JTV Blog

JTV's Halloween Blog: Gemstone Legends and Lore Plus A Spooky Project

Happy Halloween JTV Blog Fans! 

We all know that gemstones have always been appreciated for their beauty, but have you ever considered the myths and legends associated with them? For example, did you know that pirates used the gemstone peridot to drive away evil spirits, but not until the gem was pierced and strung on hair from a donkey?

As Halloween approaches, the mysterious legends associated with gemstones make for entertaining conversation. Beware the following spooky tales of mystical powers and warding off evil curses!  And as a special "treat" we have included a couple of fun Halloween projects!  Enjoy! --Codee, JTV.com Intern

Amber
In classical times, Amber was once believed to offer a magical light for the deceased as they progressed through the underworld.  Given this association, Amber was once believed to provide magicians and sorcerers with special powers.

 

Amethyst 
With the mythology surrounding the origin of Amethyst, it is perhaps fitting that it was once considered a talisman to prevent drunkenness, which explains why wine goblets were once made from this gem.  

 

Ametrine
Ametrine is said to aid in meditation, relieve tension, disperse negativity and help eliminate prejudice.

 

 

Andalusite 
Andalusite is considered by crystal healers to be a gemstone that enhances intellect, problem solving abilities and mental clarity.  It is also mentioned as being conducive to the receipt of messages from the netherworld.  

 

Carnelian
A deeply religious gem, Carnelian was used by the Egyptian goddess Isis to protect the dead on their journey through the afterlife. 

 

Citrine 
In antiquity, Citrine was believed to be the gemstone of happiness and used as a protective talisman against evil thoughts.  Citrine was believed to aid digestion, remove toxins from the body (commonly used as a charm against snakebites and venomous reptiles).

Diamond
In the Middle Ages and Renaissance, when set in gold and worn on the left side, it was believed that Diamonds held the power to drive away nightmares, to ward off phantoms, and soothe savage beasts. 

 

Diopside     
Diopside is also called the "crying gemstone," because it is believed by crystal healers to heal trauma by bringing forth cleansing tears.

 

 

Onyx
Onyx is believed by some to encourage the growth of fingernails, hair and skin and is often associated with instincts and intuition.  Believed to give one the power to deeply analyze a situation before reacting to it, some healers believe that it restores confidence in life and love.

 

Opal 
Historically, Opal was considered a lucky charm that brought beauty, success and happiness to its wearer.  The early Greeks believed that Opals embodied the powers of foresight and prophecy.

 

Pearl
Pearls were loved in Roman society, the craze reaching is zenith during the 1st century BC when upper class Roman women (lower ranks were forbidden to wear them) wore their Pearls to bed so they could be reminded of their wealth immediately upon awakening.

 

Peridot 
Pirates believed that Peridot had the power to drive away evil spirits (and the night's terrors), especially if set in gold.  But as protection from evil spirits they believed it must be pierced, strung on donkey hair and worn on the left arm.

 

Prehnite
Known as the "prediction stone" among spiritual healers, it is believed that Prehnite can enhance one's dreaming and rememberance.  Some crystal healers also believe that Prehnite's color and unusual touch are ideal for stress release. 

 

Quartz 
The ancients of India considered Quartz to have special properties as transformers as well as keepers of energy.  To this day Quartz crystals are used universally in meditation, as they are believed to possess healing properties and other diverse metaphysical powers.

Ruby
Rubies were believed to have mystical powers hidden within the intense red gemstone. The fiery crimson color of Rubies caused many civilizations to associate them with passion, love and romance. Rubies were also thought to bestow wisdom, health and luck in gambling

 

Sapphire
Sapphires symbolize truth, sincerity and faithfulness, and are thought to bring peace, joy and wisdom to their owners. In ancient times it was believed that when the wearer faced challenging obstacles, the gem's power enabled them to find the correct solution.

 

Spinel 
Spinels have a bizarre association with sorcerers and alchemists.  One tale describes how Spinels could be used to work against their masters.  Those thought to possess supernatural powers were found guilty if they began to shake when approached with a Spinel wrapped in paper!

Sunstone
Sunstone was thought to aid navigation both in reality and during one's journey to the afterlife.  Crystal healers believe Sunstone to be useful for adding personal insight and alleviating depression.  Historically, Sunstone has been linked with benevolent gods, luck and good fortune.

