Back from the Tucson Gem Event: You Never Know What You’ll Find!
Well it’s been a wonderful year so far and I’ve been traveling as usual. We’ve been finding lots of new Mine Finds and designing away for 2012.
I’ve just finished the Tucson Gem and Mineral show, and have now returned to our home base in New Mexico. We’re digging through our new goodie bag and getting ready to start the long process of getting the new materials into designs. It will take a minimum of six months before we’ll have new designs for you to see, but you’ll be able to see some of what we found on our trip at the end of the year.
The Tucson Gem Show isn’t just one event- it’s actually over sixty shows happening all at once. If you ever get a chance to attend, I’m sure you’ll find it interesting. The days are very long for us, starting early in the morning and ending late at night. It’s a very exciting time for us and we never seem to get everything done, regardless of how hard we work. It’s a fun time for me because I get to see old friends from all over the world and meet new miners along the way. I’ll now follow up with my new finds and visit the mines in different parts of the world where we’ve found something new and different. We shot great footage of the event with the HSN film crew to share with everyone. It was a lot of work, but it was great to actually meet with our viewers and talk and share information.
I want to personally thank everyone who supported us and helped to make 2011 another record year. I’m hoping you can take some time to tune in this year and see all the new materials and designs we’ll have for you. This year, my first show begins on February 18th at 2 a.m. EST and we finish up on the 20th at 4 p.m. EST. On Sunday morning, I’ll launch the new Today’s Special. It took me almost two years to actually bring this to our show. I found this material in Northwestern Australia.
I have a story for all of my new finds. I was actually in the middle of nowhere and had been driving all day in my Land Cruiser on dirt roads. I came across a little pub that sold gas. Anytime you can fill your tank in the outback it’s always a great idea to do so. If you ever get the chance to explore the region be sure to take cash because in most cases they don’t take credit cards. While filling up the tank, I met some prospectors that had an odd looking piece of equipment on the front of their Land Rover. They explained that they were prospecting for gold nuggets and told me how their contraption worked. We talked about what I was doing and they showed me what they found, which got the ball rolling on this new Mine Find. This has taken a long time to put together and it’s a onetime shot at this new material. I hope you’ll find it as exciting as I do.
So as always, I hope you can join us to see what’s new and different, and hopefully have some fun!
Until then, safe travels.
Jay
UPDATE: Back by popular demand & just in time for the Tucson Gem Event – These limited collectibles are available while they last, for sale on Friday, February 17th!
Hi Jay, I am so impressed with your designs, and have purchased a turquoise necklace and the bloodstone necklace, which was a great find for this little-known March birthstone alternative. It’s lovely and so well-made. I enjoy watching your shows, I learn a lot, and as soon as I sell my house and move to AZ, I will be at the gem show! Can’t wait! If you ever need a helper, I’m not afraid of snakes! Keep up all your great work.
Your designs are so unique and different! I guess I must be in the minority of your comment that next year’s pieces will be 90% sterling silver and only 10% mixed metals. As a jewelry maker myself I really appreciate the combinations of copper and your “rose colored” metals and hope you’ll continue to bring those. Anyone can string beads and create a necklace, but the mixed media you have shown on the end of 2012 show are quite superb! PLEASE continue those designs. They’re gorgeous!
Hi Jay, love your work. Have you ever thought about bringing Druzy into your line? I think it is gorgeous, but I don’t especially like it when its color-enhanced. The more its natural, the better. Thanks for enriching our lives with your travels! Kathy
Hi Kathy, thanks for taking the time to give me your thoughts. I’ve done druzy before many years ago before everybody else jumped on the band wagon. I get lots of natural druzy, but most can’t be cut. It’s only a small layer on the outside of some of my rough materials. The good news is I have some blue lace agate drusy in the process right now. It’s on a boat right now. Best J
Was lucky enough to get the confetti opal and earrings they are awesome. I also was tickled to find that the yellow and green 3 row 154-022 necklace matched the TS green necklace,earring and braclet from sereval years back. The amazoite is just georgeous, and I ordered much more. Happy Happy Happy. Could you consider several no stone copper and antiques copper earrings so we have earring to wear with necklace if we did not get the matching ones?
