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!
Please please PLEASE make earrings — maybe even a bracelet — to match your beautiful apatite waterfall necklace. Just love it’ but hard to match!! Love your stuff!!
Thanks for shopping with us just don’t get in trouble. My own wife and family also order from me on air now because sometimes we don’t have any left overs. I’m working on quite of few designs for the guys also now. Thanks again for your support J
I’m so pleased I was able to order the turquoise shell dish. It will be a Christmas gift for my daughter, born in Dec. I was born in Dec. 1956, and brought up being told that turquoise is my birthstone. Now some shopping networks say it’s an “alternative.” What is the original Dec. birthstone? Thanks.
I also was born in 1956. To be honest I’ve always thought turquoise was the December birth stone. I’m glad you were able to get one of the shell bowls. I’m in the process of working on more designs now. Best J
PLEASE Jay—Could you STOP making your RINGS soo BIG ! I am a WOMAN–NOT a MAN–and I DON”T like/ Cannot wear those GIGANTOR Rings ! I saw Many Gorgeous Rings , this visit-GREEN OPAL , Multicolr Calcite , Mexican Pebble stone , Mexican Red Azalea , Cornflower Stone —ALL of them TOO LARGE !! Maybe , you could make them in 2 sizes ( like designers do with bracelet sizes—Small & Large) I am very SAD , that I am unable to enjoy your Beautiful Rings–it is unfair to many of us .
Okay I’ll see what I can do I try and make something for everyone. I tend to design big because most of my rough materials need something big to show them off. Noted thanks for your input J
A suggestion for those people who want to keep track of the details of their purchases. I print a copy of the .com description of each piece that I purchase. There is a lot of detail in the descriptions, including where each stone was mined and whether or not it is all-natural or color-enhanced, compressed, etc. That is info that is often not reported on-air. I have a notebook of descriptions of all of my jewelry.
Hey thats a really good idea, yes, I also write a brief discription and put it in the box once I receive the jewelry.
Its great to remember about the piece.
Thanks for sharing this with everyone. Including me great idea. J
I enjoy all the stories behind these beautiful gems wondering if you could create a BLUE LAPIS necklace for men my husband loves the blue lapis and there is nothing for him on your show I have ordered a few of your pieces and would love to be able to order something for him
He is a scuba instructor here in the Florida area we have gone to some of the shops in St Augustine but no one has blue lapis designs for men please
Okay I’m a big diver myself. I’m making mens designs now. I’ll make note of the request Best J
Jay, you really make my life difficult!! Too many choices. Just wanted to let you know that I live in SE AZ and you are the ONLY person I will buy turquoise from! I’ve lived in AZ for over 50 years and can remember way back when turquoise was a big scam in this state. But I know if you say that it’s from Kingman or is Sleeping Beauty, then I can bank on it! Love your jewelry and will keep adding to my collection of your pieces! Thanks, Trish
Hi Trish I know there have been problems in the past with the origin of turquoise, but I assure you I buy right from the mine. Thanks for taking the time to write. Best J
Jay,I love your saddle mt reversible necklace but copper doesn’t like me-PLEASE make that with silver.Don’t mind paying more for the silver, made the same way the copper one is.Please, Please, Please! Do more with purple and green, maybe turquoise/lepidolite(see?I’m learning!) and gaspeite/green turquoise….they are stunning!I also vote for long necklaces instead of the double strands!I often buy TWO necklaces to offer me the most possibilities!Your silver,copper, amethyst bangle w/out copper!
Couldn’t agree more!! Less copper more silver. Longer vs two strands. Have matching earrings for those of us that do like to match!! Keep these beautiful pieces coming!!
I, too am on board with more silver and the combos sanfran suggested above sound beautiful!!! Please consider them, Jay. I noticed the longer necklace offerings dropped off considerably this visit! Keep those longer ones coming and thanks for all you do for us Jay King addicts!!!
We’ve had to add copper for many reasons. I don’t have Saddle Mountian right now, but in an hour I’m getting on a small plane and heading toward the first stop to the mine. Best J
Jay how FUN your shows have been this weekend! Like another blogger, I order on .com so will never get a chance to talk to you but would just love to. Ordered two of your TSVs with earrings and bracelet…October opal birthday girl! Lost a great friend last year; she and I were planning on going to Tucson together. Still hope to make the trip someday…seeu there? I love rocks because as a girl a teacher turned me on to geology, so you are my hero. Thanks much for all my lovely pieces! Shelley
Glad you like what we do Shelly. If you can make Tucson I highly recommend it, just to say you’ve experianced it once in your life. Look forward to seeing you there one day. J
Hi Jay!
I am a new Mine Finds customer and have bought the 42″ Anhui necklace, the set of 3 Anhui bracelets and a pair of Anhui drop earrings (item# 145-944). I love them! They are so beautiful. Unfortunatly I have only had the earrings 2 days and one of them broke. I called HSN and they were very helpful, but the earrings have sold out so I can not get a new pair. My question is can I have the earring repaired or will they be back in stock? I would hate to have to send them back.
