With the Kentucky Derby right around the corner, how could we not spend some time talking about thoroughbreds? For many people, the thoroughbred is the image that comes to mind when you say the word “Horse” – long, tall, lean and fast, hooves churning up the track, ears back and tail flying, racing for victory. The thoroughbred is emblematic of so many great qualities: determination, heart, tenacity, desire.

To top it all off, thoroughbreds are really beautiful horses. This beauty translates well into horse jewelry.  Over the years, many talented artisans have captured the image of the thoroughbred in gold, silver, and fine jewels.

Vintage Horse Jewelry

Many pieces of vintage horse jewelry are of particular interest to the horse lover: if you like images of thoroughbreds racing, reverse painted crystal horse jewelry can be your delight. Images of thoroughbreds and racing go hand in hand: many horse pins and horse brooches feature the symbols emblematic of the sport of kings.

If you collect vintage horse jewelry, you can look for pieces at antique stores, flea markets, or estate sales. Treasures can show up in the most unlikely places, and for some people, the search is part of the fun.  Another way to build your estate horse jewelry collection is to find a company that specializes in vintage horse jewelry. This year’s trend toward rose gold is perfect for lovers of estate horse jewelry – many fine pieces feature rose gold!

Modern Thoroughbred Horse Jewelry

Modern design is having a powerful impact on the jewelry world. Horse jewelry featuring the bold lines, innovative styling, and fashion forward sensibility of modern design appeal to women of all ages.  Cuff bracelets are one of the hottest trends of the season, especially silver cuff bracelets featuring horses. We’re also fond of this diamond horse head pendant – the energy and dynamism of this piece evokes the passion and fire of the thoroughbred.

That being said, there’s a lot to be said about gold horse rings. The jewelry term ‘Gypsy Set’ is not one everyone is familiar with. What the term means is a ring, usually gold, that has one or more jewels set deeply into the metal. This style of setting stones is ideal for Rider Rings – rings worn by horsewomen that can stand up to the demands of life with horses. The risk of losing a stone is diminished when the stones are securely held in the channel.

You’ll see Gypsy set horse jewelry a lot when you’re considering vintage and estate horse jewelry. People were far more cautious with their gems back in the day – but no one really wants to lose a sapphire or diamond now. If you choose this Vintage 9K Rose Gold and Sapphire Ring you’ll be able to wear it with confidence. Rose gold is one of the hottest jewelry trends for the 2011 Spring Season.

Did you know that there’s an American Gypsy Horse breed? Talk about some truly magnificent animals. These horses are quite large, and strikingly colored: I can imagine how a team would look pulling a colorful wagon into town!

Remember, in those days, before we had the internet and high speed travel and all of the luxuries we have now, it was possible to go a great deal of time without seeing or talking to your darling.  A locket was therefore an especially prized piece of jewelry.  It was intensely personal, signifying in many ways the connection between the wearer and the person in the image.

Horse Lockets

Antique horse lockets are great.  Check out these three great lockets we’ve just added to the collection. Lovers of Victorian era jewelry will love the petite rose gold horseshoe locket: it’s small but packed with style and sentiment. Check it out! The ivy motif that surrounds the horseshoe is a Victorian symbol of constancy and fidelity: a sweet way to mark the most special connection!

This gold and onyx locket has dramatic appeal. One side is designed to look like the underside of a horse’s hoof, set with black onyx. The reverse features an exquisitely detailed horseshoe carving in hematite. This is a locket for a bold wearer, who appreciates quality Deco design and one of a kind styling.

And this antique gold filled horse locket is absolutely super! The locket itself is rose gold, with an exquisitely detailed yellow gold horse’s head on the top. Decorative flowers with green gold leaves add a feminine touch.  This is a beautiful, one of a kind piece that’s ideal for a one of a kind horsewoman! There’s room on the back for engraving, making this locket even more personal.

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. 

How many of your special moments take place in the barn? In the show ring? In the saddle?

If you’re like me, chances are some of the most magical, uplifting, truly perfect times in your life happened atop your horse.  Commemorate those special moments with this astonishing trio of stacking horse rings: one each in 14K white, yellow, and rose gold!

Each ring can be worn individually, the gold matched to your outfit — or you can stack them, creating a statement-wide band look on a ring finger. The diamond eyes give them that touch of sparkle, but the fact that they are horse heads and very sculptural is appealing to the person who likes a more realistic, representational piece of equestrian jewelry.

Don’t let your stories slip away.  Take the time to honor those moments with your horses that have truly made your life unique.  Find out more about this great ring   here