Reverse crystal jewelry is a favorite of many horse jewelry collectors.  Combining the traditional elements of fine jewelry — ornate settings, fine metal, excellent craftsmanship and design — with an artist’s finest offerings, images of horses painted on the flat back of a specially prepared domed rock crystal, each mount rendered both in miniature  and in high detail. Thin layers of mother of pearl are applied on the back of the painted image to keep it safe and to ensure that the back of the piece is (nearly) as attractive as the front. Reverse crystal horse jewelry has a lot of appeal. Here’s a segment on the PBS Road Show from 2005 about reverse crystal jewelry.

Reverse crystal jewelry first appeared during the Victorian era and was produced through the 1940′s in great numbers. Then the trend died off, although there are still a few artisans producing reverse crystal work today.  Finding good estate pieces takes patience and perserverance; fortitude will eventually be rewarded. The crystals are easily scratched, so you want to carefully consider condition when you’re buying.

This three reverse crystal bay horse head bracelet is a spectacular example of what you want to look for when you’re choosing a reverse crystal piece. There are three crystals, and each is clear and bright — not cloudy nor flawed with age. The horse heads are attractive, and the bridle nicely rendered: a sharp, smart looking aesthetic, particularly when you consider the gold hunt horns framing each crystal. Stirrups flank the crystal, but the ends of the bracelet are golden leathers; the type of detail work that absolutely makes a piece of reverse crystal horse jewelry memorable!

Of course, being Hermes means it is also going to have an amazing price tag.  Without exaggeration, you could buy yourself a horse — perhaps an entire stable full of horses and the barn itself! — for what the new line is going to cost.

No  matter! We’ll get that lottery ticket someday!  Meanwhile, there is a lot of vintage Hermes and Hermes inspired equestrian jewelry available right now. Long a favorite of many horse jewelry collectors, the elegant lines, strong styling and bold grace of these pieces make them appropriate in any setting.

At the moment, we’re particularly entranced by this amazing 18K gold snaffle bit bracelet. Imagine this dangling from your wrist: substantial enough to make an impression, airy and designed not to be heavy on the wrist. Every movement, every wave, every handshake, creates just enough sparkle and shine to make meeting you memorable. Hermes did so much with the bit motif — you can see that here in this lovely vintage bracelet and it is truly a fabulous way to communicate your love of horses.

That’s good news for lovers of diamond horse jewelry. A dazzling array of pieces, from elegant estate treasures to contemporary masterpieces, is waiting for you.

How Is Buying Diamond Horse Jewelry Different From Buying Diamond Jewelry?

The Gemological Institute of America has some great resources to help you buy diamonds. There, you will learn about the 4 C’s of a diamond: the Carat, the Color, the Clarity, and the Cut. Diamonds can vary tremendously in quality, so you want to make sure you’re educated about what you’re buying!

When selecting pieces for your horse jewelry collection, you’ll notice several things.  First, rather than focusing on one large stone, as you often see in engagement rings, many horse jewelry pieces make use of several smaller diamonds.  That’s what has been done on this exquisite 14K Gold Majestic Stallion Horse Head Pendant Diamonds are used, to great effect,to highlight the bridle — check out the sapphire bit! That type of detail speaks not only to the jeweler’s art, but a great understanding of horses.

A great understanding of what riders value also makes for great jewelry.  Look at the Rider’s Ring on the left: a vintage piece from 1907, this ring features the low profile and a pierced gallery, guaranteeing the air flow you need to avoid the dreaded sweaty hand syndrome, in and out of the saddle! Stunningly beautiful, this 18k gold ring has three .30ctw rubies (July’s birthstone, if you’re looking for a perfect gift!) and two old, round mine-cut diamonds.

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!

This is an exciting, dynamic pin, with the stallion’s movement captured in exquisite 14K gold.  Look at the flying hooves, the diamond studded mane and tail flowing freely behind! You can almost imagine the thunder as he crosses the pasture, the powerful hindquarters beating out freedom’s exhilirating song.