Thank you
By the way I live in Globe, Arizona and love to hear your stories about the Sleeping Beauty Mine.
If you go to HSN Customer Service they will tell you how to send us your personal information and we’ll take care of you best way possible. Best J
Jay, I have a suggestion that I would like you to consider. I noticed that you offer a large variety of 17″ & 18″ inch double row necklaces. Would you consider offering an option of a 24 or 36 inch single row necklace in the same style?
Sorry, I meant “34″ & 36
Love this suggestion. I’d really like to see this be an option.
Hello Jay,
I believe that I heard you say on a recent past show that you do not do green apple turquoise anymore becuase you’ve already done it in the past. I would love to see a very long necklace made of green apple turquoise stones (disc’s or rounds or even varied stones).
Is that a possibility? I keep watching and hoping you’ll have at least one, to no avail. I live in CA and it looks so beautiful in the sun.
Thank You
Hi Jay…I just got done watching your show and you have some beautiful pieces…I really wish you’d start airing your shows at the beginning of the month, when I have extra cash! Question for you…I’ve collected Fire and Mexican Opals, & even a few jelly opals. Lately, I’ve been seeing stones that are called Opal, But don’t look like Opal as I know them (pink, green & today’s special). Why call them Opal? They are opaque, with no characteristics of Opals that I currently own. Yep,I’m confused!
Hey Jay! I, too, have been looking online at your newest pieces and the rings just don’t come in size 12. Because of your wide bands, I need a size 12. We are so appreciative that you’re going to find out what’s up with that! I know you hear this a lot, but your jewelry is so exquisite it’s nearly a religious experience! I’m happily anticipating the TS tonight and wondering what in the world can it be…my iPad is all charged and raring to go :)!
Peace, love, and rock ‘n roll,
Virago
Hi, Jay! Recorded your shows last night and when I got up saw the copper and Anhui turq pieces. Love them and can hardly wait to see them in person! Also, ordered the small turq bowl this morning!
Sounds like Tucson was a good show this year, hope to see more beautiful stuff today!
Deanna in Bartlesville
But, Jay, on a cruise you can bring your family and friends, and sell your wonderful items and jewelry, as HSN has done before with others! This blends relaxation and business for all! Meanwhile, really need that red lace agate ring; have all those necklaces, but nothing ring-wise! Need to expand my “Jay King collection” at home…coasters?Malachite bowl?lapis/turquoise/coral mixed bowl? Leather pouches with stone-enhanced trim? hair clips or headbands with stones?Sunglasses with stone trim?
Jay, It’s here at last! Can’t wear copper; it turns on me.So, I need to focus on your silver and household objects-you have given me a huge turquoise collection over 14 yrs.Have all your bowls and the box. What’s coming up this year? Will be watching every show this weekend of yours….glad you stopped that awful whiny background music. Have you thought of jewelry bags with edges decorated with stones? Leather with turquoise? Why not give us malachite with coral and turquoise in long necklace?
Hey Jay,It’s “Me again”.Two things:As all your silver rings are round and fingers are not,simply turn the top part of the ring 90 degrees and they will slide right over aging or ‘abused’knuckles;I love your designs,as you know,but I’m not built like you,and have a bony old chest,and 70’s earlobes,so SOME of us absolutely can’t ‘carry’ the weight of huge stones,so the smaller,less dense necklaces and ear rings, like the amber stuff are both beautiful, AND wearable by all.Have fun tonight!C Ya!
Hi Jay !!!! Ihave an extensive collection, but I have a big problem with the last 2 items I purchased. I ordered 1] Turquoise and rope textured copper bracelet #144688 & 2]Turquoise and copper reversabi
le necklace #155017 for my Mother for her birthday. She has worn them 2 times and the finish has come off & turned her green!!! I’ve never had any problems with any of my items, but unfortunately I am returning both. So sorry, looking forward to your show on the 19th!!!!
Thanks copper is funny and I’m constantly trying to improve the process. I’m sorry you had a problem. We are working on a new metal at this time which is made just for us. It takes time to perfect these new metals. I’ve always only worked in silver and gold prior to the copper. So it’s been some what of a learning curve. Best J
I have a massive JK collection, many Anhui turquoise. I’m a bangle girl and I LOVE that you created an Anhui Turquoise bangle. The only problem is the 7″ Bangle Bracelet #162-338 only fits a 6.5 inch wrist. Jay PLEASE create a line of BANGLE BRACELETS. I am HEART BROKEN you’re beautiful bangle won’t fit my wrist. I know girls out there would buy and wear 8″ inch bangles. if you will MAKE THEM, WE WILL BUY THE. PLEASE, make bangle bracelets for us in silver and copper. Heartbroken until you do.
