Tales from Tucson
Tales from Tucson: Good Friends; Great Finds!
I just arrived home from the greatest show on earth! For two weeks every year the desert city of Tucson is awash in precious stones. The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show is a world wide network of cultures where one can rub elbows with gemstone enthusiasts from every continent on the globe (except Antarctica!).
During our stay – my son, Carlos (a Graduate Gemologist), and I met a vast array of interesting people from miners to gallery owners, designers to gem dealers. Everyone has their own story to tell, and for “rock hounds” like us – it was a slice of heaven!
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| “Rock Collecting” with my son, Carlos. | Dinner with Carlos and Designer friends, Kenny + Heather |
Each day was like heading out on a gem exploration. Wearing comfortable shoes and toting plenty of water (to stay hydrated under the Tucson sun) we immersed ourselves into the world of gemstones. In 5 short days we experienced the cutting edge of rocks and minerals. This spring and summer on HSN you will see the fruits of our journey. We found amazing faceted Drusy, Brazilian Kunzite, Huge Mexican Opal, Indian Ruby and Sapphire, jumbo pearls, exotic jaspers, ancient fossils, Oregon Sunstone….and the list goes on and on!!
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| The early bird gets the gemstones! |
The highlight of the trip was spending the day with two of the most talented jewelry designers I’ve ever met: Richard and Marianna Jacobs. I’ve admired the Jacobs’ jewelry designs for years – and many of you will recognize this husband and wife team (and their beautiful offerings) as they have been showcasing their jewelry on television for more than a decade. I’m thrilled to announce that Richard and Marianna will be bringing their glorious collection of Sajen Silver to HSN’s Silver Gallery on March 28th. I can’t wait to introduce them and for you to see their stunning hand made jewelry! We had so much fun at the show together meeting with gem dealers, discovering new finds and getting inspiration for upcoming collections. Mark your calendar for March 28th (at midnight) for a jewelry event you won’t want to miss!
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| Gem Hunting with Richard + Marianna Jacobs | Meeting with Gem Dealers. |
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| Flintsone size Geodes! |
2009 is sure to be a “gem of a time” on HSN! I hope you can join us as we share the many wonders that were uncovered in Tucson this year. Saddle up, gemstone lovers – it’s going to be an exciting ride!
Happy Trails,
Colleen
Answers to Questions
Hi Bera in PA – I love all of your suggestions! Many of the things you are looking for are already in the works! Himalayan Gems is bringing in stunning Moonstone and other Silver Treasures from Nepal; your suggestion for Technibond from India is a good one….I will forward your request to our buyer. I will also pass on your ideas for more stainless steal jewelry. Take good care :)
Mary in Oregon – Himalayan Gems will be returning for February’s Silver Gallery on the 21st…..The amethyst pendant should be back for this show!
Howdy Becky in Texas – You are correct – the jade interchangeable pendant is not Imperial Jade, but rather the color of Imperial Jade (which I have been taught is close to an emerald green color). Thanks for your feedback and for watching HSN.
For Bev in Michigan – The cuff box is scheduled return in March for our Silver Gallery Anniversary (on the 28th)….Hope you can watch!
Hello Amanda in GA – (fellow Drusy lover!) You are asking about the Drusy rings I’ve been wearing……They are truly amazing and they will be the first Drusy Today’s Special we’ve offered on HSN!! The rings will be here on March 28 at midnight – the window Drusy is faceted (first of it’s kind) and will be offered in Violet Rainbow, Sunset Gold and Black Diamond (platinum). I can’t wait to show it to you on the 28!!
Malissa in California – nice to hear from you! I’m happy to hear you love your cuff box…..and we will be featuring gorgeous flower inspired jewelry for spring (you’re a girl after my own heart) so stay tuned!
Nancy in IN – Greetings! I miss Paul and Judy, too….I believe Paul has a web site where you can find out what they’ve been up to. Regarding Suzanne Somers: Suzanne will always be one of my favorite people to work with….we’ve shared so many great times together (on and off the air) and I always look forward to her shows!!
