As is painfully obvious, I have gotten woefully behind in my blogging the last couple of weeks! I would blame it on a multitude of things, but really, it boils down to prioritizing. And being incredibly indecisive. And being forgetful.
I'll just stick to "multitude of things".
One big thing that has been keeping me from updating is spending all my time researching domain names, and all the things that go along with that. I thought, "How cool would it be to be able to type 'fergusonsfinejewelry.com' into my web browser, and BAM, be at my site?"
So I decided that maybe it was time to cough up a little money and make that step. I was literally seconds away from buying the name (and I still should) when I made the discovery that... it is not that simple!! I won't go into details, because you either A) already know what I'm talking about or B) know even less than myself and don't need me confusing you. If you are looking for more information, I suggest making google your friend. And then coming back here and explaining everything to me.
So now I'm slogging through web hosts, and site platforms and something called genesis framework that I have no idea about, but apparently should drop $60 on ASAP.
Also today I finally set up the printer we bought (on Saturday) and made the discovery that it only prints black and white. Did I mention that yet? I feel incredibly dingy and annoyed at the same time. We talked about returning it, but the more I think about it, the more I feel like I would probably just use the color feature to print off pictures of Doctor Who and those printables where you fold cube like replicas of nerdy characters. I think I'm just going to invest in some pretty cardstock and some good colored pencils. That sounds like more fun anyway, right?
Well, I think we are back out of the rabbit trail. It took us a little further down the path than I had intended, but everyone's still here and no worse for the wear.
I don't know if we are quite ready to go full out on a website yet. There's so many things that I don't even completely understand; let alone pay money to not know what I am doing. But I do think it is time to start transitioning into a more professional arena. I would love to have a fully functioning site, where there's more than just a blog rambling on about daily goofiness; maybe even be able to purchase our jewelry directly from the source. So I am moving over to http://fergusonsfinejewelry.wordpress.com. At some point in time, I would like to transfer everything here at The Tiger and The Fox over to it, but that's not possible, so for now, I will be mainly focusing on that site, with a periodic look back this way.
I hope to see you over at our new site, and look forward to continuing to grow!
Showing posts with label fine jewelry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fine jewelry. Show all posts
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Friday, April 5, 2013
Friday Feature 4/5/13
I'm running terribly behind today! Please forgive my lateness- between the temperature being over 65 and sunny and losing a ring, my day ended up being more hectic than I had intended! This week I chose one of my favorite sterling pieces from the shop- thought it might be time to take a break from yellow gold!
Candy Blue Vintage Sterling Silver and Turquoise Ring
This gorgeous ring is a classic example of vintage sterling silver and turquoise jewelry. With the stone measuring easily more than an inch in length, it is an impressive piece! The elaborate detailing in sterling complements the unusual shape so well with first braiding and then an intricate pattern of eddies and whorls on the outer edge.
The turquoise is a gorgeous shade of candy hued cerulean that is in remarkable condition for its age which I believe to be at least 30-40 years old. The stone is a very unusual jelly bean shaped cabochon that goes perfectly with all of the bright colors and tribal patterns that are so popular right now. The ring is a US size 7.25 which is a great size as it can accommodate a range of hand sizes.
What also makes this such a wonderful ring is that it has been signed. After seriously wearing out google, and looking at as much as I could find, I have found four different artists who utilize the "LC" signature. Lee Chee, Lucille Calladitto, Louise Clark, and finally, Luciano Chavez. Studying each signature style as well as craftsmanship, I believe this ring to be the work of Luciano Chavez. Aside from learning that he is from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, I was unable to discover any more. Regardless, a good signature always adds value, not forgetting an additional degree of intrigue as well as artistic appeal.
Simply put, I love everything about this ring! It has great quality, unique character, and even an air of mystery- where did it come from, how did it end up in Tiny Town, Kentucky, and who really is Luciano Chavez??
Maybe that isn't as much of a mystery as I am making it out to be... if you have more information about this artist, or just want to jump in with something to share, feel free!! We always love to learn something new!
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!***
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Watch out for those Moths
Things have been quiet because I've been spending so much time working on the etsy shop. Not that you can particularly tell it right now. Lots of reading and researching on creating a specific brand for the store (which I am struggling to wrap my brain around!), as well as updating old listings and adding new things. I've managed to get two new necklaces listed this week- very different but both from the 1960's.
I also have about 20 things still in draft mode, so be looking for them to start popping up over the next month or so.
Just yesterday a gentleman brought in some really awesome sterling rings- he is a metal detector that has hunted all over, but these particular pieces are from California soil! It will probably be a few days before they get added to the inventory, just because I have so many other things ahead of them, but here is a little teaser! (Excepting the agate ring and the spoon ring. Those are my personal pretties :)
I just love that one tiny yellow knuckle ring! I'm not the best about keeping up with current fashions (mostly because I don't really care. I just wear what I like!) but apparently they are the. thing. right now. At least that is what I have been noticing when I make my social networking rounds each day. It makes me a little sad to think about all the old baby rings that we have acquired in the past and couldn't keep because they were so tiny and no one wanted them! The lesson my hoarder self wants to take away from this is... save everything!!
But that probably isn't the right lesson.
Do what you love, invest in what you love. If no one else likes it or wants to buy it, at least you don't mind looking at it every day as you set up the display cases, or edit photos for the fifteenth tiiime. There have been some things we have had for sale that I just thought were ugly. Didn't like 'em, didn't care about 'em. Unsurprisingly, that was the way other people felt too. It certainly didn't help that I had zero passion about the items I was trying to convince them to buy.
Now, that doesn't necessarily mean that just because I love a ring, it's going to fly right off the shelf. But it's OK. I work hard to present it well. When I love a piece, I care enough about it to find out information about it like the time period it was from, who might have worn it, and what makes it something special. I wear it myself for a few days and admire the craftsmanship that went into making it. And when someone shows an interest in it, I can honestly tell them just why it's a worthwhile investment. When someone buys a piece from me and loves it so much they leave the store wearing it- that is what makes my day.
In the end though, it is all just things. As much as I love my business, and am so blessed to have it, I am continually reminded of a specific verse- Matthew 6:19-21
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Which tells me that it is ok that I haven't hoarded every single baby ring or green stoned artifact or whatever is popular right now. "A generation goes and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever"
Because that's not where I want my heart to be. So I sell what I sell; I admire it, appreciate it, thank God for providing it, and remember that there are far more important treasures to cling to.
Friday, March 29, 2013
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!!
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!***
Friday, March 22, 2013
Friday Feature 3/22/13
This week we have an absolute knockout just for the gentlemen in our Friday Feature-
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!***
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
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, March 8, 2013
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!
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!***
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