Jewelry Television Presents Agodi Rubellite Tourmaline from Nigeria

As the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. In this case, this one may be worth a million!This is a recent snapshot of quite possibly the finest natural color rubellite tourmaline in the world! This amazing specimen--found in Nigeria--is untreated and its color is completely 100% natural!

Jewelry Television was the first company approached about purchasing this rough and we jumped at the opportunity! Formed million of years ago, we don’t know who Mother Nature was cooking for the day this piece began its existence under the earth's surface, but we are pleased to be the recipients of her generosity!

Once Jewelry Television® secured this outstanding piece of rough, we had it cut into some of the ‘gemmiest’ gems ever seen in the world of tourmaline.  Every single stone was cut from this single piece of rough which, by the way, weighed in at a staggering 7.2 kilograms or 15.87 pounds! Gemstones cut from this crystal specimen were all calibrated and are now available at Jewelry Television and JTV.com in a broad range of sizes and shapes--each gem possessing a uniformity of color that our buyers tell us they haven’t seen in a long, long time.

About the Source

The source for this incredible rubellite find is Nigeria, located in western Africa. Nigeria, about twice the size of California, has long been known for its vast oil resources. But that isn’t the only thing of value found there—gemstones, including tourmaline, aquamarine, sapphire and spinel have been discovered over time.

The rubellite mine is located in the southwestern Nigerian state of Oyo. 'Oyo' is derived from the name of the seat of government of the old Oyo Empire, of the pre-colonial era. Old Oyo, the seat of the then Oyo Empire was sacked about 1839 and forced to relocate farther south to the present site, which is about 53 kilometers north of lbadan, the Oyo State capital.

Why the Name Agodi Rubellite Tourmaline?

We wanted to give these amazing gemstones a name that signified the beauty of the region they come from….and we found the perfect name: Agodi (pronounced uh GOAD ee) Rubellite Tourmaline. They are named in honor of a nearby botanical garden in Oyo state’s capital city of Ibadan. For those who appreciate natural beauty, the connection is obvious.

More about These Incredible Stones

While we often think of numerous inclusions when mentioning rubellite tourmaline, these gems are extremely clean and have been precision cut overseas. Plus, rubellite tourmaline quite frequently has gray or brown overtones—but not this time! Agodi Rubellite Tourmaline represent the very best color ever seen in rubellite tourmaline! Ranging from dark pink to pinkish red to maroon red, each stone’s color is simply fantastic!

In fluorescent light

In incandescent light

As always in the world of gemstones, no one knows what the future holds. We don’t have a clue as to whether there’s any more of this caliber of rubellite yet to be unearthed. As one of our buyers said, “This is the finest red tourmaline being produced in the world today and now is the time to purchase!”

Comparison with Rubellite Tourmaline from Other Sources

Quite simply, there is no comparison! These stones have even finer quality than Morro Redondo rubellite from Brazil. Each of these gems is extremely clean without all the inclusions you normally expect to see in rubellite.

Tune in to Jewelry Television on Friday, December 11th with Tommy and Saturday, December 12th with Dawn to see Agodi Rubellite Tourmaline make its JTV debut! Or shop JTV.com now for the best selection of this exciting new material!

JTV Introduces the Barbara Garwood Collection

Jewelry Television and JTV.com is excited to introduce the Barbara Garwood Collection--a special event featuring exotic jewelry designs handcrafted in the traditional Mongolian art form. Tune in for these special showings on Thursday, November 19th at 11am, 6pm and 8pm (Eastern) or watch us live at jtv.com/live.

Meet Jewelry Designer Barbara Garwood

Barbara Garwood initially began her career in textile design in New York City, and later worked as an interior designer. Her next career move took her to Europe, Autstralia and Hong Kong as a consultant in specialty textiles. While she was in Hong Kong, she discovered a beautiful jewelry making technique. She fell in love with the intricate designs and bought a few pieces for her own personal use. She soon was astounded by the attention and compliments she received from people who admired her jewelry whenever she wore it.

