All That Glitters: jewellery making the reality TV competition way

[Ellmau]

Anyone else watch this?

Presenter Katherine Ryan was UNBELIEVABLY irritating.

Only seem one episode before this. Can't bear the presenter or Solange.

Yes I've warmed to it, I nearly didn't go back after the first one as it felt SO awkward to me! I think Solange has warmed up and Katherine has calmed down, a bit. Watching on delay though so am behind.

I did wonder why they only used 9ct gold for the engagement rings as I won't wear well.

I've enjoyed this series but it's got a few faults. Not sure Katherine Ryan is the right presenter. Some of her jokey comments jar badly and her friendliness feels forced. It's been filmed using very cool tones which means it's missing that cosy warmth that Throw Down and Bake Off has. It feels quite cold and hard and not very inviting. The judges have grown on me, surprisingly. If they do another series I'd probably watch but I hope it improves.

Delighted for Hugo! a worthy winner.

Mee too, and Solange seemed quite emotional too!

@Toddlerteaplease

I did wonder why they only used 9ct gold for the engagement rings as I won't wear well.

My engagement ring with large diamond was 24carat and after the third time it fell out (and each time had to be reset) when I was doing housework (I found the diamond each time, thankfully) I found out that 24carat gold is purest and softest.

I don't wear it any more and bought a 9carat diamondeque ring of the same style which I wear now. Lesson learned.

I think it definitely improved over the weeks (or maybe I just got used to the format!) but it felt like there was a lot of jeopardy tonight! 🤣🤣. Worthy winner 😀

I'm glad Hugo won, he really is talented. I thought it was a lovely conclusion and Solange was emotional!

Really enjoyed that! Beautiful pieces.

I quite liked KR's 'straight white man' quip as the contestant needed the advice!

Solange is very cold and unenthusiastic, sadly.

I'd love to see more of the actual making - how do you get the sawed bit to look like that in an hour? And more time would be good too, especially if they want to promote the idea that handmade jewellery takes skill and time to produce!!

@Toddlerteaplease

I did wonder why they only used 9ct gold for the engagement rings as I won't wear well.

But it does. It's harder wearing than 24-carat, which is softer.

I really can't stand KR - she has to make it about herself even when announcing a winner. I hope she goes.

Good winner. They did manage to put me off Tamara, who I'm sure is lovely and very talented, by pushing her so much. Even when they were showing the bride the jewels with Tamara's Katherine was gushing about all the meaning while with the men's she just said who it was. Then with Hugo they said the bestseller could be commercially reproduced but made no comment on Tamara's being hard to. To be clear, it is not Tamara I dislike but the favoritism.

I'd be delight to have something by several of the jewellers - although the judges weren't always keen on my favourite pieces!

@tenlittlecygnets is it really? I didn't know that!

The series has grown on me as its gone along and I will definitely watch it if there is another one.

I was very happy with Hugo winning - thought he was the most talented.

I must admit I had a little tear at the brother doing something so lovely for his sister. I lost my brother a few years ago and it's lovely to see an opposite sex sibling bond shown as such a thing of love and support.

Loved it. So difficult to judge because the jewellers all had very different styles. They clearly favoured Tam. I loved Dan. He seemed so technically good and a lovely man. But ultimately the right winner.

But you know how watching bake off makes you want to eat cake? Watching this is a bit more pricey.... Off to Google Pearl-drop earrings.

@funtimefrank I cross posted with you but I'm so sorry for your loss.

A lovely ending - they all did well, but Hugo is so talented, a really worthy winner. And he loves his mum ;)

Absolutely - a fantastic career ahead of him!

I enjoyed it, although it didn't engage the feelings like Bake Off or Sewing Bee. I liked Dan's pieces best but can see why they chose Hugo. If they do another series I think they should replace Solange - she's just so dour, hardly cracks a smile. And it would be good if they could explain a bit more about the equipment they use and what the machines do.

Well it looks like they’ll be doing another series after all (at least they are looking for contestants). I’d probably watch but I do think it needs some major tweaks. Change the staging to make it lighter and warmer. Possible change of presenter, Judges to be a bit lighter/warmer. Some more educational bits. It does need some changes but could be a really good show.

@horehound - I always used Kernowcraft for all my jewellery-making bits. They were always excellent. Watermelon tourmaline is so pretty!

Book recommendation linked to jewellery and precious gems: Dick Francis's Straight. It's excellent!

[quote tenlittlecygnets]@horehound - I always used Kernowcraft for all my jewellery-making bits. They were always excellent. Watermelon tourmaline is so pretty![/quote]
Me too. I have just spent a happy half hour having a browse.