Friday Feature- 3/29/13

It's time for Friday Feature once more! Now through April 1st, we also are having a spring fling sale in the shop- 10% off total purchase, storewide. Just be sure to use our coupon code- SPRING2013 to cash in on the deals! 

This week, we are showcasing a very romantic piece- and yes, I know you already know, but it's one of my favorites!!

Romantic Vintage Ring with Marquis Garnet & 10 Kt Yellow Gold

This is a lovely, dainty piece that I find myself always coming back to. The mounting is done in 10 karat yellow gold in a charming doily style that has a very Edwardian style to it. This particular ring is more of what I call a "tribute" piece in that its true age is approximately 25 or so years old, but the fashion is clearly from a previous era. The design shows a distinct pull to the delicate nature of jewelry created in the early 1900's and the femininity of the period. 

The ring features a single marquis cut garnet of a beautiful burgundy or wine colored hue. It is framed by a fine border of white gold as well as two small diamonds, each set on either point of the garnet. The size is a ladies 6, which makes for a very versatile ring. It is well suited to being worn on just about any finger of the hand, and is in ready to wear condition. The shank is in very good shape- it has not been worn thin and has a good long life of wear ahead of it. 

This ring is absolutely lovely; it would be a wonderful gift either for Mother's Day, or for a young girl's first prom or graduation gift. It has a classic sweetheart look to it that brings to mind the sweetness and innocence of a bygone time, while still maintaining the structural quality and accessible price of vintage as opposed to antique jewelry.

You can find this week's ring here.

***We are more than happy to answer any questions or requests for additional information. Feel free to send us a message on etsy, to our email- thetigerandthefox@gmail.com or leave us a comment here!***

Treasury Tuesday- Wipe off that Frown!

Well, it has been a Treasury Tuesday for sure around here! When it is below 40 and snowing outside, it is hard for me to get very motivated.

The first one is exactly the opposite of what today is like outside- bright, sunny and absolutely gorgeous!

Golden Apples of the Sun

Live Simply

Needle Felted Pear

Vintage Teacups

Pineapple Shea Soap

And the second one is a bit quirkier- I'm usually a "less is more" kind of girl, but I loved all these pairs of items!

Two is Better Than One

Mixed Metal Pair of Bands

Vintage 1930s Woolly Sheep

Engagement Mugs

Rhinestone Hair Combs

So that is a little of what I've been up to today. 

We were fairly busy this weekend, which was nice, but tiring! It isn't often that I am relieved for the work week to roll back around so I can go back to being a grandpa and catch up on my sleep. 

In saying that, we still have quite a bit on our schedule throughout the remainder of the week, so I was a bit premature on my anticipation. Thursday night we have our biweekly Bible study, and Friday is Secret Church, which means I am not going to be making my usual 9:30 bedtime either night. It's definitely worth it though, and I am looking forward to both! I'm trying to do better about having an uncomplaining spirit, especially after The Fox came across this passage in our evening reading-

"Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. Do not be idolators, as some of them were; as it is written: 'The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.' We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did- and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. We should not test Christ, as some of them did- and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did- and were killed by the destroying angel.

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

1 Corinthians 10: 6-13

Out of all three of the mentioned sins, grumbling sounds like the least bad, at least to me. But then I see where it says "A destroying angel" and I have to say, 'That is a strong response!' So if such a strong response is given, maybe the sin is actually a lot worse than I think it is. It is so easy for me to disregard some of my "little piddly sins" and think, really, they aren't that bad. I could be a lot worse. 

"There is no one righteous, not even one;

There is no one who understands, 

There is no one who seeks God"

Romans 3:10-11

Or not.

Praise God there is hope through Jesus!

"But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus."

Romans 3:21-26

And after reading such wonderful words... It makes it a bit harder to want to hold on to that complaining, or grumbling spirit. Really, what is a late night or two compared to the glory of God? Not very much!

Hallelujah!

Friday Feature 3/22/13

This week we have an absolute knockout just for the gentlemen in our Friday Feature- 

Antique Art Deco Ruby Ring Set in 10 Karat Yellow Gold 

This week's ring is from the late Art Deco period. It features a classic 10 karat yellow gold mounting set with a emerald cut synthetic ruby. The ruby is approximately 2 carats in total weight and has a gorgeous, burnished shine that shows vibrantly in natural light. 

The mounting is a perfect example of jewelry from the 1930's and 1940's, especially in men's fashion. The boxy shape and bold lines make for a great statement piece, especially combined with the deep blood red glow of the ruby. The stone is synthetic, but original to the ring, and is done in a very attractive emerald cut.

As my handsome hand model (Thanks to The Fox :) shows, it has a very sophisticated look when on the hand, and makes an excellent piece for a man with a preference for cultured tastes. Imagine a gentleman who wore something similar while going to see Frank Sinatra at The Rainbow Room just as he was making the big time, or a hard boiled mobster in the dry dust of Nevada throwing it down on the roulette wheel and praying for red.

 It measures as a US size 10, which makes it an excellent choice as either a pinky or fourth finger ring, and a professional jeweler should have no problem going up or down within a 2 or possibly 3 size range. 