She later returned to Hong Kong and, with the help of an interpreter, searched for the craftsmen responsible for the intricately designed jewelry she had come to love. Her journey took her to a small village near Chinese Mongolia. She soon learned that the jewelry art form dates back more than 1,000 years! Intrigued by the craftsmanship and beauty of the Mongolian jewelry art, Barbara struck a deal with the artisans to create jewelry that she envisioned in her designs. 

Her sterling silver pieces--including many that are 24kt gold-plated--feature Russian and Chinese influences handed down the generations by master craftsmen. Barbara has been refining the designs over the last 16 years to fit Western tastes and fashion. It took some persuasion to convince the craft to marry Mongolian tradition with Western design, but the result is very special indeed. 

The entire process to make one piece of jewelry can take 4 to 7 days and many of the unique pieces feature less common gems such as Iolite, Chrysocolla, Serpentine, and exotic Jaspers. She also favors stones such as Garnet, Peridot, Amethyst, Topaz, Lapis and Turquoise in the designs. Barbara’s beautiful designs give the look of high karat gold without the high price tag. 
                                                         

The Jewelry Making Process

Mongolian style filigree and enameled jewelry is handmade with Russian and Chinese influences for  thousand of years.This jewelry was originally made for the Mongolians and later filtered into what is now China. Eventually it was made during the 1700’s--the Qing Dynasty--and then only for the Empresses so manufacturing was very limited.

The technique utilized is similar to that used to make original Fabergé eggs, which were created from gold, silver and precious stones. Barbara’s pieces are made from sterling silver, various gemstones, and some are 24kt gold plated.

The filigree work is hand fashioned with tweezers and the sterling silver wires are shaped into flowers, butterflies and other objects. These completed compositions are fired in a kiln to approximately 1700◦F to be fused together with silver dust, which creates the body of the piece. Then, enamel colors and stones are added. The outlined designs are then filled with a very finely ground enamel powder and the colors are blended to create special effects. The piece is once again subjected to the kiln at a temperature of 1500◦F for brief flashes of time.This turns the enamel into glass with a high gloss finish with permanent beauty. This demonstrates the skills of the craftsmen as silver easily melts and the filigree work could be lost.

The final step is to set the stone and to 24kt gold plate or antique many of the pieces. Many of Barbara’s designs incorporate more unusual stones such as chrysocolla, rhodochrosite, chrysoprase, iolite, Black Star of India diopside. Other gems are used, including garnet, lapis, amethyst, Madeira citrine, onyx and turquoise.

Barbara Garwood with the artisans

Each artist has been extensively trained in the basic techniques and over time, they are considered master craftsmen. Because the filigree and enameling skills are totally different abilities, an artist is trained in only one technique, so many of the pieces require the skills of two artists to complete. To authenticate Barbara’s designs, each piece bears the initials “BG” and the mark “925”.

Jewelry Television and JTV.com is always pleased when we can bring you handcrafted artisan collections such as the Barbara Garwood Collection. Available for a limited time, so shop these exclusive and exquisite items while you can.

Dolly Parton and Jewelry Television Partner for a Special Promotion

A Match Made in East Tennessee

What do Jewelry Television and American icon Dolly Parton have in common? We were both “born and bred” right here in East Tennessee and both love to sparkle!

Just in time for the holidays, Jewelry Television is pleased to offer what is sure to be one of the most requested stocking stuffers of the season--Dolly Parton’s newest release DOLLY: LIVE FROM LONDON CD and DVD 2-disc set.  And we have a JTV exclusive! Buy DOLLY: LIVE FROM LONDON from us and you will receive a FREE download for Dolly’s yet-to-be-released Christmas song, “Comin’ Home for Christmas.”   

Win Dolly’s Dress!

At Jewelry Television, we’re all about offering our customer rare opportunities to own some of the most remarkable gemstone and jewelry items in the world. So you know we are offering another once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with this special release! Drum roll, please….

