Riding horses is a skill that has been practiced since man and horse met. Not sure when equestrian inspired motifs were incorporated into jewelry, but I’ve seen many Georgian and Victorian pieces with horse-related themes. Whether it’s an actual horse, a horse bit, or a horse rein or bridle, jewelry has featured this popular sport and animal. Gucci has trademarked the horse bit and made it a part of the brand. Horseshoes are another very popular jewelry motif–seen in Victorian jewelry of the late 1800s and has lasted into today’s trends. Above are all great examples of horse-inspired jewelry from many different time periods. All jewelry can be found at 1stdibs.
Kaitlyn November 7, 2012 at 7:28 pm:
Great Post! The Signet style ring is very cool and I love that picture of the "old hollywood" looking actress on horseback π
Cluny November 8, 2012 at 5:09 am:
I grew up in Hot Springs, Arkansas in the days when there was very little gambling and the horse races were a really big deal. Equestrian jewelry was everywhere and everybody was wearing it since track goers are often quite superstitious. Custom pieces were really popular, and in the 1970s, often, the bigger the better!
Cluny