This ring is a beautiful piece, ready for the perfect owner to give it a new life in a new century. It is in good, wearable condition. It does have some minor natural wear that is to be expected from a 70+ year old ring, that gives it the authentic look and feel desirable in an antique/vintage piece.

You can find this week's ring here.

***We are more than happy to answer any questions or requests for additional information. Feel free to send us a message on etsy, to our email- thetigerandthefox@gmail.com or leave us a comment here!***

Two Nesting Mallards, One Pretty Pansy...

I don't have much to share today, but I just wanted to give a quick update! We got to have a little summer teaser this weekend- Friday and Saturday were up to almost 75 degrees and absolutely glorious! We even got to grill out with some good friends on Saturday evening. That is probably one of my most favorite things to do once it gets warm. The Fox makes the best hamburgers I have ever eaten; I guarantee it. We weren't that fortunate, we had grilled pineapple chicken sandwiches with Cheetos out of a can for our side. That's how we roll up in here :)

Oh! And I got to startle a pair of nesting mallards coming out of the mall Saturday morning. (This was easily the highlight of my weekend.)

Then on Sunday, we got to experience the joy of Kentucky that is a 30 degree drop with a mix of snow flurries!! Monday morning followed with torrential downpours and two cavities for The Fox, which we were somewhat disappointed by, but as he said, "Thank you, Lord it was only two!" He makes staying negative fairly difficult. Then we spotted these beauties when we stopped by the shop to pick up some paperwork!

Other than that, we have been flying pretty low on the radar! God has been helping us in the midst of some tough situations and through them, bringing us closer together, even when we try to our best to do otherwise. How thankful I am that He never gets tired of picking us back up, even when the reason we are down is because we are having a rolling-in-the-floor tantrum. (I say we... but really I just mean myself..)

Our etsy shop has been getting some new things in, as well as updating some of the older listings. It is pretty amazing the difference a gloomy December day and a bonny March one can make when it comes to photographing. In saying that.. I suppose I should continue to take advantage of said sunshine.

May peace and all the saints go with you!!

The Tiger

Friday Feature 3/15/13

Friday has made its way here once more- huzzah for the weekend! This week's feature piece from our store is probably one of my favorite ones we have right now! (Although I suspect I will say that every week. They might all be my favorite!)

One of a Kind Custom Made 1970's Vintage 14k Yellow Gold with Diamond Accent Ring

This 14 karat yellow gold ring is literally one of a kind. The lady that brought it to us said that her mother had had it custom made in the 1970's. Looking at the design with the larger than life sweep and curvature of the mounting, it is definitely in keeping with the period's style. 

The center inset is white gold with a single dainty diamond. This part of the ring was from her mother's original engagement ring circa 1940's. That is one of the things about this piece that I just cannot get over! On one hand, you have this amazing retro seventies yellow gold that just screams disco boogie, and then perfectly nestled as the centerpiece is this elegant, ultra-feminine forties deco design. Somehow, they seamlessly work together in a way I personally would never have imagined. But that's the best part- together, they make an amazing ring. 

It currently is just over a size 6 1/2, but has a really nice thicker band that should be able to accommodate any necessary sizing. I love the idea of re-purposing things, and to find something that was re-purposed over 40 years ago is even cooler! Talk about being ahead of the trend on this one! The mounting is a bit longer than a lot of typical styles, but truly suits all hand types. I usually am unable to wear longer/bigger rings because I have shorter fingers, and I loved how this piece looked. It would pair wonderfully with pretty much any other jewelry styles you wear, and can even be worn with white gold. It is a great vintage find for anyone who is looking for the genuine thing, and wants something beautiful that no one else has. 

You can find this week's ring here!

***We are more than happy to answer any additional questions or requests for information, feel free to shoot us a message on etsy, to our email- thetigerandthefox@gmail.com, or leave a message in our comments!***

Spring Outside, Spring Inside

Spring has sprung!! I feel like maybe I have said that already a few times, but I am really, really ready! This weekend we were able to get outside and grub around in the garden some, and these gorgeous jonquils were just too cheerful! The Fox came out and helped me put down new dirt and clean out all the old weeds and dead things from last year, and we had a really nice time. It  has been a whole month since we last turned on our television and we have had so much time to spend together! We have learned how to work side by side even better than we used to, and that has really been a blessing. It is amazing how "negative in, negative out, positive in, positive out" works. It sounds so simplistic; something you might tell a child- but that's another thing I'm beginning to learn: simple works. As we get older, we (or I do, anyway!!) feel like things have to get more complicated, more involved, more detailed, more, more, more. And then the stress just builds upon itself every day. How often do you see a stressed out kid? I don't mean cranky or sleepy, but full blown grown up stressed. I know that when I have seen that in children- they are the ones who have homework, sports, two birthday parties a weekend to attend, swim lessons, and more, and more. They're tiny adults. 

I've begun to learn that bigger is not better, and more stuff is not going to make me more happy. Getting to spend time outdoors with someone who loves me so much that he pokes me awake at night to tell me something he just read in his Bible? That makes me sooo happy. 