Hi I have a pair of just copper earrings coming up in April show. I’m not sure but I think maybe in May also. Just got back and still a bit fuzzy headed from this last trip. Best J
Hi Jay, always enjoy watching you when you are on HSN. I even have my husband watching, he likes listening to your travels as well as I do!! I have many pieces of your jewelry, necklaces, errings and rings. A while back I ordered a garnet chip bracelet with silver endcaps. I maybe wore it twice and it started to unravel. My jeweler said he won’t even try to fix it. Would it be possible to send it to you to be fixed? I love the bracelet it goes really well with my 2 garnet necklaces(birthst
Hi just so you know I stand behind what I sell always. So you just go to HSN Customer service and enter my name. It will tell you how to send us your personal info in a secure manner. We’ll take care of you and fix it or make you something else. Thanks for watching. Best J
Man-o Man-o!So much wonderful,so little time!:)Just read blogs about last show and your lastest treks. As others love my newest acquired treasures! you ol’ treasure maker come truer! ha! Am so tickled about the interest others are already having in the studs. I originally ask for them last year to wear in 2nd ear piercing and it is happen! love it, love it!!! and sets, wow, what a cool idea! You are brillant on top of everything else! Thanks Jay, will be buying in 3s, for mom, sis, and MEEE!!!
I just saw them and they look great. If they work then we’ll make more. As always thanks for the ideas. Best J
Jay, Can you do any more cooperite cross pendants and cross earrings? There is not even a waitlist available on either of them. I hope so because I really liked them but missed out!
I’d love to but as my redneck family members might say. Right now I gots no more material. This material comes from a very small deposit and our friend only mines it once in a while when hes in the area. I have a standing order with him for more rough. Best J
Buenos dias Jay, from Nancy in Albuq,nm I am wondering if you have ever heard of blue ash opal. I know there are many types of opal some you would never even know were opal unless with your expertise you say so. I went on the internet and looked and made several phone calls about this illusive opal and no one has ever heard of it. Can you help me please? I was told it is mined in Brazil. Iknow if such an opal exists you will know. Thank you Jay and hope your staying safe.
Hi hear it’s been snowing in the Land of Enchantment. I’ve gotten blue opal from the US and Mexico and one lot from Africa. If they are calling it Ash Opal, it might be how it’s formed or found. Usually as nodules in feilds of volcanic ash. As mine is found in Oregon. Hope this answers the question. Best J
Jay, Can you give us an update on the larger size collars? I’m anxiously waiting!! Thanks for taking such good care of your customers.
I’ll confirm the exact show but FYI in May I have a very special TS coming and part of it is a new woven collar. I have had numerous friends wear this and they have many differant neck sizes and they all can shape it to fit so far. I will be offerring collars soon in two sizes. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. J
Jay,
I will be watching for the stud earrings. Thank You for doing these as I will SERIOUSLY buy them all, I also ride a Harley so as another mentioned you can’t ride with earrings that dangle. Here in Illinois we don’t have helmet laws so we ride without most of the time. I do what you to know that I have never received anything I did not love or that was poor quality. Beside the studs, would love to see more of the coil bracelets as they are so easy and comfortable to wear. Travel Safe!
Okay I just confirmed we will have them in the April show. I have two differant events in April so when I know my times I’ll post them. I have to say I love anything that flys, floats or has wheels and goes fast. I’ve ridden motorcycles all my life but there’s nothing like a good Harley on a nice clear day just crusing. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. If you knew how amazing it is to get Wifi where I’m at now you’d laugh. J
Hi, Jay. I loooove the green opal gallery neckpiece and really want to keep it, but my only concern is the liquid copper. Do these tarnish at all, and how should it be kept and cared for when not in use? Thanks for your reply. I was shocked at the luminosity of that opal. Bought the earrings to go with and the strand of green opal beads you offered earlier, and together they are just beyond belief. Take care and safe travels!
Like any metal be it silver, gold, copper… what ever all metals will tarnish. Some sooner than others depending on humidity, polution, enviroment ect… So what I highly recomend for all my jewelry is to just wipe it off with the polishing cloth provided or one like it and store it in the anti tarnish bag it comes in. I will be offering large special polishing cloths soon that will be for sale. I don’t recommend dipping my designs in liquid cleaner. I also love this opal. I hope I get more. J
Hi, Jay. Thank you for the reply. Yes, all metal will tarnish, so I’ll follow your advice regarding the liquid necklace. Honestly, I don’t keep the pieces in their bags as a general rule cause silver is easy to clean, but this one I will. I love these pieces so much. They are really striking! The varigation in the soft green color sets them off…it is very special and unusual. They really glow! Like you, I’m interested in opals in general, so good luck with your hunt. Take care, safe travels.