Tiger's Eye 
Roman soldiers wore Tiger's Eye for protection during battle.  Due to its appearance, in the ancient world Tiger's Eye was thought to be all seeing, offering protection during travel, and strengthening of convictions and confidence. 

 

Topaz
The Egyptian's called Topaz the "gem of the sun," believing it was colored by the golden glow of their sun god Ra and thus a powerful protector from harm.

 

 

JTV's How To: Halloween Inspired Projects

In order to get into the spooky spirit of Halloween, JTVer Wendy helped us make BOO-tiful creations that are sure to send shivers down your spine.  Using Jewel School items we made these easy and quick  beaded spiders and pumpkin-inspired bracelets.  These projects were designed so that even the kiddies can get in on the fun (with some adult help and supervision, of course.)

The only items we used for these projects are beading wire, Swarovski Element Beads, pliers, a large focal bead for the spider body, and a little creativity!

First, string four pieces of beading wire into a large center bead to make the spider body and legs.  Next, place the Swarovksi beads on each piece of wire.

Next, take the pliers and curl the ends of the wire one full turn in order to secure the beads in place.

Then, voila!  You have created a scary (yet sparkly) spider! 

The pumpkin-inspired bracelets are simple to make as well.  Just take the beading wire and use the pliers to rotate the wire once around to secure your beads.  String Swarovski Element beads to the length desired.  Use wire cutters to cut your wire, then use your pliers on the opposite end to rotate and close the beads in order to secure them. 

 

Wendy and I had a lot of fun with these projects!

 

JTV's In The Know - Diamond: Educational Video Series Highlighting Your Favorite Gemstones

Happy Wednesday everyone!  The new installment of JTV's In The Know, a video series on your favorite gemstones, is not only educational, it is also dazzling.  This time we are highlighting everyone's best friend - diamonds!  From yellow to blue to pink, these rare diamond gemstones are exclusive and fascinating.  Enjoy this video and check out the whole series on JTV's YouTube Channel!-- Codee, JTV.com Intern

For the Kiddies: JTV Debuts New Jewelry for Babies and Children

At JTV we know you're never too young to love jewelry and gemstones. That's why we're so excited about our new children's jewelry lineup! Rings, bracelets, earrings, pendants, watches--you name it, we've got it.

BFly® is a birthstone jewelry collection for babies and young girls—each piece is a perfect gift for your little butterfly! And as you know, time flies during these precious years. Why not celebrate your little one's birth month by giving them a stylish timepiece accented with their very own birthstone? JTV's children's jewelry features genuine gemstones or simulants and items are available in sterling silver, 10kt and 14kt gold.

Take a look at some of the behind-the-scenes shots I was able to get when I stopped by JTV Jewelry Buyer Jessica's desk. Gotta run--I have some nieces to do a little shopping for!

 - Dana, JTV.com Community Manager

Sweet little sterling silver bangle bracelets

Cute!

Though tiny, these bracelets are tough and well-made.

14kt Italian gold baby booties with genuine birthstones--perfect for baby or mama

   

Geography Made Us Strangers, JTV's Facebook Fan Page Made Us Friends

Hello, friends. Some days here at JTV are simply the best! When our customers and our company connect, the magic just happens. This is the tale of one of those days. I hope you enjoy the story as much I enjoyed living it--and now sharing it with you. - Dana, JTV.com Community Manager

When Michele Lau accepted the position of JTV Show Host earlier this year, our facebook community was delighted to not only get to know a new on air personality, but to also gain a new facebook member; that being Pat Lau, Michele's mother and all around great gal. Pat's frequent posts are a joy to read--such a proud mother--and also very informative. We always know when Michele is on the air! Several members of JTV's facebook community have laughed with Pat, and have also extended sympathies during a particularly painful loss.

From Left to Right: Dana (JTV.com Community Manager), Pat Lau and JTV Host Michele Lau at the Gemstore

Pat was quickly befriended by a group of facebook fan favorites--the self-appointed "JTV Angels"--a charming and vocal group on JTV's facebook page. The "Angels"--Julie, Kelly and Jophrey--are quick to help other facebook peeps, and even quicker to draw my attention to issues that need to be addressed!  Why, you may ask, did they name themselves "JTV Angels"? Well, Kelly's name (for the time being--she's newly ENGAGED!) is Kelly Garrett, just like in the 1970's television show featuring three crime-fighting "Angels", a boss named Charlie, and a goofball named "Bosley"--you know the one. (The "angels" call me CharBos, saying I'm part boss and part goofball!)

