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!***

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!

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 3/8/13

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!***

Etsy Treasuries

Our first Etsy treasury collection to celebrate both our new shop and new blog- "The Tiger and The Fox"- is now available for viewing! There are a ton of fascinating things to find featuring both animals; although I did notice there was a lot more selection for foxes.
Hip tip: Foxes are the new thing! I suspect they are going to be as popular as owls in a short while. Tigers don't seem to be quite as popular, but that's ok.
In case you hadn't guessed already, those are Thomas's and my pet names for each other- he's called me "Tiger" for years, but I've only started calling him a nickname recently. It is hard to think of a good name- it's going to be at least somewhat permanent and you've got to make it count! We like to say "crazy as a fox" and he is starting to silver up a bit around the temples.. so it seemed appropriate.

Anyways! Check the treasury out- it has got some great stuff by some great people in it, and really, who can resist browsing the wide world of etsy for a little while?