When you purchase DOLLY: LIVE FROM LONDON from Jewelry Television, you will be automatically entered to win “Wild Thing”, the aptly named pink and orange ensemble worn by Dolly in her smash-hit “Shinola” video! 

"Wild Thing"--Dolly wore this outfit in the hit "Shinola" video.

Designed by Dolly’s long-time stylist Steve Summers, “Wild Thing” is an incredible custom-made creation that includes a fabulous dress, leggings and embellished sarong. It’s so very Dolly! (You can also enter to win “Wild Thing” once per day at jtv.com/dolly from now until December 16th, 2009. Tune in or check back on December 18th, 2009 to see if you’re the lucky winner of this incredible collector’s item.)

Steve Summers, Dolly's stylist, poses for a quick photo in the Jewelry Television studios.

Experience Dolly as Never Before

This from the DOLLY: LIVE FROM LONDON official press release:

 “In 2008, DOLLY performed two majestic sold-out shows at London’s massive O2 arena and  DOLLY: LIVE FROM LONDON chronicles each magical moment from her U.K. takeover.  This piece of DOLLY history--all in one package--offers the viewer and listener an unparalleled DOLLY experience.  

The third release on her label Dolly Records, the 2-disc DVD/CD set DOLLY:  LIVE FROM LONDON brings fans closer to DOLLY on stage than ever before.  Featuring 15 of her mega hits performed live, this is the first DVD that shows the globally renowned superstar in all of her splendor live. 13 Hi-Def cameras swirl around, creating a captivating concert experience for the small screen.  Boasting pristine footage and an epic sound mix, this is the best way to experience DOLLY--next to being in the front row. 

Just like DOLLY, DOLLY:  LIVE FROM LONDON is one of a kind. In between songs, she relays personal anecdotes about growing up in Tennessee, while interacting with the audience as only she can. Classics like “Here You Come Again,” “I Will Always Love You,” “Two Doors Down,” “9 to 5,” Islands in the Stream” and “Jolene” and modern hits such as “Better Get To Livin,’” “Backwoods Barbie” and “Jesus and Gravity”--all from her critically acclaimed 2008 album Backwoods Barbie--round out an unforgettable set list.  
“Here You Come Again” serves as the album's first single and video, and it's the perfect taste of the whole show. During her “first million-sellin' song,” the icon brings the crowd back to Tennessee with a soulful delivery. DOLLY makes everyone else feel just as at home as she does, connecting with the crowd like few superstars can.

As an added bonus, DOLLY tells stories and opens up for the exclusive intimate interviews between the song footage. Overall, DOLLY: LIVE FROM LONDON offers a bevy of other special features. During the "Interview" segment, the door to DOLLY's world is unlocked. Fans get close to her support staff and see how the "family" that Dolly has built functions. Plus, those closest share what it's like working with this legend. In honest and heartwarming interviews, they talk about working and traveling the world with country's brightest star--the one and only DOLLY.

In the “Soundcheck” feature, fans get to see the inner workings of this show. Everybody wants to be backstage and in this vignette, viewers can take a peek at what's cooking behind the curtain. Witness her joking with the band, mapping out the show and hypnotizing everyone with her angelic performance style and unique songwriting.

In “London Loves Dolly,” the city welcomes the true legend with open arms. Viewers have the chance to see fellow fans sharing their personal experiences, favorite songs, memories and love for Dolly. During this segment, it is easy to see that DOLLY has been a superstar icon to her fans for five decades and counting. Every fan in the house sings out loud, praises her and cherishes each moment of this incredible show.  DOLLY, the legendary icon, has truly stood the test of time.”

"Wild Thing" on the set at Jewelry Television

So get your DOLLY: LIVE FROM LONDON CD and DVD 2-disc set from Jewelry Television today to enjoy the free “Comin’ Home for Christmas” download of Dolly’s yet-to-be-released Christmas song. And good luck in the “Win Dolly’s Dress” sweepstakes—only on Jewelry Television and JTV.com!.