I tried to post a review on the Nevada Portagris ring at least three times but the system won’t let so I’m going to say it here.
Jay-please go back to quality bands, this was terrible. Looks
cheap and fits terrible. We know silver is up and I know you are
trying to make things affortable but I would rather pay for a quality band. Happy travels………..
Barb in Southern California.
I’m traveling now but I’ll look at it when I get home. We always try to make a quality product first. Best J
Hello Jay, My wonderful husband bought me the green chalcedony necklace and we both love it. Can anything be done about the large stones flipping as you move? I have green Jade earrings (3prs) and they match perfectly and I want to keep this necklace, but I am disappointed with the “flipping” of the stones. I see several ladies wrote the same as me.
Hummm okay I’m sorry this is happening. The only thing I can think of without actually holding the necklace would be it’s strung to lose or perhaps to tightly. If you can do me a favor and go to HSN Customer service and enter my name. This will give us a way to contact each other in a secure manner, and we will work with you to solve the problem one way or another. We will take care of you I promise. Unfortunetly I won’t be back in country to the end of March but one of us will contact you. J
Dear Mr.King, Your last show was nice,hope your voice has recovered.I recently bought the Whim Creek necklace and pendent(the stones from Australia). What kind of stones are they,are they considered a hard or soft? The color of the stones is very pretty. Thanks.
mnd
This comes from Whim Creek. Which in the 1800s was a boom town for copper. Now it’s just a small pub for the locals. This is very hard and a form of grossular garnet. Hope that answers the question It’s three o’clock in the morning and I have a roaster crowing outside my window and they don’t have coffee here in this part of the world so I’m a little fuzzy. J
Jay, My musician bf and all of his buddies would do just about anything for you to make some non-Western belt buckles.So many buckles are not smooth on the front and damage the backs of guitars.Those guys are also looking for a more modern design as most don’t play country.My bf just received a custom made guitar that’s inlaid with coral,turquoise,and MOP so now he is after me again to plead with you to please sell him a buckle.
Hi I do make them for myself and friends. I like the large ranger sets myself. The big problem I’ve had is the actual belts. Its hard to carry the sizes. Why don’t you send us a way to get in touch with you. Customer service will tell you how to send us personal info in a secure manner. Best J
How do I get in touch with Jay?
If you go to HSN customer service they will instruct you on how to send us your personal information in a secure manner. Best J
Jay, Loved everything last weekend! I ordered so much! I have a dilemma though. I ordered the Multicolor Calcite with Metal Matrix Copper and Sterling Silver Ring and Green Opal Sterling Silver Freeform Ring, both in size 9, because the hosts always say to order a size up. They are both too big. I’m on the waiting list for both until 04/09/12 but if it cannot be filled then I don’t get them. That’s way over the 30 day return period. Should I just keep the size 9’s and have them sized?
Don’t worry about it if for some reason you don’t get them on wait list if you contact us direct we will work with you to make everything work out. J
Thank you so much Jay! That really means alot. I love these rings so much!
OMG! Got my amazing turquiose bowl today! It is great! Thank you thank you thank you Jay King! Can’t wait to get the two necklaces I ordered as well! Great job Jay. Can’t wait until April.
I agree with you, I received my turquoise bowl also and could kick myself for not ordering the lapis one as well. The bowl is just plain beautiful. Can’t wait to see if more happen to come along online. This girl will be watching very closely! P.S. Jay, STUD EARRINGS PLEASE! Had to get that in. LOL !!
Uhmm they aren’t posting in order so we’ll just have to wing it. I’m out of the country all month and e-mail is tough to get on where I’m at so I’m glad you got one. I think you’ll really enjoy the new ones I’m working on. Saw the proto-type today and it looks great. Best J
Glad you were able to get one. I’m working on my new turquoise bowls as we speak. They are going to be incredible. Thanks for the support. J
Hello Jay,
Your jewelry is a work of art. I have a quick question, I am rather petite and sometimes even the shorter necklaces, are a bit too long.
