during the show you’ve talked about this ring coming fr the Kingman mine in AZ.I find the history of this mine to be very interesting and would love a piece from it, HOWEVER HSN.com says this ring was mined in CHINA.I called HSN;said theyd check into it. Can you confirm before I order and before my size is gone. Thanks
I think it’s Kingman, but I’ll check my notes. Thanks J
Thanks Jay for the reply…let me know once you check your notes. Since I have received your malachite waterfall necklace and copper/cuprite ring! LOVE THEM! Hope to get the copper/cuprite earrings soon. Tonight thinking of picking up one of your malachite rings. The malachite is perfect with my red hair and green eyes Lol :) Love your jewelry and stories.
Hi Jay,
Love your jewelry!
#1 Any chance that you’re working on a Larimar find?
#2 Also I bought cuprite from you several years ago. How can I polish the copper matrix which has tarnished without ruining the green stone? Polishing cloth didn’t do the job. I did use copper cleaner with a Q’Tip which did work on large spots but I’m afraid to do it on thin lines.
Thanks!
I’ve been to the Larimar mine many times. For me it’s been hard getting anything done. As far as the cuprite goes we buff just like silver. I’ll play with it and see what works. Thanks J
Jay.Then I will have to get some sleep, and get up a few hours later for work, but I really don’t mind though because I want to see you, and hear about your adventures, and see your new pieces too!Also, I was wondering if you could read my Blog, dated March 31, that is on your “Tuxedo-clad Jay King” Blog,sometime when you have a chance, and let me know what your thoughts are regarding it. Relax a little bit now,and enjoy sharing your adventures and your new design pieces with everyone.Take care.
Hi Jay. I saw your Show this morning. I’m glad you got back
home safely. There were a few pieces that I saw—one of them being your Afghanistan Blue Lapis Necklace with the Precious Opal Inlay Pendant, that I would love to have, but, unfortunately, for right now, I can only window shop. Also, unfortunately, I will have to miss one or two of your Shows next Wed.,April 20, as I have to work that day. But I plan to stay up Wed. morning to watch your early morning Show. (To be con’t. on next Blog)
I’m thrilled to see you offer copal! I had no idea it was hard enough to cut and polish. I hope you give us some stories about it on air. The only thing I know about the material is that the ancient Maya used to burn it in their religious ceremonies. I can’t imagine how it smells. It’s probably better used in jewelry!
Welcome back! Love my copal necklace…I had a feeling that was going to be a trick to make, but the results are spectacular! Slap those Mayan hands for burning it (I that’s true :))! I love the itty bitty starfish I looped in one stone..it’s my new pet! LOL Let ‘er rip tomorrow! We’re having a tornado warning…that’s why I love my satellite and my generator.I never miss a show! Tracey
Your right that how it was used at one time. Smells like pine when you work with it. Took us years to develop the technique. When this material is gone though I won’t get it back in ever. Thanks J
Jay–will you ever incorporate yellow turquoise into some of your pendant and earring designs??????
I’ve never seen yellow turquoise in any bulk from anyone. I’m always looking so if you know a source. I’d appreciate it. Best J