Lesley Young has a job that many women would kill for! Everyday she's surrounded by gorgeous earrings, necklaces, bracelets and more.

Lesley owes her wealth of fine jewellery knowledge to her father, who owned a small chain of jewellery stores. As a buyer for dear dad, Lesley gained over 25 years of experience in the field. She has been with The Shopping Channel for over five years and co-hosts over a dozen shows.

But pearls, tanzanite and diamonelle aren't her whole life! Lesley is the proud mother of two children. When she's not talking jewellery or looking after the kids, Lesley enjoys unwinding by exercising and reading.

Shop Talk with Lesley Young

Lesley Young is one of The Shopping Channel's most familiar faces. In fact, when I ask her where she'll be if I have any further questions, she responds, "You can find me at the studio. I'm here all the time!" As an on-air guest for many different fine jewellery shows, Lesley Young knows all there is to know about earrings, lariats, necklaces and everything in between. During a recent appearance, Lesley sat down to talk with TheShoppingChannel.com about her life and career.

How did you get involved in fine jewellery?
Well, I grew up in the business. My father owned a chain of jewellery stores, so it's something I've been involved with all my life. I've been active in fine jewellery for about 25 years.

How long have you been with The Shopping Channel?
I've been with The Shopping Channel for just over five years. I started off with one collection and it's just grown from there.

How did you get involved with The Shopping Channel?
After my father's business closed in 1989, I became a buyer for a couple of major department stores. A number of years past and I had just had a couple of kids. I didn't want to work full-time and one of the vendors that I had worked with in the past offered me an opportunity to work on-camera.

What do you look for in a piece of jewellery when you're shopping for yourself?
Whoa! That's a loaded question! Quality definitely is number one. And something that's unique. I love design. I like to have one-of-a-kind pieces. Especially being in the business, I don't want to see a carbon copy everywhere.

Of all the items that you have brought to The Shopping Channel, what catches your eye?
I represent 13 different collections at The Shopping Channel, so it's a matter of finding something that I believe in. I have my name behind what I bring to the studio, so I have to believe that the items truly gives value to the customer. In the Gemstone Collection and Gold Collections that I present, I'm looking for the best quality and workmanship. I'm always looking for pieces that are different.

What is in your jewellery chest?
Recently, I've been wearing a lot of white gold, which is fairly new for me. I have mostly gold. I love pearls. Pearls are one of my passions. I love yellow gold and a couple of gemstones. There's very little that I wouldn't wear. But I do look for the trendy, fashion forward pieces.

Do you find that people recognize you from your appearances on The Shopping Channel?
Periodically yes. I find that people tend to associate me with one or two collections, but I do so many. When people usually approach me it's because they've seen me on certain shows, selling certain products.

Has jewellery always been your passion?
Always! I guess I was introduced to jewellery at such a young age that I developed a passion for it. I've always wanted to wear beautiful pieces. I went to school for something completely different, but I ended up back in the family business. It is the career that I've always wanted to pursue.

What did you study at university?
I got my B.A. in psychology at York University.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I'm a workout fanatic! I love exercise! It's how I get my release, I guess. In fact, I've bought a couple of Shopping Channel fitness products. When I'm done exercising, I love spending time with my kids. I have a nine-year-old girl and a six-year-old boy. And finally, I love to read and spend time with friends and family.

Can we talk a little bit about jewellery trends? How long do they last?
I think that in terms of trendiness, they don't really change as much in fine jewellery as they do in costume jewellery. But I see trends changing annually in fine jewellery, as opposed to seasonally. This year, the really hot item is hoop earrings, which are huge now. Lariats are big too. Tennis bracelets are also very popular this year. These items never went out of style, but they have had a resurgence. White gold pieces are also extremely popular right now.

And in terms of gems?
I think that tanzanite is the one stone that people are talking a lot about because there is concern that it won't be found later on. In other words, it's scarce.

Is there an affinity for one's own birthstone?
I think that most women's first ring is of their birthstone, but after that it's open season. Anything goes.

Do you find yourself buying a lot of the items that you sell?
(giggles) Too many! Yeah, I get to see a lot of the pieces before they go to air, so I buy a lot of the pieces.

What's it like being a guest on The Shopping Channel?
It's great, a lot of fun. It's a new challenge every day. You've got to be on your toes. It keeps me in the jewellery industry and aware of the latest trends. And I love the feedback I get from customers and viewers. E mail-to-air helps us see what viewers like to buy and wear.