American Art: Silversmith Bill C. Ilfield’s Equestrian Jewelry

The work of American artists has long been popular with lovers of horse jewelry, particularly silver horse jewelry. That’s why we’re thrilled to present this amazing silver and turquoise horsehoe brooch/pin/clip from silversmith Bill C. Ilfield.

The passion for American horse jewelry is easy to understand.  Speaking to the rugged, adventerous years of our country’s history, a time when cowboys rode out on the range, and a good horse was all the transportation you needed to reach your dreams, this piece is perfect for the individualist who appreciates tradition, history, and exquisite craftsmanship.

This piece was handmade and signed by Mr. Ilfield, who lived in New Mexico until his death in 1944.  We’re not sure exactly when the piece was made, but it was definitely after he’d become an accomplished artist: the bezel set bright turquoise stones are surrounded by applied twisted silver wire, evoking the look and feel of rope.

Who’s wearing American artist jewelry? You need look no further than Hollywood, where stars have been accenting outfits from the carefully casual to red carpet elegant with American pieces.  The Old West is a perpetual fashion favorite, and speaks to individual strength and personal vision.  It’s a innovative fashion choice for those in leadership positions, who have to forge a path to success that isn’t traveled by just anyone.  After all, not every man is a cowboy — nor every woman a cowgirl!

Turquoise is thought to promote good health and healing, and coupled with the traditional horseshoe shape, could you ask for a luckier piece to wear? Ideal for gifting to the person you hold most dear — tomorrow’s classic, delivered today!

Vintage Glamour Never Goes Out of Style

Quality always shows!  You can tell when you’re looking at a new foal: the quick feet of the colt, the fine line of the filly, clearly identifying the finest points of thier sire and dam.  And you can tell when you’re looking at jewelry.

Now, it’s no secret that we at Show Stable Artisans have a certain fondness for Estate and Antique Horse Jewelry. There’s something almost otherworldly and beautiful about these pieces from yesteryear, when everything wonderful was made by hand, and detail was captured by a fine eye.

And among the great jewelers, of course, we must give credit to Hermes.  Founded in 1837, Hermes is renowned for being the French jeweler (they did some bags and such too, you may have heard of them.)  The relationship between Hermes and the horse world is well established — the family, after relocating to France from Germany, worked making harness and tack. Their saddles were so magnificent that they were the choice of the Czar of Russia!

Over time, the Hermes family moved into apparel.  They became famous for their scarves, and their distinct approach, which one of the family described as “Leather, sport, and a tradition of refined elegance.”

You can see that refined elegance in this Amazing rare vintage Hermes horse bit bracelet. We’ve taken far more pictures than usual so you can really look at this piece — frankly, it’s not the type of thing most of use get to see often enough! It’s a gorgeous sterling silver Hermès snaffle bit bracelet circa 1950-60. This was the era when Hermes was seen being worn by Grace Kelly, the Princess of Monaco!  Talk about glamour!  Today, you’ll see Elle MacPherson, Madonna, Nicole Kidman and other celebrities turn to Hermes when they’re striving for that elegant, polished, ultimately sophisticated look.

We only have one of these bracelets, and if we had our way, would likely keep it for ourselves.  But the boss has informed us that our mission is actually connecting horse lovers with the ultimate in horse jewelry — and for the lucky customer who buys this bracelet, we’ll have certainly done that!