In the ad, Michele claims the horses are overworked and badly treated.  However, fact checking with the Horse and Carriage Association of NYC, the group responsible for the oversight of the industry, reveals that the horses in NYC live in what most horse lovers would consider pretty good conditions.  They have limited work days, and have a five week vacation every year where they are taken to the country.

The carriage horses of today without a doubt enjoy better treatment and living conditions of horses half a century ago, much less half a century before that.

Horse and Carriage Jewelry

Horse and carriage jewelry is actually pretty hard to find.  We’ve got this great pin to tell you about, which has a little bit of history of its own!

Bridle rosettes were a once popular way to dress up your horse’s tack. Images are protected under glass domes, and backed with a sturdy brass panel. You’d slide your bridle through a loop on the back, and your horse would wear it, like jewelry. Usually a horse would wear a matched pair.

Today, many of these rosettes are seeing new life as pins. You can see the range of pins we have available here. At just under 2″ across, they’re the perfect size, and they were built to last. They’re a little heavy, so don’t plan on pinning these to your favorite silk blouse. On a blazer, denim jacket, or even on a bag, they look fabulous! Unique and equestrian-vintage, they’re a perfect gift for your favorite horsewoman — even if that’s you!

Ireland has a long, complex relationship with horses that goes back to the dawn of time.  Before Christianity became the dominant religion in the region, the Celtic people worshiped a variety of Gods and Goddesses.  Among these was Epona, a goddess of fertility and protector of horses, donkeys, and mules.  Epona was the only Celtic goddess who made it to Rome, where she was worshiped extensively.  You can still see examples of her in Roman sculpture of the time.

Celtic Knotwork Horse Jewelry

Perhaps the most well known and distinctive form of Celtic decoration is knotwork, in which endless loops and knots repeat to create distinctive patterns.  Examples of this artwork have been found dating back to the fifth century and are still being made today — proof positive that good design never goes out of style.  Lovers of Celtic knotwork are drawn to the intricate pattern, the complexity of the craftsmanship, and often, the animal motifs that are woven into the knots.  Particularly common are those two perennial Irish favorites: dogs and horses.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries — the time when many writers, especially William Butler Yeats, were doing their best work, there was a great passion for everything Irish.  This was termed the Celtic Revival and many people embraced it as a rejection of a life they felt was too modern and out of control.

Here we are, two centuries on, and the pressures of modern life are still with us.  Perhaps that’s why the timeless, mysterious — some even say mystical — feel of Celtic knotwork horse jewelry remains.

This Sterling Silver Celtic Horse pin is a particular favorite of ours. At 1 and 3/8 inch in diameter, this round pin uses a traditional image of Epona, repeated three times in traditional Celtic Knotwork fashion. Appropriate for every setting, evocative of Ireland’s verdant shores, and perfect for the horse lover, this pin makes a great gift for someone special — or for yourself!

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!

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!

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!

Versatility is key here: this piece can be worn as a pin — gracing the lapel of a blazer — or as a pendant, paired with a gold chain to add sparkle and elegance to any outfit. Amazing detail work in bright white gold accents the leathers that form the circular edge of this piece, the perfect note of whimsy.

The horse’s eyes are sapphire , the bright blue gem beloved by many and a perpetual holiday favorite. Look at the energy and spirit of the horse, rendered in yellow gold.  The mane is fluttering in the wind, the ears forward and alert: here is a horse ready for adventure, eager for the day’s challenges.  You’ll feel good just having this pin on: such vitality uplifts everyone who sees it!

At 1.5 inches high and 1.25 inches across, this is a bold piece, ready to make an impression.  Imagine her face as she opens that gift box and sees this shining there! This is a unique piece, for the unique horsewoman — someone not content with the run of the mill ordinary jewelry found in any chain jewelers!  After all, your passion for horses and life long love of all things equine is your individual passion: why not have horse jewelry that is just as unique and one of a kind?

For the horse jewelry collector, this piece could proudly serve as the centerpiece or focal point of any collection. High quality craftsmanship, museum level sculptural detail, and the best of modern technique and classical design can be yours — but you’ll have to act soon if you want it in time for Christmas. This piece comes from England, home of the proud racing tradition, and requires a few weeks delivery time.  Don’t delay if you want to be the one to present the most amazing horse jewelry ever this Christmas!

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!

But what are they offering? It seems to be a lot of the same old, same old. Cruising through the leading jewelry retailer’s offerings, it seems pretty clear that if your content getting your sweetheart the exact same piece everyone else will be wearing, you should be able to do so at a rock bottom price.

What happens if your honey deserves something more? What happens if you want something timeless, rather than trendy? What happens if you want that perfect gift, something elegant and truly representative of what your darling truly values?

You might need to break away from the pack and look a little harder. Estate jewelry, such as this stunning 14K Hackney horse pin, studded with seed pearls, can be the perfect present.  Your darling deserves more than what everyone else is wearing.  She is a stunning, strong individual in her own right.  Why not give her a gift that acknowledges this, combining her love of horses with an appreciation for fine jewelry!