JTV Blog

Fashion: Charm Bracelet

JTV's Imagination Charm Collection lets you adorn yourself in quality sterling silver charms that symbolize the things you hold most dear in life. Create the perefect bracelet for you!

JTV's Imagination Charm Collection is crafted in precious sterling silver and we offer numerous choices to fit your personality from themed beads to Swarovski crystals to natural gemstones from mother earth. Every charm is inspired to show love, feel love and for you to create or share your moments in life we all celebrate.

RJTEXAS from Texas says:

"I ordered the bracelet and some of the charms for my granddaughter and they are so cute!"

CHICKPEA from Georgia says:

"Very substantial, well-made and surprisingly heavy and cute as a button! Fits very well on the JTV Imagination bracelet."

NURSEMAC from New Hampshire says:

"Wonderful quality and great design! You won't go wrong with this purchase! Thanks JTV for another super product!"

 

Shop JTV's Imagination Charm Collection today at JTV.com!

Pamela McCoy Diamonds™

Jewelry Teleivision is excited to launch our new brand Pamela McCoy Diamonds™ this week! Pamela will be joining us on air Thursday, January 31 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to show you all her collection!

Pamela McCoy brings to JTV her passion for fashion and high-class jewelry with Pamela McCoy Diamonds™. Pamela McCoy is a GIA graduate with certifications in diamonds, colored gems and precious metals.  She has a passion for design that includes fashion as well as fine jewelry. She has been involved with designing jewelry for over 20 years but this is the first collection that she has designed in its entirety, and lucky for us it is exclusive to JTV. She has a passion for design that includes fashion as well as fine jewelry and has also been designing her own clothing line for over 13 years.

With over 20 years of television experience including numerous years hosting at a very well known TV shopping network, her experience in the industry has lead her to become a well known fashion icon as well as a trend and jewelry expert where she developed over 10 very successful brands.

Pamela is married to Wes McCoy, who she co-hosted with for over 18 years. She has two children, two grandchildren and a dog named Zoe.

Pamela McCoy Diamonds™ collection features dazzling diamonds set in sterling silver wrapped in 14kt gold and rhodium with a fashionable twist of individuality, texture and upmost quality. Her pieces are classic with a contemporary attitude, topped with diamonds that maximize every facet. Pamela’s love of both jewelry and fashion offers you a dazzling, aspirational look that you can both love and afford.

The most compelling thing about Pamela McCoy Diamonds™ is the trademarked symbol of strength.

This symbol is derived from ancient cultures.  Similar spiral like designs have been found in writing and art either in concentric circles or rectangular lines.  In each display it is surmised that the symbol represents strength.  The thought being that as these lines compress in upon themselves they become stronger.  I have created this version as a representation of strength for all women.  It is a tangible reminder that as the stress of life begins to mount we will become stronger as well.  This symbol was first used in my clothing line and I am proud to expand it's use in my diamond collection

She will be debuting a large cuff bracelet that she designed with the symbol of strength on it on air January 31!

 

Indulge in this exclusive line of fine jewelry.  Pamela McCoy Diamonds™ on Jewelry Television and jtv.com.

Jewelry Feature: Bella Luce® Diamond

 

Diamonds have always been my favorite gemstone. I love the sparkle and shine that they give off. I came across this Bella Luce® diamond set and could not resist myself! Shop this Bella Luce® necklace, bracelet and ring today at JTV.com!

JTV's Exotic Gemstone Expert Larry Pereg: Favorite Gemstone

"Larry, What is your favorite gemstone?" I am asked that question all the time, and it is by far the most difficult to answer. You know that all gems have special significance, but this time I'm going to do it anyway... I will answer the question.

Sometimes it's a smell or a song that brings you back nostalgically to an experience or time that was particularly meaningful in your life. It may not be the best smell or the best song, but for you it will always be special.