How can I wear them shorter without damaging the stones. Thank you for all your wonderful jewelry. When in April are you coming to HSN, I try and keep my schedule clear whenever you are on air. thanks again
:)
Hi Jay,
As always loved your shows, and jewelry. I purchased several as well and all are wonderful except for one. I purchased the BEAUTIFUL apetite necklace, #162229, it is fabulous, however, it arrived broken! 2 of the stones are chipped (large chips) right off. The pieces are in the bag and I wish they could be fixed but can not. I have called HSN but they are Sold OUT is it possible to get another I LOVE this piece. I am heart broken. Please advise, I would love another one. Please help.
If you send us your personal information thru Customer Service we’ll make arrangements to repair them for free. Sorry but once they leave our final quality control in Albuquerque we don’t have much control beyond that. We will take care of you. I’m on April 4th and April 22nd and 23rd as far as I know. Best J
Jay,
Loved loved loved your show. Have 5 more necklaces coming my way. I really love your treasure necklaces I have several. My favorite (not HSN) is a double strand maybe 18″ with extender the main large stones being blue lace agate. I would love to see more teasure necklaces like that.
Okay I’ll make a note of it. I’ll be heading to Africa soon and see if they have any new rough in Blue Lace. Thanks for taking the time to write. J
Loved the Tuscon Gem event- more new Jay King items! I too would like to see a description of the items sent with the item when it is shipped. I try to label everything, but it would be great to have a card with the tiems. also the stud earrings are a super idea. And more plain bead necklaces. I would love a small turquoise earring ( stud style) with a copper rim- perhaps channel set???
Thanks for bringing us these gorgeous new stones!
I have studs coming in April or May can’t remember which right now. I woke up this morning and it took me a few minutes to recall where I was in fact. I’ll make note of you requests. Thanks for watching J
WOW!! I also love ADBI’s idea of stud earrings. I ride a Harley and can’t wear his other earrings when on my Harley because unlike his necklaces, I can’t shove them down my shirt! LOL! PLEASE JAY consider doing this. I know you would sell large amounts of earrings done this way. A SET OF TREASURE STUD EARRINGS. YES YES YES
I have three Harleys myself and so I hear you. I’ll see what we can put together. Ride safe J
Jay,
Are you thinking of offering white buffalot stone jewelry? If so, count me in!
We did it last show and it sold out. I’ll work on getting more material on this go round. I’m visiting an area at the end of this trip where I might get some new rough. J
Hi Jay! I enjoyed all of your shows this past weekend! I ordered two necklaces–Mixed Color Amazonite & Confetti Opal. I’m looking forward to receiving them. Requests: Could you bring back some Ocean Jasper while in Madagascar & Rainforest Jasper from Australia. Each of these made into simple 2″-3″ pendants would really showcase the stones & help keep cost down. Also, a SS Kokopelli 1″-2″ pendant to be worn on an omega. Lastly, a simple strand of Lapis 14-16mm beads would be nice. Thank you.
Okay I’ll make note of your requests. I sorted thru lots of lapis last week on my first stop and I’ll see if I can cut some bigger rounds. They won’t ship the rough for a month or so. It will take some time to honor your request. I wear a lucky kokopelli myself. The first traveling salesman. I know I’ve heard lots of stories but I like the trader one the best J
Hi Jay, That’s cute about Kokopelli being the first traveling salesman! Thanks for taking my requests. I enjoyed talking with you & Rachel on Feb.19. We laughed about Connie threatening to break your personal “thunder egg”. So funny! You’re neat. Safe travels to you, Jay.
Good job Jay! I heard you say you were bringing labradorite to HSN in 2013. I’ve been waiting for that. When that happens, will you tell us the grade you used? I’ve been soooo disappointed with the quality of labradorite jewelry that I have ordered (none yours) that I send it back. I am one who prefers beads without pendants, just not my style and the price increases with a pendant. I aslo love a simlpe east-west ring and teardrop stlye earrings. These styles showcase the stones so well. Thanks
I was able to get some AAA grade labradorite from Madagascar. It has already been blocked out so it will make it easier to chase the fire. Best J