Festive and unique, this pin measures an inch and a half wide and an inch and a quarter tall: the perfect size. It’s big enough to make a statement, small enough to be appropriate in almost any setting.

This stallion would look right at home, galloping across the lapel of your blazer. Bring some of your passion, energy, and free spirit into the office with you, that vitality that separates you from teh rest.  Ruby eyes shine bright, adding the perfect touch of color.  Very versatile, you can wear this for a casual event or an artistic outing; the possibilities are limitless!

Best of all, because we want every horse lover out there to have the perfect gift under the tree, it’s on sale.  Normally, you’d pay $2,100 for this pin, testament to the quality, workmanship, and unique styling here.  High quality gold horse jewelry is hard to find!  But now, this beautiful gold horse pin can be yours for only $850 — a savings of $1,250 — mor than 50% off!  Of course, quantities are limited, so you’ll want to act fast.

With the holidays approaching and budgets tight all over, you can still make your horse lover’s shiniest dreams come true.  Shop early, and visit EquestrianJewelry.com for one of a kind vintage and estate pieces, stunning gold horse jewelry, shiny silver horse jewelry, and more. We make giving easy — and if you start now, you can make it memorable!

This Victorian 14k Rose Gold and Pearl Horseshoe Ring is a stunning example. This sensational piece has 11 round pearls, each with beautiful luster. The pearls are prong set into a horseshoe shape with an elaborate raised and cut-out side gallery. On either side of the horseshoe setting is an attractive etched design. This is a special piece of antique equestrian jewelry. Not only does it combine the elegance of pearls with elaborate design work, it incorporates the classic horsehoe motif in a way any horse lover would consider themselves lucky to wear.

Many stunning pieces of estate jewelry featuring horses also incorporate the horseshoe motif. The beauty of estate and antique jewelry, particularly horse jewelry, is how unique and well-crafted the pieces are. Consider this Antique Rose Gold Horseshoe Ring Like the previous piece, this lovely ring features the horseshoe motif and intricate detail work. In fact, the band of this ring is a riding crop! The ring also features 17 turquoise stones — making this ring irresistable to any true fan of turquoise jewelry.  This is the real deal, too — not the cheap stuff you’ll find sold in tourist traps!  Circa 1885, this gold ring has a fantastic rose gold patina that would look superb with any skin tone.

Both rings are size 6.5, and both are surprisingly affordable. If you’re just starting to collect horse jewelry they’re great pieces to begin with. If you’ve been collecting for years, both pieces are strong enough and unique enough to enhance any collection. Don’t miss out on these special rings for horse lovers!

Celebrate the fun with your wardrobe choices: share the love of horses by selecting jewelry that commemorates the good times. The Hoofprints on Your Heart Bracelet is a great example. Extravagantly cheerful, this personalized bracelet features sterling silver charms: there’s a horse charm, a hunt cap charm, a charm that is an exquisitely detailed rider’s boot, a horseshoe charm, and a “Hoofprints on Your Heart” charm. Pale green and pale pink crystal beads add some fun color and splash to a bracelet that’s tied into fall’s hottest trends.

What do you need to know about fun horse jewelry?

Fun horse jewelry is varied: you can find fun equestrian pieces in gold, silver, even platinum.  Beads, bangles, and charms play a huge role in making a piece fun. Personalization is essential for fun horse jewelry. This is particularly true if you’re shopping for the younger horse lover: These personalized sterling silver and woven leather bracelets are extremely popular among teenaged and young adult riders of both genders.

Fun horse jewelry means flash and flair: don’t shy away from bold style and glimmering gems.  Your horse jewelry collection should reflect every facet of your personality: this includes the cheerful, happy, upbeat side.  Be varied: look for fun horse necklaces, fun horse bracelets, exciting estate jewelry, and more!

The date? The very earliest days of the twentieth century.

The result? The flowering of the Art Noveau movement, thought by many to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing, elegant, attractive art styles humanity has ever conceived of.