About 15 years ago I was in a mine in Brazil near a town called Gramado deep in the south close to the border between Uruguay and Brazil. We actually had to use a pulley to cross the river on raft just to get there. An interesting side note is that most of the indentured servants the Portuguese brought with them to this southern region were Italian. It's another world compared to the rest of Brazil, the architecture, the food, and the customs... check it out.

Back to the story... The sun was high, not a cloud in the sky, and it was about 60 degrees and here we were going into the mine. We were just a couple of hundred feet down and it was dark, a few minutes later we were a thousand feet down and it was pitch black.

The miners then informed me that they had hit some very hard rock and were going to set charges and dynamite the wall. This DID NOT sound good to me, but where was I gonna go? Lo and behold charges were set and a huge blast followed completely filing the air with dust and smoke. The miners went to work chipping away at the hard rock with hammers and chisels carefully looking for an indentation in the rock that might indicate a geode hiding behind the wall.

About an hour or so later there was a bit of a commotion, something definitely was found. One of the miners called out and the rest of the crew joined in the slow and tedious job of extracting this 4 foot tall geode. It was like extracting a tooth from a huge mouth. With incredible care and excitement, it was finally done.

Once they had extracted the geode they brought it up the thousand or so feet to the front of the mine and carefully split it open from the top. Inside this geode were the most magnificent, most beautiful, most sparkling Amethyst crystals I had ever seen. To say I had goose bumps is an understatement.

As much as I love the world of gemstones, that moment took it to a whole other level. It is hard to find the words to describe the level of respect, appreciation, and awe that resulted from being there. Seeing a gem that had been buried deep in the earth for who knows how long, brought to life before my eyes. By brought to life I mean brought to all of us to appreciate, cherish, collect, or to wear in a beautiful piece of jewelry.

When I see a gemstone, I think about that day. When I see a woman wearing a piece of jewelry I think about that day. I want to share that experience and excitement with as many people as can. So I do feel blessed to be a part of the JTV family where I can appear on air or write a blog, and know that there are so many of you that know exactly what I'm talking about. How wonderful it is that these gems are available to us because of JTV.

So this long story brings me to that single question. Larry, what is your favorite stone? For me, because of that special day some 15 years ago, it is Amethyst. Coincidentally it also happens to be my birthstone. It's a gem that is sometimes taken for granted. But when you think of what it takes to get that beautiful Amethyst from the mine in Brazil, Uruguay, or Africa to you at home, you can't help but wear it with pride...

Shop for Amethyst gemstones and jewelry today at JTV.com!

Extra!! Jewel School Weekly with Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

Workshops at JTV's Jewel School Institute this February!!

Last week I gave you a "sneak peek" at our upcoming JSI "March Mixed Media Madness" jewelry making classes event, and later this week I'll feature more of the classes and wonderful instructors we have lined up. Today this Extra Special post is to announce our .....

February 15, 16 & 17:  Wire 101-Progressive Workshops!! Choose from either a 3 day workshop in Chainmaille OR a 3 day workshop in Tradition Wire Jewelry Design....

You've seen both of us on JTV's Jewel School, perhaps you have one of our books but there is nothing like taking a Live Class!

Lauren Anderson, The "ChainMaille Lady"

If you have an interest in learning how to make beautiful chainmaille jewelry but have been intimidated by the thought of repetition or how to close jump rings firmly, Lauren will put you at ease.

Lauren describes her Progressive 3-Day ChainMaille Workshop:

Our workshop will begin by discussing how to use a variety of metals to make your chainmaille, what sizes are needed, where chainmaille originated and how it has evolved into the 21^st century. We will also discuss wire gauges, nomenclature used by various chainmaille jump ring distributors, how to make your own jump rings and the tools needed to make them. You will receive useful charts to aid you in purchasing jump rings.

Day 1:  We will begin by learning a very simple yet gorgeous chainmaille bracelet called 'Spine of the Centipede' and in the afternoon we will make another bracelet using the barrel weave technique.

Day 2:  We will expand on what you have learned in day one by adding another chainmaille weave to your repertoire.

