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.

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?