Gemstone-based Body Care and Cosmetics Added to DermaGem Line, JTV's Exclusive Line of Luxury Skin Care

Nine out of 10 survey respondents agree--DermaGem works! A whopping 98% state their skin looks and feels healthier, while 94% agree that the products smell great and have delivered the results promised. Loads of people here at Jewelry Television use these remarkable products--after all, we love all things gemstone--and we've seen remarkable results in the appearance of their skin.

And now, just in time for the winter months that take such a toll on our skin, JTV is proud to present DermaGem's Luxuria Body Spa Collection. Infused with Gemplex-5 (DermaGem's most potent anti-aging formula) and the ever popular Sensuality scent, the Luxuria Body Spa Collection contains gentle yet  restorative anti-aging ingredients that deliver comfort and hydration to the skin, resulting in a more youthful appearance. The Body Spa Collection includes:

Buffing Beads Body Wash, a luxurious cleanser containing innovative exfoliating moisture beads and gentle fruit enzymes that help remove dead skin and deeply hydrate. Luxuria Body Silk supports the body's natural moisture factor which protects the skin from damaging free radicals while providing optimum hydration.  Luxuria Restorative Hand Cream utilizes the powerful Gemplex-5 to go a step beyond protection and hydration. This hand cream helps fight the signs of aging by brightening the skin and improving the appearance of age spots. 

To look your best through the holidays and beyond don't leave home without Jewelry Television's exclusive DermaGem Beauty Requirements Kit.This elegant        multi-component palette is filled with all of the must-have eye, lip and cheek shades, along with eyeliner, lip liner and mascara!  We've even included portable applicators for on-the-go touch ups.  

Shop all of DermaGem--Jewelry Television's exclusive gemstone-based luxury skin care and cosmetics--and stay tuned as we introduce new products into this exciting product line! Check our programming calendar to see when the next DermaGem show is scheduled or watch us live online. Treasure your beauty with JTV and DermaGem!

Jewelry Television Premiers The French Blue by Richard W. Wise

The Great Blue Diamond! Today, housed in the Smithsonian, the remains of this fabulous gem is called The Hope Diamond, but for the first 250 years of its history, it was known simply as The French Blue. Come along as the tale of Madeleine, Jean Baptiste and the back story of the world’s most fabulous gem explodes across two continents.

JTV.com and Jewelry Television  proudly offers the exclusive pre-sale of this exciting novel now throughout the month of November. (This fascinating read won't be in bookstores until December 2009.) Choose the Jewelry Television first edition paperback or the first edition hardback--both at special JTV pricing.

The French Blue tells the true-to-life story of Jean Baptiste Tavernier, a 17th century gem merchant. Tavernier made six voyages to the Empire of Persia and to India, the land of the Great Mogul, between the years 1630 and 1668. His real adventures make a mockery of the ink and paper exploits of fictional heroes. 

Travel with Jean Baptiste by caravan through jungles and across desert wastes and by ship through raging battles and across storm tossed seas. Be with him when he meets his great love, Madeleine de Goisse, the beautiful illegitimate daughter of a French courtesan and the Persian king. Follow him as his lifelong dream leads him to the fabulous 116 carat Great Blue diamond. He lusts for it, but to claim and hold it he must battle bandits and religious zealots and outwit a greedy Mogul prince.

About the Author

Richard W. Wise is a Graduate Gemologist, author and lecturer and President of R. W. Wise, Goldsmiths, Inc., Lenox, Massachusetts.  He is a former gemology columnist for National Jeweler and contributing Editor with Gemkey and Gem Market News. His articles on gemstones have appeared in Gems & Gemology, Colored Stone, Lapidary Journal, Jeweler’s Quarterly, JQ, Jewelry News Asia, Modern Silver and many other publications. GemKey Magazine called him:  “One of the world’s foremost gem connoisseurs.”

