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!***

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!***

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!