Why buy a loose Gemstone? - Michelle Stoffel

I have had the pleasure of sharing loose gemstones with you for awhile now, and I just wanted to share with you why I have absolutely fallen in love with them.

First of all, you can’t deny their beauty, the colors, shapes, even their personality hits me every single time I see them. There are so many ways and reasons to collect gemstones. You could collect every stone in your favorite shape or color. You could collect just your very favorite stone but in all shapes and sizes. Or just the best stone that you can afford in each gem group. Whether it is for personal entertainment, educational or aesthetic value or investment purposes you are limited in your collection only by your imagination.

Do you have a collection of something? It seems everyone collects something. My Mother recently reminded me that as a child I was obsessed with butterflies. As a matter of fact, since we lived within walking distance of school my mother would send me out the door in the morning with a kiss in my closed fist, (just in case I might need it during the day). On one particular day I ended up being two hours late for kindergarten, when asked why I merely stated that I had been chasing butterflies, as if it were the most natural thing in the world to put butterflies before school. I remember absolutely loving the bright colors and beautiful patterns of their wings as they so gracefully fluttered through the air. My Grandmother would help me collect butterflies and pin them to a long wide ribbon of black velvet that she had hung on the wall. I guess that would be my very first experience at collecting.

I also collected agates, seashells, vintage jewelry and blue willow china. (I still collect shells).

My fascination with gemstones is growing rapidly. Although I am intrigued by the color, I find that cut and shape is what draws me in. To think that a person has taken a piece of rough and has held it so carefully while he ground down each and every facet to a symmetrical shape that can either make or break a stone is incredible! To me every stone has become really a three dimensional sculpture in and of its’ own right.

The Art Major in me comes out every single time I see a loose gemstone and it is truly thrilling for me to look at a stone and realize that I am not bound by someone else’s definition of beauty as to how to wear it. By buying a loose gem, I have an unique opportunity to decide how I want to set it and wear it, That’s why I like giving loose gems as gifts, it gives me the chance to share that unique experience with the person I am giving it too.

Speaking of loose gemstones, I am so honored that I will be joining Sayed this Saturday evening, March 22^nd, as we will host the March All Star Event for The Jewelry Channel together. During that show we will showcase some of the most collectable and magnificent loose gemstones that I have ever seen in person! AAAA Tanzanite in weights between 15 carats and over 33 carats, and a Paraiba Tourmaline that weighs in at a whopping 97.20! Can you just imagine that? Not to mention some finished jewelry pieces that would rival any crown jewel collection. As well as some Iliana and special TJC classics so that everyone watching will find something to add to their collection. It will be truly a treat to behold for all!

Happy collecting!

Michelle Stoffel

Quality and Value - Stacy Weaver

The prices and quality of the jewelry at The Jewelry Channel is just out of this world. I was sooooo amazed when I started working here.

My husband and I went on a cruise and the one thing I wanted to get was jewelry because I had heard that you could get great jewelry in Cozumel at a really great price. I searched everywhere trying to find something in my price range that would remind me of that special trip. I bought a few things on the ship that I love but they were not gemstones. I decided I would wait until I went to the shops in Cozumel. Well, I looked at several shops and found this really amazing looking gemstone that I had never heard of. It was so shiny had many different colors and I thought to myself "wow, how great...... this gemstone will go with everything". It was mystic topaz. I then decided I would get the most use out of earrings so that was my next venture...finding the perfect pair of earrings. I did and was soooo proud and excited about them. Boy, I thought I got the best deal ever. That was a few years ago. Then March of 2007 I started working at The Jewelry Channel and was introduced to our jewelry and gemstones. Boy was I fascinated. They were exquisite, however when I was shown mystic topaz earrings I was so sad. Come to find out those perfect mystic topaz earrings that I found in a place that was supposed to have great quality and fantastic prices were nothing like what I was looking at here. I later learned that I did in fact get a good deal it's just that The Jewelry Channel had a better deal. I just couldn't compare them to jewelry stores because we have cut out all of the middle men. How exciting. The Jewelry Channel offers fine jewelry that everyone can afford.

Well, I am still a little disappointed that my earrings aren't as pretty and big as ones I have seen here at lower prices but at least I have the memories and they do offer sentimental value.

Because of this experience and after working here and knowing first hand the quality and value...I will never shop for jewelry anywhere else.

Stacy Weaver

Why knowledge makes you a confident shopper- Marissa

A few months ago I had the amazing opportunity to visit Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. While I was there, I made my way into town to check out the dining, shopping and culture, as any tourist would do! After a delicious authentic Mexican meal, I wandered into a shopping mall that catered to high end shoppers. While browsing the various high end clothing stores, art boutiques and jewelry stores, it occurred to me: "I wonder how much they are charging for Tanzanite here in Mexico, where many products are often less expensive!" As I made my way into the upscale jewelry store, the two salesmens' eyes lit up at the site of my myself and my gentleman friend, probably thinking "Oooh! Newlyweds!" When I reached the counter and met the two gentlemen, I asked to see "The largest, most exquisite Tanzanite piece they had! One of the two gentlemen excused himself and went into a back room and I remember thinking "Oooh baby!! This is going to be gorgeous!!!!" My excitement and expectations were completely crushed when the man presented me "An 6 carat 3A tanzanite with a 1 ct mix of baguette and round diamonds." I was completely taken back because not only was the Tanzanite very light in color saturation, pushing a 2A in my opinion, it also had a very low clarity grade and looked as if it was a 2 or 3ct stone. On top of that, the diamonds didn't even compare to the eye clean diamonds we offer in our Iliana Luxury line, here at The Jewelry Channel. What was even more shocking was when he offered it to me saying excitedly, "Normally $36,000, today I take off $3,000 just for you!"

