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shivan's jewelry blog

A place to learn and be heard

Tucson Rocks

I’m just back from an amazing journey deep in the heart of the Arizona desert- Tucson! The 53rd Annual Tucson Gem Fair was awe-inspiring. It truly was a feast for the eyes. All the stones were gorgeous including the newly discovered types of gems, recently unearthed. What an amazing opportunity it was to be there!

We did an all day shoot with Jay King which was a blast. Jay totally busted my chops for wearing fancy cowgirl boots into the desert. He made us take a picture of his vs. mine. Note his are all manly and rough from his mining adventures. I thought the ones I wore were fashion forward – a must no matter where you are! Right? Speaking of Jay, I now get to bust him..I’ve always said he was a rock star. Now I have proof. The man broke out into

song throughout the entire day. Yup, he belted out the tunes. He has a great voice! Not only that, he had groupies all wanting to catch a glimpse. We had to clear the set several times from people just wanting to be near him and hear what he had to say. There were customers, miners, fellow jewelers all checking in with stories from the field. That was cool.

If you love gems the way I do, you are going to adore our Tucson Gem Event. The fact that you can pre-order from HSN.com is huge if you are a collector. I know what it is like to wake up early to drive across the country because you heard that a gem show was going on and your favorite jeweler was there. That’s what it’s like at HSN, only you don’t have to deal with traffic and you have 24-hour access.

The gems this year are spectacular. I am particularly excited about a Morganite ring. It is the prettiest pink color. I do love pink! It looks great on everyone. You can never wear enough pink! The Desert Eclipse Quartz ring looks just like the name implies. Interestingly enough on the day I left Tucson there was an actual eclipse. This ring captures the light show that is the sky above the desert. The Tanzanite Bow Tie ring is precious. The graded diamonds perfectly balance the glamour of this breathtaking Tanzanite. If you want a modern classic this is the ring for you.

Our Buyers work with miners from around the globe to bring you exceptional finds. The green stone I am standing next to in the photo is a stone I had never heard of before seeing at the show. It is so vibrant. I couldn’t take my eyes off of it. And to think, centuries ago it was only royalty who were able to enjoy the richness of gems. Today because of HSN, we all can. Thank goodness for Flex Pay!

Check out the footage from the gem show and enjoy the event which officially starts on HSNtv on Valentine’s Day. I can’t wait to share more stories with you as we go. Thanks for reading my first Blog entry! I’ve got to get back to my GIA gem course now, but look for more entries from me soon.

Rock on!
Shivan

jewelry insider picks
Shivan's recommendations

	1.59ct Pink Morganite and White Topaz Sterling Silver Ring HSN Price: $109.90

	7.5ct Enhanced Desert Eclipse Quartz 10K Solitaire Ring HSN Price: $349.90

	.68ct Tanzanite and Diamond 14K Bow Tie Ring HSN Price: $299.90

» shop all jewelry

Customer Comments ADD YOUR COMMENTS

(25 comments for Tucson Rocks)