With an emphasis on making art part of everyday life, introducing elements of grace and style into everything from household objects — ornamental vases, glassware, and furniture — to clothing and adornment, art nouveau truly changed how we view the world.

It’s no wonder that so many people are drawn to collecting art nouveau jewelry: for the horse lover, this easily translates into a passion for art nouveau horse jewelry.  Horses are, of course, beautiful in and of themselves: when you put their image into the hands of an artisan determined to represent them in the most elegant, graceful, stylish way possible, it’s a don’t miss combination.

There are two ways to build an art nouveau horse jewelry collection.  You can collect authentic, antique art nouveau pieces, such as the fob pendant shown here.  Take note of the long, elegant lines shown — the horses bridles are perfectly detailed.  You can almost feel the wind pushing through their manes!

Another option, especially attractive to those just starting a horse jewelry collection, is to seek out modern pieces rendered in an art nouveau style.  Fashions wax and wane: art nouveau goes through a renaissance every few decades; generally in response to troubling economic or social times.  Small wonder: when you’re feeling down one of the best ways to lift your spirits is to surround yourself with beauty.  Art Nouveau horse jewelry certainly delivers that!

This week, we’d like to focus on the free spirit: the creative, artistic types who are passionate about horses and have a unique individual flair.  These folks aren’t conventional: they want the one-of-a-kind piece that represents THEM.

Estate and heirloom horse jewelry is often the ideal choice for the free spirit.  Check out this pendant:

A large, hand-carved (and we know that hand made pieces are highly valued by creative individuals!) oval carnelian shell pendant features a reclining, dreamy-faced woman in repose next to a majestic rearing horse.  Look at the spirit and passion of the horse, coupled with the quiet, contented contemplation of the woman: is this not the perfect representation of the creative spirit in all its manifestations?

What’s nice about this piece is that it is versatile.  While it’s pictured here as a pendant, it’s also a pin: the bail folds down, allowing the cameo to be worn on a lapel, pinned on a jacket, accenting an outfit in a unique striking way.

If you’re a fan of Victorian jewelry this piece will resonate with you.  Classic, timeless styling hearkens back to an ideal time, when we were able to focus on what’s truly important, without all of the modern day distractions that keep us from what we truly love and value.  Slipping this pendant on can serve as a point of connection, serving as a tangible touchstone that reminds us of what we really, honestly are in our hearts.

When shopping for the free spirit, you want to look for pieces that are unique and one of a kind.  Focus on the beauty of the piece, and don’t sweat it if it’s not ‘trendy’ — your creative sweetheart or daughter doesn’t focus on the trend.  They want the piece that represents them — and what could make a more perfect gift than that piece of horse jewelry that honors their creative nature!

Antique and Estate Horse Jewelry

Everything old is new again, whether it’s a genuine estate piece or a modern replica, like this 14K Gold & Sterling Silver Horse Head Pendant, which is modeled on a stunning 1930′s piece.  Classic styling is always appropriate, and the fine detailing speaks to your passion for quality in all you do.

Are You Cuff Enough?

A new bold trend this spring can be spotted as close as the nearest wrist: cuff bracelets are big, big, big.  This is great news for the lover of fine horse jewelry: distinctive cuff bracelets provide the perfect platform for equestrian art.  Check out this 14K Gold and Sterling Silver Fantasy Cuff: with a trio of majestic mounts, manes flying and heads tossing, they’re the picture of high spirited grace every horsewoman holds dear.

GOLD, GOLD, GOLD

If you want your horse jewelry to be fashion forward and trend aware, you want to be wearing gold this spring!  Designers from Milan to NY are bringing out some innovative pieces in gold.  There’s a strong interest in figural work, such as this 14K Gold Horse of the Winds pin. Note the flowing mane and tail: you can almost feel the breeze whipping!  Dynamic design and fine craftsmanship ensures this is a piece that will serve you through this season and beyond!