Blue chalcedony, topaz and apatite set in sterling silver

Just like the "Angels" from the show, the JTV Angels have their missions, one of which was to select the perfect JTV Angel ring for them each to own. A few months ago they chose the blue chalcedony stunner (above). They decided their next mission was to gift an "angel ring" to "Mama Pat"--as the Angels affectionately refer to Mrs. Lau--in hopes of lifting her spirits and as a token of their newfound friendship.

That's where I entered the picture. Julie let me know that Pat was visiting Knoxville and asked if I could intercept the ring and make sure Pat received it while she was here. (Well, of course I could--they don't call me CharBos for nothing!) In about 48 hours, all was arranged and Michele and I agreed to meet at the Gemstore to present the gift to Pat.

As they say, 'a picture is worth a thousand words', and the photos below say it all. Michele and Pat both said they were amazed at the level of kindness and compassion shown to them by JTV's customers, especially by the "JTV Angels". Though I was genuinely touched by this gesture, I cannot say I was surprised by it. JTV customers truly are a special caliber of people which is why we consistently say "JTV customers are the best!"

Pat, with daughter Michele, reacts to learning the "JTV Angels" have arranged to surprise her with a gift

Pat's reaction as she sees she has a "JTV Angel ring" of her very own
 
  Pat happily models her very own "angel" ring

Mission accomplished! Pat with "CharBos"--me!

 Until next time,

- Dana, JTV.com Community Manager

Jewel School by JTV Newsletter: Welcome Margot Potter, Holiday Projects

Hello, Jewel Schoolers! We have a HUGE announcement here at Jewel School. Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter, has joined JTV’s Jewel School as Education and Creative Coordinator! We know you will love having Margot as the newest member of the Jewel School family. 

A best selling author, Margot (pictured right) has written six books on jewelry making and design and will publish her seventh in Spring of 2011. She’s a designer, author, freelance writer, consultant, blogger, public speaker, teacher, actor and vocalist and on-camera personality who creates innovative designs, blog posts and award winning video content.  She has designed and consulted for some of the biggest names in the Jewelry Making and Craft industries including Beadalon and Swarovski.  Margot approaches everything with her signature sense of humor, boundless curiosity and copious amounts of joie de vivre because she feels that if it’s not fun, it’s simply not worth doing.  She invites people to not only think outside of the box, but to tear it up, repurpose it into something fabulous and stand on it to reach for the stars.

Have you started on your holiday projects? We can help! Look for some really nice kits online at the beginning of November.  Create holiday themed earrings, Christmas trees, and snowmen using lovely Swarovski Elements.  The kits will be ready in plenty of time for you to make and wear to your December parties. 

There’s more!  Show Host Katie Rooke has just completed a great Video on Demand tutorial featuring step-by-step instructions on how to make these earrings. This video will debut on Sunday, October 24 at 12:30 p.m. and will be archived online for your viewing convenience.  

This month's Designer Spotlight focuses Susan, a Jewel Schooler from Texas. Susan's a terrific role model for anyone that has been just a bit hesitant to try making jewelry. Susan tells us she spent months watching Jewel School’s Sheree Henry, really wanting to learn to bead. “One day, I decided to take Sheree’s advice and just do it.  I bought a Jewel School DVD and the rest is history.”  Her necklace of peacock pearls is so perfect for fall and winter fashion! Enjoy!

Don't forget to keep sending pictures of your finished projects to jewel.school@jtv.com so we can highlight them on air during our Jewel School shows, or even here in the blog. It is always a pleasure to hear from you.

-Callie   

Jewel School's Designer Spotlight - Susan, Gemologist from Texas, Peacock Pearl Necklace

JTV: What was your inspiration for the piece?