Day 3:  We will make a beautiful pair of crystal earrings and discuss how to price your work for sale, venues, booth décor, and a brief discussion on copyright issues. 

Each student is required to please bring to class:

Two pair of the following: snub nose pliers, chain nose pliers, and/or bent nose pliers. Magnification and individual task lighting.

Lauren's required class kit includes: Sterling Silver Jump Rings, Silver-Filled Jump Rings, Artistic Wire® Jump Rings, Sterling Silver Clasps, Silver Plated Clasps, Sterling Silver Ear Wires, Beadalon® WildFire™ Beading Thread, Swarovski Crystals 4mm Clear, 5mm Clear, and 8mm Capri Blue, 15⁰ Seed Beads – Copper Color, Crimp Tubes - Copper, 19 Strand Satin Copper Beadalon® Beading Wire, Beadalon® Loop Crimps

Have you wanted to either learn or define your basic skills in Traditional Wire Jewelry Design?

Then my 3-Day Progressive Workshop is for you! Yes I, Dale "Cougar" Armstrong will be teaching all of the basic skills necessary to create unique wire wrapped jewelry!

Day 1- While learning how to properly straighten, measure and cut wire, our discussions will include wire: covering types, gauges, shapes and tempers. Students will enjoy making a Beaded Bangle, discovering bracelet sizing formulations, clasp design and more. The late afternoon will include bracelet design variations and the creation of an heirloom quality Pattern Wire Bangle.

Day 2- Students will warm up by learning to make 3 styles of ear wires, and then discuss different earring designs while making 2 different pairs. We will then progress on to making the Ultimate Cabochon Pendant, using adjustable formulas with a freeform druzy cabochon; learning to embellish their design with tiny beads and/or pearls.

Day 3- Today students will learn about wire ring designs and how to choose stones and cabochons, while creating an all wire, "Adjustable Friendship" ring and a traditional Pharaoh's Cabochon Ring. Discussions will include using different types of ring mandrels, ring sizers and mallets, as well as pricing and taking custom orders. 

Tools each student should please bring to class:

Jeweler's pliers: chain nose, flat nose, and round nose; wire cutters, pin vise, ultra fine making pen, foot long ruler, quilter's or 3M painter's tape, works surface (prefer cushion style mouse pad) notebook and pen, metal ring mandrel, rawhide or nylon mallet.

Optional tools, if you have them, please bring: 3 step or 6-step round pliers, ring sizer, automatic wire twister (or drill), optivisor, personal task light & extension cord, digital camera. (Instructor will bring extra tools to share in class.)

My required class kit includes: a variety of silver-filled and sterling silver wire, snapsets and CZ gemstones, freshwater pearls, crystals, druzy cabochon, written follow-up directions, and surprises!!

A few nice details:

Morning and afternoon snacks as well as lunch, coffee, tea and water will be provided to all participants. the Jewel School Institute Store will be open and our instructors will have extra supplies available for sale in their classrooms too!

For all of the information you need and to register for either workshop, please email: classes@jtv.com

Lauren and I hope to see you there!

Dale/Cgr

Learning Library: JTV Goes to London!

Jewelry Television is always traveling and since we're all still celebrating Jerry's life and all he has done for Jewelry Television we only thought it would be appropriate to highlight one of Jerry's recent trips. Jerry and JTV President and CEO Tim Matthews recently took a trip to London for the Gem-A Conference.  Tim was gracious enough to share their journey from Knoxville to London, all about the Conference, their sightseeing trips and fun gemstone adventures with YOU! You can check it out in the JTV.com Learning Library.  You'll love reading the story and hearing their fun London adventure! 

Click through the full London Story here! 

Fire Opal

While many associate opal’s name only with those types that always display magnificent play-of-color, there is another beautiful opal variety that is often overlooked—Fire Opal. Fire opal gemstones glow with the fire of the volcanoes that spewed lava where they are produced so long ago: yellows, oranges and reds that are so bright you might think they would glow in the dark!

 

Read more about Fire Opal at JTV.com.

Add a piece of Fire Opal to your collection today!