From upper Burma to the pearl farms of Tahiti, Richard Wise’s search for the rare and beautiful has taken him to most of the world’s most important gem producing areas. The French Blue is his first novel, but not his first book. His first book, the critically acclaimed Secrets Of The Gem Trade, The Connoisseur’s Guide To Precious Gemstones, was published in 2003.

Praise for The French Blue

The French Blue by Richard Wise provides a creative and intriguing glimpse into the life of Jean Baptiste Tavernier, the greatest gem merchant of all time. Anyone who is passionate about gems has read Tavernier's own accounts of his travels and the fabulous gems he sought, but Wise takes us on a personal journey alongside Tavernier in which we feel his youthful exuberance and determination, his successes and his disappointments; his delights and his fears, his loves and his losses. While Wise makes it clear in his notes at the conclusion of the book that much of the work is fictional, he enables us to experience the world of the 16th century as experienced by Tavernier and provides a context in which we can more fully appreciate not only the remarkable gems he brought to the attention of the world, but the man himself. I especially enjoyed his romantic imaginings related to Madeleine Goisse -- the woman he married -- and want to believe that the woman who stole his heart was, in fact, as beautiful ... and elusive ... as portrayed by Wise, and that she was also the rarest and most prized of all of Tavernier's "gems"! The French Blue is a must-read for anyone who loves travel, adventure, fabulous gems...and of course, a great love story.”

- Antoinette Matlins, Gemologist, author of Jewelry & Gems: The Buying Guide

JTV World Tour Asia: George Checks in from Hong Kong

Having successfully weathered a couple of typhoons, Jay and I are into our last week of Jewelry Television's World Tour Asia. Things have finally loosened up along the gemstone pipeline and we have done more buying in the past three days than we did in the first two weeks! With just a few days left we are nearing our goals and will come home with some surprises, as well.

George and Jay examine golden South Sea pearls in an office overlooking Hong Kong Harbor

Check out the South Sea Pearls above. We bought the golden, the Tahitian black, and the white. And for those who enjoy Jewelry Television's Jewel School, we bough some incredible peanut shaped and long rectangular shaped freshwater pearls that can easily be wire wrapped. These have super luster and we chose a wide assortment of colors.  

Excellent luster and shapes for wire wrapping

One surprise was a find of unheated, all natural green apatite along with some ‘"canary"’ apatite that is an unusually rich golden yellow color--the rarest color of that specie. You're sure to enjoy this fine material when it arrive at JTV.

Top: Canary apatite   Bottom: Green and yellow apatite rough

We found it difficult to get lot of fissure-filled rubies that are large and red. It seems the Indian market has gone nuts over this ruby and are buying everything in the market. We simply did not see much in the better quality.

More tomorrow about more of our finds on the World Tour Asia. Tune in to Jewelry Television to see more product as it begins to arrive, or view us live on jtv.com/live.

Until next time,

George

JTV Gold Exchange Pays You More

The results are in! JTV Gold Exchange offers you more than 6 major competitors for your unwanted gold and platinum. If you've ever considered using a gold exchange program, watch this video and learn why you should give JTV Gold Exchange a try.

A program you can trust, JTV Gold Exchange is fast, easy and free! Just go to jtvgold.com to request your packet and you're only days away from receiving your cash offer. Why wait?

Fabulous Fall Fashion Accessories at Jewelry Television

As we say here in the southern portions of the United States, "Happy Fall, ya'll." It seems everyone gets excited about cooler weather and of course the new wardrobe choices it brings. That's where we come in! Join Jewelry Television's Fall Fashion kickoff with the Fall Fashion Weekend, in progress until midnight, Sunday September 27th. Our show hosts will be featuring jewelry that is ready to update your wardrobe for fall and beyond!

As an added bonus for the blog, one of Jewelry Television's fashion gurus, Kelly Fletcher, was in Paris last week and has shared with us the trends she saw while in the epicenter of fashion. Enjoy!