Susan: I am inspired by beautiful jewelry with a story to tell.  I am a geologist, so I like knowing how a gemstone is made.  In this case, I was inspired by a beautiful pendant that I bought from JTV that comes from the mother of pearl of a black lip oyster.  When I received the pendant, I knew immediately that it deserved to be hung on more than just a silver chain or omega. It was just too elegant for a simple chain. So I bought the peacock colored pearls and designed the necklace.  The peacock pearls enhance the mother of pearl pendant, and specifically bring out the small pearls in the center of the flowers. When I wear this necklace, I think of all the beauty found in Nature and how efficient even the smallest creatures on this planet can be.  I think of all our bivalve sea friends who got a grain of sand in their shell that irritated them to the point that they covered the sand grain with beautiful nacre, layer upon layer, building and nurturing the pearl until it was harvested.  I find it astounding that something so beautiful can come from an irritating grain of sand.

What types of wires, beads, etc. did you use?

Susan: I used peacock colored coin and baroque pearls displaying a rainbow of color that enhances the mother of pearl pendant.  These are probably the nicest peacock colored pearls I have ever seen. They have a deep, rich kaleidoscope of purple, forest green, red, olive green, yellow, and blue colors.  I designed the necklace to be a series of repeating 4-5 coin pearls, followed by 4-5 baroque pearls. I used German silver scroll beads to separate the coin pearls from the baroque pearls. One of the silver beads has a different pattern from the rest.   I like to put one item on my necklaces that is totally unique from the rest of the necklace.  I think I do this because my brain is very symmetrical and I am always building completely symmetrical necklaces. So, I add something different in my attempt to try and break out of my overly symmetrical mindset. It’s hard to distinguish, but the silver bead at the top of the right side of the necklace  is slightly different.   I used 49 strand SoftTouch wire to string this necklace, making it very supple and flexible; almost as if I had hand knotted the pearls on silk thread. This is a more expensive stringing wire, but definitely worth the extra cost.  I used a toggle clasp to secure the necklace, as toggles are easy to clasp; much easier than a pearl clasp. The necklace is 26 inches long, but I have also made shorter versions.

Jewel School: How much time did it take you to make it?

I spent a couple of hours designing it, changing my mind several times before the perfect layout was achieved. Once I started to string it, it took less than 30 minutes to finish the necklace.  I added a very small peacock colored pearl underneath the bail of the pendant, so that the wire would not be seen. I do this with all of my necklaces where I add a pendant. It means I have to find a bead or pearl that is smaller than the bail on the pendant. It gives the necklace a more polished, professional image. I love adding pendants to a necklace, as they add instant glamour and elegance.

Jewel School: What are some of the comments you receive from others when you wear it?

Susan: This necklace has created quite a stir in my little network of jewelry friends and family.    Everyone loves this necklace. My sister said it was so beautiful that it took her breath away.  The first day that I wore this pendant to work, I walked into a meeting and one of my peers gasped out loud and said, “Oh my God, where did you get that gorgeous necklace?”  I am new to making jewelry, so I was quite pleased to get such a reaction.  In fact, this necklace was only the 9th necklace that I had ever made.  The pendant definitely makes the necklace. So many people admired this necklace that I purchased several more pendants and made similar necklaces for some of my friends and family.

Jewel School: Tell us a little bit about your jewelry making experience.

Susan: I just started making jewelry in August of this year. I had spent months watching Sheree on Jewel School and really wanted to learn how to do this.  I love jewelry and have spent thousands of dollars on unique pieces.  I would look at each piece that I purchased in the Mall, or from my jeweler and think…. “Surely I can learn how to do this.”  One day, I decided to take Sheree’s advice and just do it.    I bought and watched a Jewel School DVD and the rest is history.  I have made over 150 necklaces in the past 3 months, more than I can actually wear. I send an email out every day at work announcing the “Necklace of the Day” giving a short description and some geologic setting for the stones in the necklace I am wearing each day.   

I have given a lot of necklaces to friends and family as gifts, but have not ventured into selling my creations yet.  My sister tells me I need to go into business, but to be honest, I don’t know which necklaces I could part with.   But I’m thinking about it.

I find making jewelry to be very relaxing and a lot of fun.  The design phase is the most enjoyable for me. I love designing unique pieces that I know would never be found in any department or jewelry store. I also love looking for and using exceptional beads and stones that tell an interesting geologic story. Sometimes I try to pair up gemstones that would naturally form together, such as those that would be seen in a mafic igneous environment (Olivine, Tourmaline, Labradorite) or a medium grade regional metamorphic environment (Garnet, Mica, Quartz).  Beautiful necklaces are great, but beautiful necklaces that tell a story about Nature or how this incredible planet was formed, are fantastic!