Jewel School Weekly with Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

Jewel School Schedule

January Jewel School Hours: Please note that the times listed are EST.

Sunday 10am - 1:00pm

Monday 10am - Noon

Wednesday 10am - Noon

January 20 & 21/Sunday & Monday-- Laura Timmons will join our Jewel School hosts, bringing us some new ideas for beaded wire crochet, using findings, wire kits, tools and more from Beadalon!

How would you like to make Laura's stunning "Twisted Crystals: Orange Crush" necklace? As one of our JSI Instructors, Laura will be offering this and two other unique classes at our upcoming March Mixed Media Madness event!!

January 16-- Beads, Beads, Beads!! Tune in on Wednesdays to see what lovely bead combinations our show planner has put together for the New Year. Jewel School carries a huge selection, from tiny Seed Beads through gorgeous Natural Gemstone Beads!

"Cougarism"-- (JSI Happenings!)

I mentioned in last week's post that I had been working with many different artist in a wide variety of media to bring you the 2013 Jewel School Institute calendar. Due to life making changes we don't plan for, our calendar launch is running about a week behind, so I thought I would take this opportunity to share a special "Sneak Peek" at what we have planned this year.

March Mixed Media Madness!!

If you're interested in learning the basics of wire crochet, Albina Manning will be offering a Wire Crochet class - for beginners! Even if you have never picked up a crochet hook in your life, Albina will teach you how to use one while you create this eye-catching necklace and earring set.

Internationally acclaimed mixed media instructor, Meredith Arnold will share how easy and rewarding it is to create your own Etched Metal designs, where students will make their own lovely bracelet!

How about learning some basic beading techniques with our own Christiane Ross? She will be offering several cool and sparkly Seed Bead classes, such as the bracelet shown below:

Maybe the ancient art of Scrimshaw has made you curious about just how to sketch (or "scratch") designs into special surfaces that can later be used on ivory? Mary W Bailey is known for her amazing skills in the art of scrimshaw and will be offering classes to teach you how to too!

Just how many different classes will we be offering? When and where? Stay tuned for more peeks at what we have scheduled at the JSI this year!

Did you know....there are more than 130 Free Jewelry Making Videos on JTV's Jewel School YouTube channel? Check them out!

Stay Twisted!

Dale/Cgr

JTV's Exotic Gemstone Expert Larry Pereg: In Memory of Gerald D. Sisk, Jr

Jerry Sisks life made a difference, and that is his legacy. I've been in the Gemstone business for many years and from my perpective no one impacted the industry the way Jerry did. I had the privelege to spend quite a bit of time with Jerry, and was taken by his vision and his passion to make the most rare and exotic gems available to us all. He understood that reaching out and educating so many thousands of people about these gifts of nature was his calling. Jerry will be missed for the very special human being he was and missed for what he would have continued to contribute to the gemstone world. I am proud to have known him.

Thank you Jerry, your friend Larry Pereg

Meet Our Host: Dawn Tesh

Chicago native Dawn Tesh is no stranger to the camera. A Jewelry Television® host for more than a decade, she put herself through college modeling across the U.S. and Europe. She worked for various modeling agencies and lived in Italy for two years. She earned her undergraduate degree in accounting, but it was her love for fashion and jewelry that made her transition to Jewelry Television® a natural one. When Dawn started at JTV, there were only 40 employees, compared to the more than 1,200 we have now. She says the tremendous growth, friendships, and knowledge she's gained here over time is invaluable.

Favorite Gemstone: If it's rare and exotic, Dawn probably likes it. She especially favors tanzanite and apatite.

Fashion Tip: "Don't buy retail!" she exclaims. When shopping for herself, Dawn chooses trendy jewelry and loose colored gemstones. Her favorite accessory is a necklace.

Fun Facts: As much as Dawn loves jewelry, nothing compares to her affection for her son, who she calls her inspiration. Dawn stays fit by running and is involved in several charities.

Want to know more about our other show hosts, visit us at JTV.com.