Ha! That's when the smirk crossed my face, I turned to my friend, chuckled, and I said "Really... No thank you." I then sauntered out of that store like I was the smartest, most confident girl in the world. Many of you may have heard me share this story on the air, I have used it to really draw a comparison to the incredible markup that happens in retail and educate you on the perks of shopping with The Jewelry Channel, where you have the benefit of not paying those exorbitant retail prices. Even as one of your hosts here at The Jewelry Channel, it not only took an incredible amount of research, but also some serious comparison shopping both live and also via the internet to really understand the value of the jewelry TJC has to offer and also for me to have the confidence to strongly and honestly convey that to you, the consumer.

While my recent trip to Mexico shed light on the retail world, especially when it comes to prices on rare and exotic stones, it also was an eye opening experience that taught me how knowledge really does empower us as consumers.

India, My Incredible Journey - Dionne Ross

I must admit that one of the single most memorable events in my life was the opportunity I had journey to the magnificent city of Jaipur, within the northern province of Rajasthan in India. Prior to making the trip, I had only been hired by the Jewelry Channel for less than a week. I was so overwhelmed with excitement for the opportunity to host on a national television broadcast, I was sure nothing else could surprise me. Little did I know that my being hired would only be the beginning of monumental experiences for me. Within a matter of two weeks, I went from a full time graduate student, to sitting on a plane by myself on my way to New Delhi to shoot a documentary.

I must say, just before the trip, I was petrified!!! I went to the doctor and got more shots in one sitting than I think I had my entire life. I scoured the internet to find the absolute worst facts I could about traveling to India, so I could be prepared for anything. I read stories of people becoming deathly ill from drinking the water, or being bitten by people sized mosquitoes, even being scammed out of tens of thousands of dollars by con-artists. Needless to say, I stuffed my suit case with tons of bottled waters, granola bars, and the strongest bug repellent on the shelves. As I heard the flight attendant say the words, "Welcome to Delhi" I felt my stomach drop and I asked myself what in the world I was thinking!

Surprisingly, every negative idea I read about India quickly became null and void when I experienced the culture first hand. Seeing the beautiful and meticulous architecture of the city demonstrated the amount of heritage and pride the people of Jaipur experience. Experiencing the genuine warmth and hospitality of the people gave me a true sense of humility. Most importantly... the Food!!! Lets’ just say I did not eat one granola bar. I realized that I cannot make judgments from other people's experiences, as valid as they may seem. I had to experience my own reality.

The most educational and rewarding part of my trip was touring our jewelry making facilities. I noticed the fact that those crafting the pieces were not just hired hands, but skilled artisans. Many of those who work for our company come from families in the jewelry making business and pass those traditions down from one generation to the next. Although they produce thousands of pieces, each piece is meticulously inspected and cared for, just like a painter would putting the final touches on a masterpiece. I was honored to know that I work for an organization alongside people of such great pride.

Overall I had an excellent trip. My only regret is not sampling more of the food. If you're considering an exotic vacation spot, I highly recommend the city of Jaipur. You'll gain a greater appreciation for Indian culture as well as gain access to wonderful crafts and history

March All Star Event by Sayed

It is time for our March All Star Event. On March 22, 2007, at 9:00 pm Michelle Stoffel and I will present exquisite jewelry which our buying team has been able to bring for your shopping pleasure. During this special program we will feature collectible and unique items. There will be something at every price for every taste.

You will see a few rare gemstones, one of which is so rare that I have never seen anything even comparable. It is a 92.70 Ct. Mozambique Paraiba Tourmaline. Another featured gemstone is a 33.65 Ct. 3A grade Tanzanite. Such gemstones are so rare, they are typically found in museums or are treasured by private collectors. These two gemstones hold immense investment value and are true collectables.

From our Iliana Collection you will see hand selected Tanzanite rings that feature a variety of different cuts in our trademark 18K gold. You will surely find a favorite in our selection.

If you would like to add a bit of color to your jewelry collection, you will find an emerald and diamond necklace, a blue sapphire and diamond bracelet, diamond rings, necklaces and bracelet.

We are very excited about this event and hope that you will also enjoy! The merchandise has been hand selected and all these items will be heirloom items which you will cherish forever.

Please join Michele and myself on March 22, 2007 at 9:00 pm, to see gorgeous collectible jewels at amazing prices.

Lookout for our on-Air promotion for this event or keep yourself updated at www.tjc.tv

Make life sparkle!

Sayed