Hello.  Kelly Fletcher here reporting from Paris, France.   I’m here scouring the city for the latest fashion trends in apparel, accessories and jewelry.  I own a public relations firm that specializes in the beauty/fashion/lifestyle categories.   I’m in NYC often but rarely have the opportunity to see what’s happening in the Paris fashion scene first hand.

View up the Champs-Elysees'---one of the most famous shopping districts in Paris.

I’ll be joining JTV hosts Wendy, Misty, Jennifer and Robert this weekend for Fall Fashion Weekend on JTV. I’ll share my insight into fall fashion and how to maximize current  fashion trends without going broke. Here’s an insider’s glimpse into what I’ve discovered in my travels to NYC and Paris so far!

Top Five Jewelry Trends

1.    PAVE DIAMONDS
I’ve fallen in love with pave diamond jewelry all over again while in Paris.  Beautiful silhouettes set in white metals add the perfect touch of sophistication to ANY outfit.  Make a fashion statement by pairing jeans and a leather jacket with pave diamond jewelry.  You’ll be oh so, “au courant.”

2.    FACETED GEMSTONE JEWELRY
OK, I  admit it.  I was really surprised to see so many large faceted gemstones set in rings and necklaces in every color imaginable.  But let me tell you, the prices were so high it made me seriously wonder how “brand names” can command such high prices….especially in today’s economy.  I could have purchased several large carat weight faceted gemstone rings from JTV for the price of one inexpensive one in Paris.

3.    LAYERS, LAYERS, LAYERS
Piling on layers of necklaces, bracelets and rings has never been more fashion forward.  Combinations that may have seemed ridiculous a few years ago are making headlines in Paris.  Anything goes!  Mixing metals, colors, styles and varying lengths allow you to create your own signature look.

4.    NOUVEAU PEARLS
I came up with the term “Nouveau Pearls” when scouring boutiques, jewelry stores and department store jewelry counters here.  Pearls are still an important piece in the Fall, 2009 fashion puzzle but the context has been updated.  For example, I saw pearls mixed with black onyx and silver jewelry, pearls dangling from ever- popular hoop earrings, and pearl necklaces personalized with charms attached to individual strands.  Pearls are definitely hip again.  Use your imagination and add a few new pearl pieces to mix and match into your existing jewelry wardrobe.

5.    GEOMETRIC SHAPES
For obvious reasons  geometric shapes nearly always make their way into current jewelry styles.  However, 2009 is especially “geometric.”  Circles in particular are the shape to wear.

Inside Galeries Lafayette--one of Paris' major department stores

Top  Five Style Trends

1.     LEGGINGS
Channel your inner “Flashdance” memories with leggings.  Yes, we knew leggings were making a comeback but until I hit the streets of Paris I had no idea just how HUGE this trend has become.  Forget about your age or  your pant size---everybody is wearing leggings.  Choose your favorite color and texture and pair it with a long jacket, shirt or sweater.

2.    SCARVES
Ah, scarves have always reminded me of Autumn in Paris---romantic and feminine.   I thought scarves were big in the U.S. but men, women and children are wearing scarves in Paris morning, noon and night!  Long scarves or wraps can dress up your leggings and long shirt or transition to a wrap for chilly evenings.

3.    THE COLOR PURPLE
Purple continues to be a key color for Fall.  If you add one color to your wardrobe this year make it something purple.  A purple scarf or purple leggings, perhaps?

4.    HUGE HANDBAGS
These are not your grandmother’s handbags.  Big, “tote bag” style handbags are all the rage in every shape, color and print imaginable.

5.    ANIMAL PRINTS
The zebras are running the giraffes out of the jungle this Fall!  While animal prints of all kinds are still en vogue, I’m seeing a lot of zebra prints in Paris.  In addition to the expected “black and white” zebra print, alternative color palettes like black and gold, cream and chocolate brown, and red and black are popular.