Hello Lois in IL – I was looking at the First Lady’s inauguration white dress and it appears she’s wearing diamonds (and not pearls!). I noticed she had on a gorgeous diamond cocktail ring, earrings and stack bracelets. Michelle also seems to loves to wear a short strand of large pearls (10 to 12 mm)….They look gorgeous on her and we have something like it in the works for May!
Hi Granny in IL – :) We saw the most beautiful new collection of jewelry from Thailand when we were in Tucson….We hope to debut it in May – stay tuned!
Pam in OH – Always great to hear from you! I’m so happy you like your MFT v-neck top – the neckline is perfect for jewelry! We have an hour of new My Favorite Things fashion coming up on February 22nd at 11:00 pm eastern……We have some great items for both work and “play” (If I recall you are always looking for things you can wear for work). I will talk to our buyers about bringing in size 4 rings…..We have a big jewelry meeting on Friday and I’ll be sure to bring this up as a topic for discussion :)
For Atesha in NJ – I will check out the Casino Royal movie and look for the necklace you’re talking about – it sounds fabulous!
Finally – Pat, Carolyn and Karen….You are all looking for more Prestige boxes. My buyer has informed me that we have new boxes coming in every month starting in March (with new spring colors in May) so you will be seeing all the styles arriving over the course of the next couple months. We try to always feature them during our Silver Gallery shows….Hope this helps!
Thanks for all the great feedback…..I look forward to hearing from you!!
All my best,
Colleen
Hi Colleen, I noticed your rings today Mar. 8, and I just knew they were Richard and Marianna Jacobs jewelry. I have been in withdrawal from them. I am so pleased they are coming to HSN. I am a RN and a nursing instructor and my students as well as the patients always ask when I wear their jewelry. This is absolutely wonderful.
Excited- Donna in South Florida
The Diana Venezia collection is amazing! I’ve received so many compliments when I wear her stuff.
A friend of mine just told me she was considering buying it as her bridesmaids gifts — I think she totally should!
They look great on everyone and the items can be worn with so many different things!
Do you know if she is coming out with a bridal collection?
Hi Colleen, My name is Barbara from Balto., Md. I received confirmation today that my Jay King Turquoise Sterling Heart Pendant is being shipped, I can’t wait. I’m requesting that you ask Jay to make those beautiful Turquoise Bowls for sale on HSN, I’d love to own one. Oh, my husband thinks you’re a very classy lady and so do I. Have a Blessed Day. Barbara
HELLO COLLEEN! I was so thrilled to read that HSN will be working with Richard and Marianna Jacobs. These two people are just truly lovely, and I couldn’t be happier that they’re bringing their beautiful pieces to HSN and that you’ll be working directly with them. It’s so much more than just ‘business’ for the Jacobs. They are geniunely kind and caring people as well. You and HSN will be a perfect fit for the Jacobs’, I’m sure! Regards, Dee
I enjoy seeing your insider picks, Colleen! I recently saw Diana Venezia on your HSN show and I love how her jewelry spans all ages and styles of dress. There is nothing better than a necklace that can be worn to both a wedding and a with a casual t-shirt & jeans–and look appropriate in both situations. I’d love to see more!
Colleen- I love the freshwater pearl necklace from the Diana Venizia collection that you have listed under your insiders picks! When will you be featuring her collection again?
Can’t tell you how excited I am to know the 28th of March will be the big day for the Sajen Silver line and the Jacobs special of the day. I love their goddess line and hope there will be a good selection of those. I have told everybody I know who loves the Offerings pieces to be sure to watch and we hope you will continue to bring this line for all of us who can’t get to Vermont to enjoy shopping at their store.
hello-colleen,just gotta tell-you,i love-love these earrings #385-080—3-hoop,by collectables by adrienne..i-do-not have piereced ears-but i love-these earrings as i just bent the bar-down and now they work as clip-on’s.i have never seen and earring like these.also you can wear these different on the ear.ladies play with these earrings,on your ear.you can have a different look with these.just take the time.worth every penny,and then some.thanks.
hello colleen-can,we talk..i’m watching you just now with this jewelry clearance.this item # 375-591 the r.j. bangle and the 3pc.# 397-073,will all go together..love to mix and match..the twisted herringbone set,what a buy,as i have ordered these items..thank-you….you are gifted.
hello, I love you and every time you have your favorite show on I have to buy something. Yes tell Jay he needs to make bowls.
