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!

Tell Your Story With Horse Jewelry

The latest trend in the jewelry world is for what some are calling ‘narrative pieces’.  These are pieces of jewelry — pendants, bracelets, necklaces, and especially charms — that come with a story.  Jane Seymour’s eloquent tale of her mother’s advice to always keep your heart open led her to design a pendant that’s become remarkably popular.

But you don’t have to be a jewelry designer to tell your life story with jewelry.  You can convey the tale of your life with the jewelry you wear!

For example, take this piece, which we’re calling The Ultimate Rider’s Charm Bracelet. At first glance, it’s immediately apparent to even the most casual observer that the wearer loves horses.  Look at the horseshoe charm, and the finely detailed horse head.  Closer examination reveals more: the gloves, boots, and hat that speak to hours preparing for the show arena, the training, the grooming, the nerves fluttering like so many wayward butterflies in your stomach.  And of course, the show ribbon — and who couldn’t use a little good luck, delivered in the form of a four leaf clover?

Selecting jewelry that tells a story is an intensely personal process.  You want to think carefully about what’s important to you, and then take the time to really browse through all of your options. It’s possible to be fashion forward and still very individual: Charm Jewelry is one great option. A golden wheelbarrow might remind you of wonderful days working in the barn, or a childhood when you were so excited just to be around the horses that you’d do anything — even muck stalls — simply to be there. It’s about YOUR memories, YOUR story, and YOUR look.  So don’t delay: start telling your story today!

Victorian Horseshoe Jewelry

Like many horse jewelry collectors, you may  have a passion for horseshoe jewelry What is more emblematic of the horse than the horsehoe? Every horse jewelry collection contains at least a few horsehoe pieces.

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!

Hoofprints on Your Heart: Personalized Horse Jewelry

A horse jewelry collection can be a fun jewelry collection: kick off your back to school accessory shopping with adding some adorable pieces that showcase your sunny spirit while embracing your love of horses.  Let’s face it: at the best parts of having horses in your life is the fun you have with them: the bliss of the perfect ride, the warm companionship at the end of the day when you check the barn one last time before bed, the challenge of finding that perfect moment when horse and rider are moving and acting as one.

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!

A One of a Kind Treasure For Your One of a Kind Treasure

The first reports from Black Friday are trickling in — and the writing on the wall is pretty clear!  Savvy shoppers are by passing the same old, same old jewelry that everyone’s wearing in search of the unique, the one of a kind, the truly personal this holiday season.

Nothing says unique like antique jewelry. You’re not going to find a ring like this at a chain jewelers.  Notice the rope style twisted wire band, so very attractive in 9k gold.  In the center, a delicately worked horsehoe surrounding a faceted ruby: the perfect symbol for an avid horsewoman!  And if she happens to have a July birthday, so much the better…although rubies are also a great symbol for anyone with a passionate heart.

This ring is truly one of a kind.  A size 6, it’s made for tiny fingers, and will look stunning on a delicate hand.  Appropriate for all settings, this truly can be the gift that takes her breath away. 

Antique Gold: The Gift that Lasts and Lasts

Gold is always “in”, but the minute that the economy starts getting rocky, gold gets hotter than ever. Right now, investors are more jittery than any Grand National competitor — and gold sales reflect that.

Gold has long been thought to be a safe investment in turbulent times.  Stunning, shining, and always desirable, gold retains its value through even the most adverse conditions. 

That’s something to keep in mind as the holiday season approaches. Sure, you can go for something bright and trendy for a few dollars: you’ll have a season of shiny joy.  Invest a little more, and you will be giving something more than a gift.  You’ll be creating a legacy, sharing that bit of wealth your loved one can hold onto through good times and bad!  No matter what the market may do, your gift will still set the gold standard: the tangible representation of love that conquers all!

Three of A Kind

Normally, you only hear about trifectas at the betting counter, but this stunning 14k White Gold Diamond Horseshoe Necklace delivers on three levels for the discerning horsewoman.

First, it offers EXACTLY the right amount of sparkle and shine — attractive without being garish. Always appropriate, this necklace is eye-catching and elegant.

Second, it’s versatile: the horseshoes are hinged, and the Omega necklace that supports them is very flexible, meaning it’s a piece you can wear everyday. It works when you’re in the saddle or in the supermarket!

Third, the design allows the wearer to make a real, definitive statement about their love of horses. Your passion for your horse — or horses! — will come shining through!