Holiday Shopping: Putting Our Money Where Our Mouth Is (vanity)

<self> | 11/23/2007 | <self>

[Joya]

http://www.gallerybyzantium.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=byzg&Product_Code=3314-E

Less than $50, nice gift idea.

Soldier’s cross,

Solid 14k gold with blue enamel.

“It is reported that this cross was given to troops by the Tsar of Russia. This design incorporates the St. Andrew Cross with extensive lettering “King of Glory” appears in Slavonic abbreviation at the top. IC XC for “Jesus Christ” is on the upper cross bar, “Sn Bzhii” for “Son of God” on the lower cross bar. At the base there is a skull with a G and an A on either side for “the skull of Adam”, and the letters MLRB for “the place of the skull has become Paradise”. To the left of the upright is a spear, and the right a staff with a sponge. On the reverse side is the Slavonic verse, “Let God arise…” Tradition teaches that when the Apostle Andrew preached in southern Russia he placed a life-size three-bar cross at his side. While explaining the Last Judgment he titled the foot plate to signify that those on the right side of Christ will go up into heaven and those on the left will go down into hell.”

Another version of the soldier’s cross, also less than $50,

http://www.gallerybyzantium.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=byzg&Product_Code=3314

[Joya]

http://www.gallerybyzantium.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=byzg&Product_Code=1314-E

CORRECTION,

Sorry, the solid 14k gold w/ blue enamel is $220, it is the sterling silver that’s under $50.

[AnAmericanMother]

Good source for Pendleton blankets and other American items here:

Crazy Crow Trading Post

They import some items like Czech trade beads, but the vast majority of their merchandise is American-made.

[doug from upland]

NOT MADE IN CHINA TOYS DOT COM - http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1939498/posts

[Lexinom]

The Lodge Color gift I bought: The saleswoman told me they were manufactured in Tennessee. On the back of the box - which I did not adequately check being distracted as I was by the sales lady - "Made in China".

I have the receipt and am returning this right now. If they have something made elsewhere, I'll exchange it. If they have only Chinese goods, I want my money back. If everything in the world is made in China now, I'll buy used from now on... It's pretty simple.