Au Revoir,
Kelly

World Tour Asia: Meet Loretta Castoro

Hello, everyone! Today I'd like to introduce you to the newest member of the JTV buying team, Loretta Castoro. She's been an integral part in our World Tour Asia so far, accompanying us during negotiations and buying. Loretta joins us as Director of Merchandising for jewelry and gemstones, bringing with her over 25 years experience in the global gemstone market to the Jewelry Television family.

Loretta’s industry credits include: Graduate Gemologist in Residence with the Gemological Institute of America; Senior Gemologist and Education consultant for the American Gemological Trade Association; Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, London: Advanced Scientific Gemology Certificate for the Swiss Gemmological Institute, Basel, Switzerland; and qualifications in gemstone appraising and jewelry manufacturing.

Loretta most recently served as Chief Merchandising Officer for a network in Bangkok, Thailand and before that she was the President of her own jewelry consulting and design company in New York. She has worked with many luxury retail names you see every month in the pages of your favorite fashion magazines. Recognized for her gemstone assessment abilities, Loretta spent 10 years as Director of Gem Acquisition and Senior Appraiser for a renowned jewelry empire, leading a team of gemologists tasked with procuring colored gemstones to fill the famous "little blue boxes".

For many of us on the World Tour Asia, this is our first time working with Loretta and we can say with utmost confidence that she is a valuable addition to our team. I am certain we will all benefit from her insight into the world of gems--and the jewelry made from them.

Jay and Loretta taking it all in stride at the Bangkok show

Loretta will be posting to the blog in the near future. I'm confident you will enjoy her perspective and the expertise she brings to the Jewelry Television family. But for now it's back to the business of buying gems. I'll update you soon on the next leg of World Tour Asia.

- George

World Tour Asia: More on the State of the Gem Trade

Hi, everyone. Jewelry Television and jtv.com  are committed to keeping our customers informed about current events affecting the gem trade. Today I thought I would share with you a factor impacting the price of gemstones. (I've also included some photos from the Bangkok show I thought you might find interesting.)

Stunning labradorite

So, here's the scoop: We are seeing a huge rise in the number of millionaires in the Asia Pacific region. These high net worth individuals (HNWI) are now about equal in number to those in all of North America and they are on an upward curve. Emerging markets are benefiting from recent reforms to the financial services industry and increases in foreign direct investments from international markets.

Asia’s wealthy have an age-old flirtation with gems and jewelry. A generous 24% of their luxury spending is made up of jewelry--compared to 16% in North America--and is beaten only by the rich of the Middle East with a splashy 32%. Asia’s HNWI hold an estimated US $9.5 trillion in financial assets, an increase of 12.5% and making up almost 24% of global HNWI wealth.

Cool purple rutilated quartz

When the US economy slowed in the 1980s, my best selling market was at the show in Hong Kong. (Many Asian’s see gems as an asset with potential for growth so they buy much more when prices dip. Some follow the gem markets like others follow stocks.) This scenario is now being repeated but in a much bigger way--there is far more wealth than in the 1980s and they all love gems!

Additionally, a recent article in a leading business monthly explores the expanding middle class in India which has grown to around 40 million people. They predict that in the next 15 years this portion of the population will grow to over 400 million! With the gem market in the situation it finds itself now with not enough supply to meet demand, I must repeat my prediction of rising prices.

Tourmaline butterfly pendant

JTV owns the largest mix of colored gemstones in the world and like any business we must continue to buy and sell no matter where the market is going. Buy our sale items now, especially in tanzanite! Already very popular in Japan, tanzanite and is just becoming so in India. Colored stones are also popular in China and once either China or India start buying tanzanite in earnest this one source gemstone cannot come close to supplying the demand. (The lighter to medium colors are an incredible value currently and now is the time to buy them.)

Have fun shopping the latest deals from Jewelry Television! You are very likely to do better than we are at the moment.And next time on the blog, I'll introduce you to a new member of our team!

- George