Growing Pains

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!

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!***

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.

1960's Natural Pearl Strand Necklace

Atomic Age 14k Gold Pendant with Necklace Chain

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 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!***

New Year, New Jewelry

I had intended to update here at least two days ago! But life gets in the way. It is the start of a new year, and although it is freezing cold, the days have begun to stretch out a little more sunlight, and the weather has been beautiful. My Christmas decorations are all tucked away, and I'm half way through getting all of our taxes prepared to take to the accountant. So there is really not too much to complain about! Except for that other half of the taxes... It can get pretty crazy when you and your spouse are both self employed and run two different businesses! In saying all that, with regards to our jewelry/antique/novelty shop- get excited! We have two new pieces ready for purchase:

1. 925 Sterling Silver Money Clip

I just love this vintage money clip! It's a Mexican piece, and the details on it are gorgeous. It's a perfect guy gift, of course, but how handy would it be to have this stashed in your car's console ready to grab and go when you need it? 

2. Sterling Silver Orchid Earrings

So pretty!! These orchid earrings are post style pierced, and are so unique! They have a great look to them, and are also stamped from Mexico. They are probably close to 30 years old, making them a great vintage item.

And there will be more going up today and throughout the weekend, including some beautiful diamond rings & cameo pieces. One of my goals for this year is to do a better job of also including some more kitschy pieces, both vintage and made by yours truly, instead of just saying that I am going to! We shall see...

Be sure to check out our shop and twitter over the next couple of days so you don't miss out on the new stuff, and thanks for stopping by!!


The Tiger

Puppies, Pretties and More

   Well it has been a pretty exciting week so far! We found out yesterday morning that our Yorkie is a proud new father! He had spent some time with a lady friend a couple months ago, but we were fairly certain that nothing had come of it. Apparently not, though! The mother's owners never noticed any signs of pregnancy, but it was because there was only one puppy! We were glad to find out that their "conjugal visit" had been a success. :)

"Proud Papa"

On a less awkward (puppies have to come from somewhere, right?) note; The Fox scored a really cool vintage ring mounting and a couple awesome pairs of old boots. The boots got hustled off to his closet, but we are going to get the ring all gussied up and swap out a diamond from a plainer setting and put it into this one.We aren't sure yet, but more than likely it is 14k with white and yellow gold and has a fantastic look.

Isn't it great? Definitely rough, but it will be a knock out soon enough!

I did finally get a couple pieces added to our etsy shop (The Tiger & The Fox) which are all under $100. Any purchases this week should still be able to arrive in time for Christmas! And Valentine's Day is not too far off, either. This time of year is crazy for us- The Fox's birthday is around the first week of January, mine is the day before V-Day, and our anniversary (#6!) is February 26. So by March, we are almost a little relieved to be done with everything, haha!
Be sure to check in again- I am hoping to have some more earrings and maybe a pendant or two added in the next couple of days.
Happy Christmas!

Coming off a Pie High

Well, Thanksgiving was pretty fantastic overall for us this year. Lots of good food, as well as time with family and some friends that are just as close as family. The Fox and I enjoyed having a few days off, although getting up at 5:30 this morning was even harder than usual, haha.
I hope everyone has been hitting up some fantastic deals this morning- unfortunately I have been flying around like a mad squirrel and haven't even had a chance to check it out. I did see where Snapfish was doing penny prints today- up to 300! I, of course, decided to get the last 3 years worth of pictures developed about a week ago at nine cents a pop. Still pretty reasonable, especially with a coupon, but my timing never ceases to be bemuse me. Alas.
In shop news- I have done a terrible job! I have two silver rings, three sets of gold hoops, and a gorgeous jade necklace to add, and instead of getting them photographed and listed yesterday, I decided to go on a purge of the craft room. It needed to be done, but maybe not right then. At any rate, be looking for some fab pieces to be showing up at the shop sometime today or tomorrow.

My final tidbit for today- Never Fail Pie Crust

I found this recipe on MADE (Dana Made It)- and it was incredible. I don't know if 'never fail' can be guaranteed, but it sure worked for us. The Fox is pretty awesome at whatever he sets his mind to, but I need all the help I can get. When he decided he wanted his pecan pies to have homemade crusts instead of our usual Walmart specials, I set to searching. And what I discovered is, it is really hard to find a recipe that doesn't call for shortening. This recipe does, too, but it allows for butter as a substitute, which I did. I also halved the recipe. When The Fox rolled them out, we weren't sure.. they were really thin and maybe I shouldn't have refrigerated them over night? But our worries were all unnecessary- they turned out to be the best pecan pies I have ever eaten. His grandfather even told me, "Be sure to eat some of that pecan pie. It is the best you'll ever have!" He couldn't believe we were actually the ones who had brought it! I don't know if The Fox is willing to divulge his pecan filling, but if you use this crust recipe, you will not go wrong!
So bust out the Suzy Homemaker, make some pies (Lauren Conrad did say they're the new cupcakes. I don't know if that is true, but I won't be complaining!), and be sure to check back with us soon. There's always something happening!

We Now Present...

I always have a difficult time starting new things, and this blog doesn't seem to be breaking the standard, either! I suppose the best way is to jump in feet first (not head first, because that is dangerous, my friends!) and go for it. 
A brief introductory so that we are all acquainted:
My husband, Thomas, and I have been married for nearly six years and have both been self-employed most of that time. He has been a barber at his grandfather's barber shop for nine years now, and I worked as a nanny for approximately four. We have been avid antique collectors since our marriage, and as our knowledge grew, we started buying not only for ourselves (we ran out of room pretty quickly in our little house!) but to re-purpose & re-sell. Once we got into the resale side, something clicked! We knew this was something we both enjoyed, and both were pretty good at doing, but our "real" jobs were our main focus and what kept the bills paid. Over time our interests grew to cover all kinds of neat things besides furniture. Glassware, cookware, miniatures- all sorts of fascinating old things that had been left behind as styles and people changed. One day while at our local flea market, we began talking with one of the other regulars who sold costume jewelry. That was her personal niche, but as we listened, we learned that her husband was someone who bought gold and silver to sell to the refineries. The more we heard, the more intrigued we became. With precious metals being at record prices, it was completely understandable to sell to refineries, but so much of the jewelry being scrapped was still gorgeous! It just needed a little love, a little polish and someone who could appreciate it and the character it had, instead of seeing it as an old junky thing. 
So our focus switched a bit- we still love going out on the hunt for a great piece of Pyrex, or finding old tables to put back together- but there is just something about taking an old, tarnished, beat to hell ring and bringing it back to its full glory. The last couple years it was more of a hobby than anything for us, but in April, Thomas was able to open up an actual store front right next door to the family barber shop. The kids I had taken care of for the last two years began school full time a couple months later, and it all kind of fell into place. He still runs the the barber shop with his sister, but between the two of us, managing everything has worked out well. We don't make a ton of money by any means, and working with your spouse can have its difficult moments, but the rewards of being able to be together and build something that we can call our own is so rewarding. We hope that you as a reader will enjoy our many hijinks we get into, and stick with us as we grow!