All That Glitters: jewellery making the reality TV competition way

[Ellmau]

Anyone else watch this?

Presenter Katherine Ryan was UNBELIEVABLY irritating.

Sonny and Hugo's cuffs were disappointing. I liked the geometric one best.

I liked the colours of that watermelon tourmaline Tamara used in her cuff. I didn't know you could get stones like that!

That was a beautiful gemstone. As were some of the blue ones Hugo used.

Yes, they were, I love blues. London blue topaz is one of my favourites.

Tamara on both challenges for me tonight, so glad she was JOTW.

Thought Dan’s ring very generic in style and fatally flawed as an engagement ring with that wavy band, would never work with a traditional flat wedding ring.

Yes, I thought Dan's ring might be hard to wear with the wavy band.

Pottery throw down is brilliant! Genuinely funny presenter and the 2 judges are so lovely. I love that the kiln guy got a promotion to judge! I love that Keith can't not cry when he is moved emotionally by a piece. So unusual to see a man cry, and in a positive way too. Love it!

The programme for me doesn't work with the 2 "experts" chosen or by giving such silly timescales - 5 hrs to design and make an diamond engagement ring with a 1ct Princess cut diamond - if I was get the client I'd expect more than 5 hrs

My DH who has caught bits of the programme described Solange as a cold fish - he also didn't think B a lot of the engagement ring she designed for herself

Tamara's cuff was pretty.

I liked Dan's cuff and Tamara's. Really liked Tamara's relic looking ring - not sure it reflected the customer though. The time limits are crazy. As a result we're shown so little of the actual work and techniques involved. The editing is awful too, especially when it's supposed to be the last twenty minutes, etc. It feels as though the production team don't know how to make the actual jewellery making interesting or exciting enough (and perhaps don't understand it?) meaning the final edit is disappointing.

The cut didnt work with the style of Tamera's ring - it would have been fabulous with an old style cut.

Why the current fashion for not letting light into jewels? I much prefer a claw setting to enhance the stone.

I loved one of the cuffs the judges slated - I think it was Hugo's.
Tamara's was beautiful too - I loved the watermelon stone.
I didn't like Dan's wavy cuff.

Solange slated the engagement ring as being too generic that the client chose. That's why generic = popular
I didn't like the wavy band.
Tamara's was nice- unusual.
Hugo's also nice.
Personally I would have preferred white gold, platinum or palladium with the diamond.
Sad to see Sonny go. He seemed lovely.

@BeaLola - we agree with your DH. It might be editing but Solange seems very reserved and monotonous at times. It could be she's not very comfortable in front of a camera - but then why would you agree to be a guest judge on a TV show?

Her agent's probably told her it would be good for her profile. Or maybe she has an interest in bringing through new talent.

Who's ring was the twisted one? I absolutely loved it. Maybe it was Sonny's?

I loved Dan's cuff way more than the rest. I liked some of the others concepts but they just didn't pull it off

She gives really good feedback and she knows what she wants the contestants to bring. I do like her.

I didn't like her own engagement ring.
Mine is more genetic

Generic

@iklboo

She gives really good feedback and she knows what she wants the contestants to bring. I do like her.

I agree. She's very constructive in her criticism - she's not all gushy, just straight talking, which I think is actually more helpful when you need advice on how to develop. I like both the judges. I thought I'd give this show a go after being put off a bit by folk here commenting about coldness etc, and I was pleasantly surprised. I've enjoyed it. I've found Katherine Ryan quite genuinely funny in contrast to some of the presenters on these shows who can be really cheesy/unfunny. Don't have a clue whose going to win!

We've just watched the semi-final today. I think it's so ridiculous that Tamara was being hounded about being the only woman left. Catherine Ryan really laboured the point. It was obvious at that point Tamara would be JOTW regardless of her performance. Her cuff made no sense to me, sunburst engraving round watermelon gems????? Then her shoddy workmanship in the ring was glossed over as 'ancient' style. The boys are clearly better jewelers but it appears the editor was far more concerned about not having an all male final. DH has no time for Solange, she has no idea on how to make stuff and can only comment from a design POV. Shaun is far more deserving of respect IHO.

I really want some watermelon tourmaline but i don't trust the Etsy sites which is really the only seller of of? Does anyone know of a reputable seller of it?!

I know a reputable gem seller. I've done quite a bit of silversmithing as a hobby so know through that. I'll find the details and PM you.

Anyone watching the final tonight?

Yes, I love pearls. I like Dan's the best, but Hugo is really creative and Tamara has really grown in confidence.

Oooh, a headpiece! Interesting.