 

Turquoise by contributing author Judy Jenkins

Turquoise is a gemstone marvel dating back thousands of years. The robin’s-egg or sky blue turquoise mined in Persia (Iran) since 5000 BC is usually regarded as the most desirable and valuable natural turquoise on the market. Turquoise is appreciated for color rather than for qualities such as rarity and hardness as is the case with other color gemstones.

Many cultures have found beauty and usefulness in turquoise--ancient Egyptians fashioned fine jewelry pieces for royalty, Aztecs in Mexico created masks, and the Chinese prized the beauty of turquoise but also used it in rituals. This versatile gemstone even served as currency in the southwestern part of the United States as early as the 1500s! To this day, we associate unique silver and turquoise jewelry with the Zuni and Navajo Native American tribes in the Southwest United States.

Turquoise, the birthstone for December babies, is mined in many places on the planet and some of the most beautiful is mined right here in America.  The Sleeping Beauty Mine in Arizona yields blues with no matrix or veining.  For beading, it would be hard to resist were it not so expensive. Gorgeous, smooth blue strands in 6 and 8 mm sizes can sell for hundreds of dollars! In our inventory, we have chips from the Sleeping Beauty Mine that will add high-end panache to your design without a high-end punch to your budget!

As a gemstone, turquoise is porous, can scratch easily and change appearance when exposed to oils, cosmetics, household cleaners and even strong light. It’s important you be aware of the treatments applied to turquoise to ensure you get a fair price and know how to properly care for your turquoise. Here is a list of turquoise terminology that may be helpful:

           - Natural – As the name implies, it is untreated, hard to find, and expensive.

           - Natural Stabilized – This is genuine turquoise that has been treated with a resin to make it   more resistant to chipping and breaking while protecting it from absorbing color-changing oils.

           - Stabilized – Much of the natural turquoise on the market is stabilized to harden it and         enhance the color. Stabilization is the process of submerging the turquoise in a substance, usually a resin, which soaks into the porous turquoise, filling its minute pores. When the resin hardens, the turquoise can be cut, polished and drilled.  

           - Reconstituted – Reconstituted turquoise is formed by grinding inferior quality turquoise     into a powder and then mixing it with plastic and dye. Shaped into a bead or cabochon, it        can look just like a whole piece of turquoise. 

            - Synthetic – Using technology and science, it is possible to create a stone with the same    chemical properties and appearance as natural turquoise.

            - Dyed –Chalk turquoise from China is dyed in several colors including green, purple, pink and even blue.

Reputable dealers will tell you about the treatment processes applied to the turquoise they are selling and answer your questions. That’s why it is always best to buy from the companies you trust.

 

JTV's In The Know - Amethyst: Educational Video Series Highlighting Your Favorite Gemstones

Hello, all!  In The Know, JTV's new educational video series, is an excellent tool for learning more about your favorite gemstones.  In this installment of the series, we take a closer look at Amethyst.  Did you know that Amethyst was the royal stone of choice for monarchs, kings and queens for centuries?  Find out more by watching JTV's In The Know series!  Watch a sneak peek here on the blog, and view the entire Amethyst series on youtube.com/jewelrytelevision, JTV's YouTube channel.  

JTV Takes A Walk Down Memory Lane For Birthday Week

Over the years, JTV has created many unforgettable memories.  As we are in the middle of celebrating Birthday Month, we have been taking a walk down memory lane to relive these classic moments.  Remember when Show Hosts Tommy and Mandy couldn't stop laughing during a show?  Hysterical!  Join us as we revel in nostalgia at the funny moments and bloopers of JTV past. 

 

Be sure to check other funny moments from JTV here!

JTV's In the Know - Kunzite: Educational Video Series Highlighting Your Favorite Gemstones

Hi, everyone!

I'm excited about JTV's new In the Know educational video series highlighting the characteristics and history of a particular gemstone. Here's a video from the In the Know: Kunzite series. You can see the entire kunzite series on youtube.com/jewelrytelevision, Jewelry Television's YouTube Channel. Enjoy! - Dana, JTV.com Community Manager

 

View the entire JTV's In the Know: Kunzite video series here.

