JTV Blog

JTV's Biggest Tanzanite Event of the Year

Jewelry Television is proud to the be the world's largest retailer of not just gemstones, but of tanzanite, too! Tune in to Jewelry Television September 15th through 18th (or watch live online at jtv.com/live) as JTV's Tanzanite Event brings you the best possible value in tanzanite jewelry and tanzanite loose gemstones--plus, many free gifts with purchase! You won't want to miss the return of the Merelani Star™ cut and the debut of a brand new Merelani cut. Jewelry lovers, you'll be excited to know that for the first time ever on JTV we will have Kianga  and Katzenburg cut tanzanite in carat gold. Kutamani Tanzanite ™ fans, we're bringing you even more jewelry designs in fine .925 sterling silver.

Kutamangakatzawhat? You don't have to speak Swahili to understand the significance behind the names for the JTV's exotic cuts and collections in tanzanite. Here's a short guide to what makes each brand special:

JTV's Merelani Star™ Cut Tanzanite

Created from only better grades of tanzanite, this amazing cushion-cut design delights with rich color play and brilliance. It features a total of 97 facets, with 12 facets on the girdle alone, all of which deliver a dazzling light return of over 75%.

 

JTV's Katzenberg Signature Collection of Tanzanite

We are pleased to present stunning tanzanite cut exclusively by Shlomo Katzenberg, Master Lapidary. With more than 30 years experience, he is known throughout the gem business for his highly refined cutting skills, impeccable honesty and reliability. His clients read like a "who's who" of the gem and mineral trade.

Meralani Magic Cut Tanzanite

The Merelani Magic Cut™ is our newest tanzanite cut. The magic is in the details. The Merelani Magic Cut™ has a total of 64 facets, unlike traditional rounds that have 58. The cut is very unusual, strikingly beautiful, and it takes a highly skilled cutter a total of 14 hours to complete just one stone.

 
Kutamani Tanzanite™

Named from the native Swahili language, Kutamani translates to “aspire.” While JTV's Kutamani Tanzanite™ has a few more internal characteristics than our other tanzanite collections, its rich and regal hues more than make up for their presence.

 

Kianga Tanzanite™

Like a dazzling whirlwind of magnificent light, JTV's Kianga tanzanite’s sparkle rivals that of a fine diamond. Kianga, taken from the Swahili word for “burst of light,” is Jewelry Television’s exclusive round brilliant cut with 57-58 triangle and kite facets that intensifies the gentle lilac and light blue hues of tanzanite to a new level of distinction.

 

 

 

Free Necklace Design Project from Margot Potter for Jewel School: Lepidoptera

Lepidoptera Necklace, from the book New Dimensions in Bead and Wire Jewelry by Margot Potter

This design came while playing with a wire jig. The two curved shapes when placed back to back immediately evoked butterfly wings.  My job was to keep the design simple and organic.  Although more can be more, I find the more I progress as a designer that simplicity in form excites me.  This is from my new book New Dimensions in Bead and Wire Jewelry available here at JTV, included in a 3-book set with my first book The Impatient Beader, and my sixth book Bead and Wire Jewelry Exposed, co-authored with Katie Hacker and Fernando DaSilva.  You can use any jig with large pegs to recreate this design, any color of copper wire and any large bead will work for the dangle, just be mindful it isn’t too heavy or the design won’t sit properly on the neck when worn. You can get everything you need to make this design from Jewel School, on jtv.com. - Margot

 

Lepidoptera, Copyright 2011, Margot Potter. As seen in her book New Dimensions in Bead and Wire Jewelry, available now on jtv.com.

Materials

12x25mm teardrop or briolette bead (any light weight larger bead will work here)

18-gauge natural copper Artistic Wire 

20-gauge natural copper Artistic Wire 

3 6mm copper jump rings 

Tools

Thing-a-Ma Jig

Round nose pliers 

2 pairs chain nose pliers 

Chasing hammer, Steel bench block, and Bench block pad, all avaiable in this Dapping Kit from jtv.com.

Jump ring maker tool with 12mm dowel 

Flush cutters 

Instructions

1. Wrap an 18-gauge wire around the two pegs on the jig as shown in photo.  Cut off excess wire tail. 
2. Coil wire ends into spirals as in photo using the largest part of your round nose pliers.
3. Hammer shape flat and add texture.  Create six of these shapes, three turning to the left and three turning to the right.
4. Wrap a left and right turning shape into a butterfly using the 20-gauge wire.  Wrap 8 times around the center of the two shapes, binding them together.  Cut off and tuck excess wire. 
5. Use chain nose pliers to compress the coils.
6. Add two wraps connecting the outer edge of each spiral, see photo.  Compress the coils.
7. Use the jump ring maker tool to create 27 12mm jump rings with the 18 gauge wire. 
8. Flatten the rings with the flat side of your chasing hammer on the steel bench block.
9. Create a 1 ¾” fancy hook (see photo) using the 18-gauge wire, flatten using hammer on bench block.
10. Create a 1 ½” spiral ended hook (see photo) using the 18-gauge wire.  Start by loosely flat coiling the end of a 3” wire segment as in photo using your round nose pliers and nylon jaw pliers.
11. Hammer shape.  Turn a loop that is perpendicular to the front of the shape with your round nose pliers.
12. Wire wrap the teardrop as shown using the 20-gauge wire. 
13. Create a coiled loop at the top.
14. Attach this to the spiral ended hook using a large jump ring.
15. Attach your butterflies using pre-made 6mm jump rings.
16. Create a simple chain connecting on the outside of the butterfly on the left with the 12mm jump rings.
17. Add the large hook to the end of your chain.