I feel like giving up TV for Lent wasn't really about the TV at all. It was about giving up control. And once I started letting go of one thing, it didn't make giving up other things easy(at all! But that is for another day!), but it helped me see that all these things are fleeting. There is so much more- God is so much more. When I finally un-clench the fist and let go of the crummy things I think I want and open my hand to the things He wants to give... It is an amazing thing. 

I appreciate your time in reading this, and I hope that my stumbling, rambling along can maybe help you too. I certainly haven't learned everything and am so excited about all the things the Lord will continue to open my eyes to. I am more than happy to answer any questions or comments either here or via email: thetigerandthefox@gmail.com

"All these toys were never intended to posses my heart. My true good is in another world and my only real treasure is Christ." - C. S. Lewis

Friday Feature 3/8/13

Something new I want to start doing each week on Fridays is to feature a different piece from our shop. The sun is gloriously shining for just about the first time this week, and I am eagerly anticipating grubbing about in my garden beds tomorrow! Also with St. Patrick's Day not too far around the corner, I felt like this little beauty was just too perfect for our inaugural feature post!

Vibrant Emerald Green 10k Yellow Gold Ring with Diamond Accents

Set in 10 karat yellow gold, this ring is a great vintage piece, probably from some time in the 1980's. I feel a little funny calling that vintage, since I'm from the 80's, too, but time rolls on! The center stone is a classic marquis cut emerald in a brilliant shade of green; making it a perfect choice since Pantone has decreed emerald green to be the color of 2013. That makes this ring an excellent choice for staying on top of trends while also remaining eco-conscious. Vintage rings such as this one are a great way to contribute to environmental welfare in multiple ways. One of the strongest reasons for me is that it helps reduce demand for luxury materials from high-conflict areas. 

The other aspects of economic advantage are that in buying previously owned jewelry, you not only save yourself a considerable amount of money in comparison to retail prices; you also help small businesses. When we sell jewelry, we aren't the only ones who benefit. We work with an outside jeweler, and rent office space from a landlord. It's almost like the seven degrees of Kevin Bacon.  

And finally, you get a ring (or necklace or earrings, etc) that is to some extent, unique. It's not like everyone else's and it represents you. 

One of the things I love most about this ring is the graceful twining along either side of the band. It has a delicate, almost Celtic look to it, especially with the green of the stone. Two dainty diamond accents are nestled against the emerald and finish the elegant detail of the piece. I think it would be a beautiful wedding ring for someone who loved the celtic or waldorf lifestyles, or really anyone who has a more bohemian, natural style. It would most certainly be a one of a kind!

Ultimately, whether you are looking for something for its originality, or style, or just because it sings to you; this ring is a lovely piece and an excellent choice. I believe there is always the right person for the right ring- perhaps this is the one for you! 

You can find this week's ring here!

***We are more than happy to answer any additional questions or requests for information, feel free to shoot us a message on etsy, to our email- thetigerandthefox@gmail.com, or leave a message in our comments!***

Rainy Days Make Me Ramble

New/Old Weston Camera with Argus Flash that just came in!

So you just never know what you might acquire in a store like ours- almost every day someone brings us something to check out. Sometimes it is just stuff; old clear glassware, ceramic angels... plenty of things that are pretty or nice, but not exactly in our categories of interest or expertise. Other times, you get things like old class rings or broken necklaces- if it is made from gold, or silver, then we always like to buy, but they're not what you call a "knock out piece" or something that's really suited to the display case.

And other times, you get really awesome stuff, like a ring that looks like a snake twining its way around your index finger, or a full strand of natural pearls from the 1960's that don't even need to be re-strung. Those are exciting moments!

No matter what it is, we love seeing all the random, never expected things that people bring, and today is no exception! This old camera has certainly seen better days, but it is incredibly sturdy (sometimes referred to as "The Brick", and not without reason!) and has a really nice flash intact. Vintage cameras are way "outside my pay grade", as The Fox likes to say, but I just love the look they have, and thinking about how they were used to capture what was most important to whoever owned it. Maybe it went with that person to the Grand Canyon for their first time. Even now, with all our technology, it is still impossible to really capture its magnitude, but maybe they looked back at those photographs, and through the blurriness, or grain, remembered what they saw and how they felt experiencing the real thing. 

I think the rainy day may have gone to my head a little. 

Anyway, now that I've climbed out of my rabbit hole, I suppose what I'm getting to is, it's not just about buying up what's trendy, or filling a store full of things to try to sell and make as much money as possible. Don't get me wrong, we have bills that have to be paid, and this girl likes to eat!! But for us, the thing that is important is remembering where those things came from, and how far we've come- I don't have to carry "The Brick" everywhere with me- I can just whip out my handy awesome smartphone whenever I want to snap a picture. 

To me it is also about doing something I enjoy, that brings me joy, and trusting that the bills will be paid. The Lord is good! I have never been without what I needed, and rarely without what I wanted for that matter. I have faith that what I need will be provided for and it is my job to be thankful for and work diligently with all that I have been given. 

With all that said, I suppose I had better get back to work! :)

The Tiger