JTV's Tool Guy Adam at the Shanghai World Expo

Ah, finally in Shanghai. One of the largest cities in China with a robust population of 22 million people. It is separated into three circular rings: The inner ring (downtown), the middle ring (where I stayed), and finally the outer ring. Total space covered by Shanghai is around 50 miles in any way you travel. If you get to any elevation at all, it is buildings as far as you can see. The sight is one I have never seen before in my life.

The first day in Shanghai we visited another packaging supplier who is working on a redesign of our TRAY2 and TRAY3. Why change something that has been so popular at JTV? Well we are committed to bringing you the best products in the industry, and even though our packaging technology is years ahead of anyone else in the industry, we are committed to staying that way! We will always lead and never follow! Samples should be ready after the Chinese Independence holiday and we should have these new trays in our inventory in 3 to 4 months so again...stay tuned.

This was my final factory visit and then it was time to see the rest of Shanghai! I had the pleasure of visiting the Asia World Expo (read about this amazing event here), which is put on only once every five years. This year it is in Shanghai and I had the honor of attending--Thanks Mr. Yu! On an average day, the Expo entertained 300,000 plus visitors...talk about a crowd! We visited a multitude of different cultural expo's and it was a once in a lifetime experience. And if you know the Chinese, they don't do anything small! The expo was absolutely HUGE and the architecture was amazing!

My visit to China is one I will never forget and I would like to personally thank JTV for this experience. I would also like to thank Shun for being my personal travel guide for 18 days. He is the best at what he does and I am indebted to him for his professionalism and his kindness as he had to put up with me for quite a long time! Thanks for all you do for JTV, Shun!

- Adam the Tool Guy, JTV

P.S.  Check out more pics of my trip to China coming soon at facebook.com/jewelrytelevision!

JTV's Tool Guy Adam Returns from China with New Tool Ideas, Photos and Video

Hey JTV blog fans! It's Adam the Tool Guy finally home from China. As I discussed in my earlier blog we have made some incredible breakthroughs in terms of product sourcing and found new manufacturers to create the best gemological tools and packaging in the industry--especially for you, Jewelry Television's valued customers. Shun and I have traveled many miles, visiting 8 manufactures that currently provide product to us as well as new manufactures that we will be adding to the JTV's list of product providers.

When Shun and I left Hai Fong, China (where my last blog ended) we traveled 3 hours by car to Dongguan to visit a new packaging manufacture. We gave them a list of new ideas and they are working diligently to provide us with new samples; like new and improved gemstone displays--a continuation of our industry leading GemVue jars, and development of new high-end packaging that falls in line with JTV's GemVue brand.

                    

This new manufacturer currently provides many top US companies and others world wide that include China, Europe, and South America. They also produced the commemorative Olympic coin collection boxes for the Chinese government.Their assortment/sample closest was absolutely AMAZING! There doesn't appear to be a concept or idea they cannot find a way to manufacture.

We had arrived late in the evening via a clunky Chinese airline and the weather was...well, let's say it was a little bumpy! We had little time to rest before we were back on the road. From our hotel we traveled about an hour outside of Ningbo to the microscope manufacturing facilities. There we previewed their collection of microscopes amounting to about 40 different models.

We had good discussion about a new compact GemVue microscope, which we are updating, and are in talks to develop a NEW professional model. This will be a professional grade microscope and I can't wait to show off the new design to JTV co-founder Jerry Sisk. I think he is going to love it!

Once again our visit was short lived because the traveling continued--this time to the historical city of Shanghai. But instead of taking a car or plane we traveled on a high speed train--the Maglev--which was a first for me. These trains are popping up everywhere and can cover most of China very, VERYquickly.

Train travel is much more convenient and green than the alternative methods. China is investing in this technology at rapid paces. I believe we topped out around 431 km per hour, which translates into around 267 mph. It was pretty cool for those of you that like traveling at high speed. It was definitely an experience.

On tomorrow's blog, I'll share with you some photos and videos from my time in Shanghai. My gracious host Shun's father shared tickets with me to the World Expo! This prestigious event only happens once every five years and it was a rare privilege to go!

- Adam the Tool Guy, JTV