 

JTV's Fall 2011 Jewelry Preview

Beginning Wednesday, September 7, through Friday, September 9, be sure to tune in to Jewelry Television or watch live on jtv.com/live as we show you what's new in jewelry for Fall 2011. Whether it’s eclectic and adventurous, or a timeless statement of style, we love fall’s new fashion direction. Our fall fashion premiere includes captivating new jewelry styles: looks we love for workday, weekend and nightime glam, plus tried and true Customer Favorites.  From the clean and classic to the divinely dazzling, you’ll love JTV's take on jewelry for Fall 2011!

Bonus! Our Fall Jewelry Preview also features a trio of Today’s Best Values, one each day on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, available while quantities last.

JTV's Fall 2011 Jewelry Trend Report

• GEOMTRICALLY GORGEOUS. Big and Bold. Chic and Chunky.  Warm things up with oversized gemstone creations in unique shapes and sizes, set in real gold or sterling silver. From Smoky Quartz and Citrine, to rich Coral and Agate, count on JTV and jtv.com for exciting jewelry to create your own personal expression of style and luxury.
  

• ON THE FRINGE – Multiple strands of beads create a fringe frenzy when paired with chunky sized gemstones and the rich glow of sterling silver or gold. Throw on strand after strand, and you’re good to go!

• TRIBAL ART – Mother Nature takes a bow with gorgeous autumnal toned gemstones combined with fabrics and real gold or sterling silver for a totally natural look. Tiger’s Eye and Coral are key players all season long.

• MIX TO MATCH – Familiar favorites take on a new sense of style with multi-colored gemstone necklaces and convertible bracelets. Try a 50-inch endless multi-gemstone necklace to wear as a single strand or double up for layers of impact and unforgettable style. Plus our Memory Wire bracelet that adorns your wrist or converts to a choker for the perfect neckline.  This fall there’s no wrong way to wear these gorgeous designs!

• STATEMENT NECKLACES – Big. Bold. Expressive. Gemstone creations that fill the entire neckline with a grand statement of style. Our fall standouts sparkle with saturated color and precious metal accents. Designs to enjoy this season and beyond.

• WATCH  IT –  JTV has a watch style for every occasion and look.  From classic to contemporary, our fall lineup is right on time! Great watches to get and give, all at totally irresistible prices.

• PEARLS GALORE – Trend starters to update any wardrobe. Collections include over-the-top cultured freshwater strands in fashion colors, plus classic looks for timeless appeal. Big and bold or small and understated, it’s time to fall for pearls.

THE COLORS OF FALL 2011

Mother Nature’s color play arrives with rich bolts of brights tempered with warm neutrals. Colors to watch include:

• Golden Gala – a subtle neutral, this easy-blending yellow is tinged with green.
• Coral Spice – a playful reddish pink, this shade adds romance and warmth.
• Purple Majesty – rich and regal, fall’s ultimate jewel tone.
• Peacock Teal – splendid teal runs deep in this dynamic shade.
• Pine Cone – Fall’s warmest brown stands on its own or adds cozy contrast.
• Toasted Honey – this strong camel tone becomes a fall staple.
• Iced Lilac – light and lovely, this gentle purple is soothed with silvery gray undertones.
• Sleek Slate – gray makes an autumnal entrance with a strong statement of style.

 

Fall 2011 Trend Report from Margot Potter for Jewel School

Color You Fabulous! Trend Report for Fall 2011 by Margot Potter for Jewel School

It has been sweltering here in East Tennessee, but summer will fade soon and those crisp autumn days are right around the corner.  Crisp autumn days mean new fall fashions and we’re ready to help you transition effortlessly into the latest looks.  We’ve been buying lots of gorgeous goodies here at Jewel School and as always, we’re paying close attention to emerging trends to keep you swathed in style.  The runway reports are in and the big story this season is color!  The usual earthy shades we associate with fall have taken a back seat this season.  Jewel tones, vivid yellows, juicy oranges, verdant greens and even demure nude tones step forward in an unexpectedly playful palette.

Some of the biggest stories on the runway this season have been monochromatic.  Red, always the attention getter, appeared in several of the shows and we’ve got plenty of gorgeous red beads  at Jewel School and  beautiful red necklaces in our jewelry inventory.  Nude looks defied the usual darker color focus; we’re right on trend with  peach aventurine and pearls ,  new mother of pearl and pearl kit   and  peach toned moonstone beads. Black and white spectator looks reigned supreme and we’ve got you covered there, too.  Take a peek at our spinel, obsidian, black agate and even black diamonds  and the opalite, pearls, quartz and moonstone beads.    

The fashion magazines are showing lots of jewel toned 80s style fabrications featuring dark emerald green, navy blue paired with a vibrant yellow.  Mixing the green of  malachite with blue lapis and dark yellow serpentine beads  creates an au courant brilliant look.

The directional colors for fall as predicted by the world’s foremost color authority include vivid pinks, warm, elegant oranges, confidant yellows, and hardy, muted greens, along with deep garden purples and soft grey infused lavender.

Big, bold metal looks are the marquee story in jewelry this season.   Pyrite, so named by the Greeks because of its fiery properties, is a gemstone with an enormous metallic presence.  We’ve recently received a shipment of gorgeous chain that will add metallic flashes into your bead work.  Don’t forget Jewel School’s huge collection of metal wire and findings  to pull it all together and be right on trend for fall!

No matter the style or the season, Jewel School has everything you need to make stylish, chic and sensational jewelry at an affordable price.  Visit our website and tune into the shows every Thursday from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. EDT and Sunday from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. EDT on Jewelry Television or view the live streaming on the web at JTV.com http://www.jtv.com/. We’ve got a cornucopia of exciting new guests and products on the way to inspire your creativity!