Bea, CO	03/13/2008
Hi! I tried to write to John, but it kept telling me it wasn't in the correct format. What I'm wondering is if those wide mesh, and bold bracelets can be made in a 6.5 or 6 3/4 size?
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Linda-Marie, NJ	03/13/2008
Hi: I am a new HSN shopper and your show was quite interesting yesterday.. Could u please tell me how to get into the field of gemology. Being a lover of jewelry I would like to pursue this field. U made it sound extremely interesting. What does gemology involve as far as courses? HSN has wonderful selections but please have more trilliant cuts in rings in absolute and more clip on earrings in technibond. Thankxxx.
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Lillian, OH	03/10/2008
Love, love, love you SHIVAN!! Rocks are beautiful, yet pale in comparison to your shining and illuminating presence. Your enthusiasm is universal and appealing - how wonderful to watch some one like you do what you love and love what you do! You are an inspiration. I still wear the tennis bracelet I bought from you a few years ago, and each time I wear it, think of you. As for the Rocks, loved the tour...and the bells of Sarna ring on...
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Rubie, HI	02/27/2008
Hi Shivan, I have a question on the Enhanced Desert Eclipse Quartz. The ring is gorgeous and I'd like to know if this enhancement is permanent. Any tips to protect the stone from fading its color? Thank you!
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Kate, FL	02/26/2008
Shivan, kudos to you for studying to be an IGA Gemologist! You always find beautiful new treasures for us and I love learning more about gemstones from my favorite HSN host!
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Polly, FL	02/26/2008
Hi Shivan, Great job with your first blog! I love your energy on your show; so honest and genuine. Keep up the great work!
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Michael, NY	02/26/2008
I love the morganite...getting it today. Could you feature more of it? They make great gifts. Just want you to know I think you are great! You know so much and seem so caring and trustworthy. I feel confident buying from you.
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Ginny, WV	02/25/2008
I would love jewelry from the stone you are standing beside. I would feel very confindent of getting superior quality in Gemstones because of your extensive knowledge in the subject.Love your show.
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john, NY	02/25/2008
Shivan, great show. More tanzanite please.
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Shadow, SC	02/19/2008
Hi Shivan....love the show......do you know when the Shadow Quartz ring will be back? keep up the good work.
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Jennifer, NC	02/18/2008
I wanted to let you guys at HSN know that I love Item: 282-989, which is an aquamarine/blue sapphire 14k white gold ring...it's stunning! I would love to see you guys create some matching pieces to that...especially earrings & a necklace, and of course a braclet would be great too! I also ordered the moldavite/peridot ring that was on the showstopper during the Tuscon Gem Event, can't wait to get it in the mail! I'm so happy that HSN has made it easy & affordable to have a gem collection!
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lLynne, CA	02/18/2008
GREAT BLOG - SUGGESTION FOR NEXT YEAR, WHY NOT TAKE US, YOUR CUSTOMERS ON A LIVE TOUR OF THE TUCSON GEM SHOW AND ACTUALLY DO SOME BROADCASTS FROM ARIZONA. THERE IS SO MUCH AVID COLLECTORS WANT TO KNOW, PARTICULARLY THE HISTORY OF THE GEMS, (THAT'S WHY WE WATCH JAY KING) AND TO ACTUALLY BE ON LOCATION, INTERVIEWING, SELLING, ETC. MIGHT BE THE WAY TO GO. I KNOW MOST OF US WISH WE COULD ACTUALLY GO THERE SO WHY NOT BROADCAST FROM THERE?
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Bridget, NC	02/18/2008
Shivan- that is awesome that you are studying to be a Gemologist! Your shows are great about the Tucson Gem show! It's like getting a lesson on Gems! How do you find out more about the Gem Show for next year if you want to go? Do you know the dates for next year already? Will you be there Shivan? Thanks HSN!!!
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LL, PA	02/18/2008
Hi Shivan, have been trying to watch all of the Tuscon Gem shows (haven't been getting much sleep!) and have really enjoyed the beautiful exotic gemstones that you've showcased. What I'm personnally interested in are emerald cut drop earrings in spessertite, smoky quartz, topaz, madeira citrine - The chocolate zircon drop earrings tempted me but I didn't like the cut or earring style. I look forward to future shows and perhaps some emerald cut drop earrings (hint hint) and thanks for listening
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Lindalee, FL	02/17/2008
Wow, Shivan! That show looks fabulous - and your video made me feel like I was right there with you! Thank you for doing all the research and the work so that I can enjoy all your great finds!! I used to just tune in whenever to HSN - now I look for your schedule to see when you're on so that I can see what cool stuff you've got for us. Go Gem Girl!
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Cheryl, CO	02/17/2008
Hey, Shivan. Thanks for the good info. Can you tell us the name of the green stone you're standing next to in the photo? Looks like amazonite, but seems too shiny for that. Thanks!!
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Evie, AZ	02/16/2008
Courtney, You do not have to have a business license to get in to half of the shows, although I do. I live here & have been going since I was 10. Dad built me a tumbler when I was 12. The Gem show is as old as I am. I think they did that for me haha. I love living here all year, but the Gem show is toooo fun. Thank you for sharing your footage with everyone that didn't get a chance to see it in person
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Denise, AZ	02/15/2008
I love Jay's designs and unique stones -- I generally collect his earrings. What I don't like is a button earring. I prefer the earings that match the shape of the Pendent (unlike the Maanshan turquoise earrings -- (I would have loved to have bought if they had matched the pendent and not been button)...I'm from Phoenix and always looking for unique turquoise. Could you pass this on to Jay. THX Denise
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Tracey, MD	02/15/2008
Dear Shivan, The boots story gave me an extra smile as I know that Electric Park was virtually under water the day before your shoot...Fashion forward in Tucson is clean jeans, a great hat and a smile! I had a ball , too!
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Courtney, NC	02/14/2008
What a great show! I learn so much from HSN. I am an amateur collector and I love to hear about the Tucson Gem show. I would like to go there some year soon. Is it open to the public or do you have to be a gemologist? HSN is so informative. I miss Paul Deasy though. Thanks for the shows!
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Tracey, MD	02/14/2008
I was there,too,this year and wow, what a nice bunch of people.Of course the stones/fossils/gems were overwhelmingly to die for, but I've got to say,if I never see another round 'orb' it will be too soon!:)I picked up some wierd things, like ammolite, and believe it or not, was handed to hold, in the parking lot of our hotel,a quarter million bucks of Pariaba tourmaline in my hand ,in a baggie, from a spectacular stone cutter from Minnesota...he was an unbelievably talented and nice vendor.FUN!!
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Barbara M., NY	02/14/2008
Hi Shivan,Nice to see Tucson again. I grew up there and get homesick at times. Please tell Jay King to give my love to the Desert. I got the clive jasper earing. I will think of Tucson when wearing them.
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Renee, OH	02/14/2008
Shivan, you always bring the best wherever you go! I hope you are able to have many more gem adventures. Namaste Shivanji!
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Lily, CA	02/14/2008
Shivan, I loved the video. You showed us all that beauty in gems and stones that HSN will be bringing to us. Super, can't wait. You did a great job in presenting it. HSN is always thinking forward! Love you Shivan and Jay too.
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Cortney, FL	02/13/2008
Shivan what a wonderful opportunity for customers to see how it all begins and what an amazing display of what the earth has to offer to make you look beautiful!! Enjoyed your video and I am really excited about the new jewelry that HSN will offer. Good luck on your studying to be a gemologist, i know you'll be great!!
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