Jaquelin
BOWLS? YES!
PLEASE ASK JAY TO MAKE PLAIN SOLID TURQOUISE CROSS ON LEATHER, LIKE THE QUARTZ HEART & CROSS SET. I DREAM of owning & wearing one!! Is this likely to happen? Thanks!
Love the watch you have been showing off and can not wait to really see it. It looked like a Phillip Stein style….wow!
hello colleen,thank you for being on with adrienne tonight. love her jewelry,and i love how she tells us how each piece came-about.so much history..you are truly and artist when it comes to your clothing and jewelry.you explain each and every piece,so we know how it will fit, and look.thank-you.
Hello in Alabama
Colleen I know you love Heidi’s jewelry. Could you request that she make all her bangle bracelets with a mangetic closing. I find that the others are easily opened with just the slightest touch. Some of mine have fallen off my arm. Thanks for passing this on to Heidi. Just love her bangles!!!!
YES—-Bring on Jay King’s gem bowls!!! We love Mine Finds!
Hi Colleen:
Yes, would you PLEASE bring the watch that you have been wearing a lot on lately on different shows. It’s an interchangable watch! I would love to have one of that! I check with customer service but no one could find the item number so please please bring it to the show, I believe a lot of customers have been asking about that watch. Thanks
Hi Colleen,
Do you know if HSN will ever bring back the Tashmarine Garnet? I saw one over a year ago but it sold out before I could purchase it. I’ve been looking for it ever since.
Hi Colleen,
I am absolutely thrilled that Richard and Marianna will be bringing their collection to HSN. I cannot wait to see their jewelry. Thank you for sharing your experience and highlights with us on your Tuscon trip. I continue to watch My Favorite Things and love your whole collection.
can-we-talk…you are a class act and the way you describe-jewelry,and your clothing, is and art.you could not learn this in a book.it’s a given thing.thank-you.
I was so thrilled to see that Richard and Marianna Jacobs will be selling the Offerings line of jewelry on HSN. I have been a big fan of their for many years. Their collection and Jay King are my favorite lines of jewelry. I can’t wait.
I never miss Mind Finds with Jay–I have a huge collection of his things. When you mentioned your blog during one of his last shows and they put it on the screen, I recognized the Jacobs immediately. Congratulations to HSN for pulling off a real coup to bring them to HSN. Congratulations–it’s good news for all Offerings collectors! Jay King and the Jacobs are two of my top three artists.
Colleen – Thank you for bringing us the fabulous Diana Venezia collection! I have quickly become a huge fan and recieve so many compliments on her jewelry. Her jewelry is so versatile, I wear several of her pieces to work and for evening events. I eagerly await her next visit and upcoming pieces!
colleen you are a class cat with a great-sense of humor..you are so down to earth and you really explain everything so well,-whether it’s jewelry or clothing.keep-up the good-work please..and THANKS HSN.love-love your-favorite things.
I’m with Katie and Mary: Bring on those Jay King gem bowls. They are absolutely gorgeous. Even my mom’s cat wants one — hey, when she walks over to the TV and pats the lapis bowl with her paw, there’s only one conclusion I can reach!
colleen loved your show tonight with paula abdul,she is a hoot,and both of you have a great sense of humor.can’t wait for her to come back in may.i’m so anxious to see what she has for our fur-babies…i’m watching you with your favorite things and i love everything,but they are all selling out…gotta-run to get in on these bargains..thank-you.