Sensational Silver Horse Jewelry

There’s no doubt about it: silver horse jewelry is one of the hottest picks for the spring. But don’t make the mistake of thinking this is just the latest ‘new thing’ — silver has long been a favorite metal: it is mentioned in the earliest books of the Bible and turns up in archeological digs from civilizations long buried.  We’ve been using silver for forever and a day to craft beautiful, detailed jewelry to adorn our wrists — as this sterling silver cable bracelet with an 18K gold stirrup accent does exceptionally well — necks, ears, and fingers.

Looking at the beauty, style and distinctive shine of silver, many people assume that the  majority of this metal winds up in jewelry.  After all, it’s so perfectly suited to that purpose!  However, if you want to discover where most silver goes, you need look no further than your cell phone, computer, television, GPS, or any of a million other technological gadgets that surround our daily lives! Batteries contain silver.

Confusion crops up around the term sterling silver. Sterling silver is an alloy, which consists of 92% silver and 8% other metals. Mixing the metals results in a more durable product, as pure silver is exceptionally soft.   Most fine jewelry artisans work far too hard to want to see their artistry obliterated when someone bumps a bracelet against a tabletop accidentally. Sterling silver horse jewelry is durable and beautiful, tough and exquisite — not at all unlike the horses we hold so dear!

When selecting silver jewelry, remember that you’re looking at a material that has timeless appeal — yet is priced to allow you to keep up with the trends without breaking the bank.  Every horse jewelry collection should include some silver!  (And yes, if for no other reason, silver has been known to keep werewolves away.  Talk about peace of mind!)

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!

Cuff Bracelets for Horse Lovers: Sleek Silver Elegance

Seen on fashionable wrists everywhere this season, sleek, slender cuff bracelets are the accessory of choice for those who favor an elegant, polished look.

What could be simpler than a cuff?  The beauty of this piece rests in the quality of the materials used — in this case, sterling silver — the measured grace, and the intricate detailing.  Look at the horse’s head.  You can almost see the light in the horse’s eyes as he looks ahead to the next jump, or prances eagerly in place, ready to enter the ring.

Part of the beauty of cuff bracelets is that they’re always appropriate. You could wear this piece casually — paired with a sweater and jeans, it’s a nice, bright, sporty accent — or in an office environment, where it pairs nicely with more formal attire while still conveying a sense of style and timeless elegance.

Not all cuff bracelets for horse lovers are strictly figural, either. This sensational Yurman-style cuff bracelet with satin matte silver curb links outlined by a shiny basketweave border embodies the equine aesthetic without being over-the-top, in-your-horse centric. It’s possible to be subtle and fashion forward at the same time, and this stunning cuff accomplishes exactly that.

Silver horse jewelry really shines in the winter, capturing the cool elegance of November skies, the frosty clouds of  your horse’s breath in the morning when you go out to the barn, the shimmering beauty of a dappled mare’s coat as she runs across the pasture… how could any horse lover resist?

Fine Jewelry for the Hunter/Jumper Set

The sheer athleticism, indominatable spirit, powerful elegance, and flawless teamwork of a horse and rider: is anything more beautiful?

Finding jewelry that commemorates your love of hunting and jumping can be difficult. How can mere gold — or in this case, sterling silver — truly express the passion, the beauty, the elegance and power of the the bond between horse and rider?

One must choose carefully!  In this case, good things come in small packages: in a pendant just over a half-inch square, we see the alert ears, eagerly pointed toward the next obstacle.  Intricate detail work reveals the braided mane, ready for the arena.  The bridle and reins are exquisitely worked, demonstrating the mechanism by which the pinnacle of equestrian perfection can be reached.

This stunning small pendant can also work on a charm bracelet. It is available in 14K gold as well as sterling silver, offering you a range of options. If you are on a team or ride with several other riders from the same stable, you can show your solidarity by all wearing the same charm!

You may also want to consider the sentimental appeal of a locket — particularly a locket that captures a horse perfectly in the moment, like this 14K Gold Dressage Horse Locket:

With elegant styling, exquisite craftsmanship, and a place for your favorite photograph of your horse (or sweetheart!) </a> this locket is the perfect accent to any outfit: as appropriate in the office as the showring, suitable for any occassion.  A sure favorite for the hunter/jumper fans!

The combination of silver and gold in one classic piece is very hot right now, speaking to the fashion forward equestrian!

True Love Means Showing You Really Understand Her

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner: a holiday for lovers, to celebrate those moments spent together with the most special person in the world.  If you really want your darling to know you cherish and appreciate her, the best thing you can do this Valentine’s Day is demonstrate that you understand her!

Equestrian jewelry can be the answer. Take this sterling silver dressage horsehead pendant, for example.  This is a piece of jewelry that demonstrates you know and honor her passion for her horse — not to mention the hours and dedication required to be a top notch rider.  By encasing the horsehead in a silver heart, you’re honoring the place of her passion– and demonstrating that you’re willing to share in that love.

An old saying says that the easiest way for a man to become sexier is to carry a handful of diamonds.  Now, we hate to argue with conventional wisdom, but we’ve found that the true way to become the man of her dreams involves presenting gifts that demonstrate understanding of who your sweetheart really is– as a person.  This sterling silver horsehead pendant is one way to do it — but if your love lives for the steeplechase or the show ring, the hunt or the trail ride, you’ll be sure to find the perfect piece here: http://www.equestrianjewelry.com/