Thanks and just so you know we are already on this. I’m new to the bangle game and will be offering them in small medium and large. I’ve always done mainly cuffs in the past and as I demonstrate on air I can wear them as well as the host and I have a good sized wrist. Thanks for the input and rest assured we will have larger sizes down the road on these. Best J
Karen820 says:
February 12, 2012 at 10:03 PM
Hi Jay: I absolutely love your designs and have several pieces made with the sterling silver. I’m interested in your copper pieces, however I have a question: Is the copper you use treated or coated so it won’t allow the skin to turn black like I’ve observed when many people wear the bracelets, etc for arthritis?
Another thought: Have you worked on any design using the mesquite wood and inlaid turquoise dust (maybe) and fashion a cross pendant?
We do a process called e coat to keep it from tarnishing. Like anything be it sterling, gold, platinum,or copper. They all will oxidize sooner or later. Copper unfortunetly tends to be sooner. I will explain on air this weekend how to prevent this. We are currently looking at a new metal which looks like rose gold which is made just for us. Its in the testing stage now. Thanks for takng the time to give me your input. J
Just another note. I just got done looking at 12 new rings for the next show online and none of them come in size 12. They are fantastic. Thanks.
I HAVE TO AGREE, JAY. THE NEW RINGS ARE NOT BEING MADE AVAILABLE IN SIZE 12 WHICH IS SO DISAPPOINTING SINCE I HAVE TO SIZE UP IN YOUR RINGS AND NEED A 12. I HAVE ALWAYS LOOKED TO HSN FOR THE LARGER SIZE RINGS AND THINK THIS IS ONE AREA THAT MAKES HSN BETTER THAN THE “OTHER SHOPPING NETWORKS”… I CERTAINLY HOPE THEY ARE NOT GOING TO STOP OFFERING SIZE 12. CAN YOU FIND OUT WHAT IS GOING ON???? PLEASE, PLEASE
Hi we traditionaly offer our rings in size 5 thru 12 and I sell out on the larger sizes first just because of the nature of our designs. Since I tend to design toward big and bold. I’ll look into the matter but as far as I know we haven’t changed anything I’m aware of thanks for the heads up. Best J
Like I said thanks for bringing this to my attention I have a buyers meeting next week and have made a note of it. Best J
Hi Jay,
Since I will never get to speak you personally, on air, because I ALWAYS order on “.com”…I watch your shows with my iPad open beside me (by the end of the show, it’s been rode hard and put up wet!)…I have a couple of things I’ve been wanting to say to you for a long time. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your artistry and genuine craftsmanship. The fruits of your loving labor make my soul happy.
Peace, love, and rock ‘n roll,
Virago
Sound like a person after my own heart. I’ve heard that saying from childhood. Thanks I’m glad you like what we have to offer. I got an IPAD for Christmas. Everyone raves about them. So far I’m still trying to make it work. I can run very complex navigation equipment but I’m not so good at this one. Thanks for taking time to write. Best J
Jay, A small stone fell out of one of my multistone turquoise pendants. I have always heard you say you would make good on things like this. How do I go about getting this taken care of? I too am saving up for this weekend and agree with other blogger your items are an addiction. I don’t need anything else, but must have much more. Thanks for all you do and especially for the education you give us all.
I just don’t say it I’ll do it. Just go to HSN customer service online and enter my name. This will tell you how to send us your personal info in a secure manner. Then we will contact you and take care of it. Look forward to showing you the new designs. Best J
Say, Jay, I need a matching red lace agate ring to your necklaces. I contacted your store but the customer service person says you can’t do it. Isn’t there any way to look into this?? I tried other sources but the color didn’t match what you had. Really need all pieces available but a ring was never made. Looking (and saving up) for your event next weekend! Hope you will consider doing a cruise as other artists have!! Yours is an addiction I love! Don’t need, but must have! See you soon!
I’ll check on it. If you spoke to the store they are pretty good at getting you what you want. Could be we just don’t have the rough now, but I’ll check. A cruise would be fun just don’t know when I’d have the time right now. I really need a clone. Thanks for your support it means alot to us. Best J
Hi Jay, am looking forward to the 18th. What is going on with the ring size 12? I felt lucky last show to grab the basin blue before it was gone. I wear an 11 except for your wide bands. There were a couple of rings I wanted last time but they weren’t available in 12. I know materials have gone crazy but could you charge alittle more for the bigger sizes? Also I was wondering if you ever got around to a nice north/south lapis ring design. I also enjoyed buying the american stones. Thanks
We haven’t changed anything we make size twelve on most orders. We are given a formula from HSN and they tell us what the sizes need to be. I will look at it and see if were losing sales. So thanks for the heads up. I do have a east west lapis ring in the works I’m not sure which show it’s in. I’m working on finishing August this week. I’ll check Best J