How We Make Our Equestrian Jewelry

At The Treasured Horse, we create original equestrian jewelry and custom horsehair keepsakes in sterling silver, 14kt gold, and 18kt gold. Each design brings together precious-metal craftsmanship and a connection to the horse you love.

A finished piece involves much more than adding hair to a setting. The shape of the metal, the strength of its joins, the fit of each stone, and the preparation of the inlay all matter. Here's a closer look at the work behind our jewelry.

From Design to Metal: Lost-Wax Casting

Our cast designs begin with a model of the piece. We use jewelry-design software to develop shapes, proportions, and details, including the channels that will hold the horsehair braid. The design is then made into a wax or castable model for the lost-wax casting process.

The model is encased in a heat-resistant investment material. During burnout, the model is removed, leaving a cavity in its shape. Molten sterling silver or gold fills that cavity to create the metal casting.

Casting gives us the underlying form, but it doesn't produce a finished piece of jewelry. The casting must be cleaned, refined, and finished. Surfaces and edges need attention, and any areas intended for assembly, stone setting, or inlay must be prepared for the next stage.

Personalized Lettering, Modeled Before Casting

Names, dates, and other personalized lettering are incorporated directly into the digital model before casting. This lets us carefully control the spacing, placement, and alignment so the lettering becomes part of the piece itself, with a clean, crisp finish.

Soldering and Hand Finishing

Where a design calls for separate components, soldering joins the metal parts. The fit and preparation of the joint, controlled heat, and the flow of solder all contribute to a secure connection. This work is completed before the horsehair is installed, keeping the braid away from the heat of the torch.

We refine and polish the metalwork, paying attention to the details you see and the surfaces you feel against your skin. A smooth edge, a comfortable fit, and a clean finish are part of the craftsmanship, not just finishing touches.

Stone Setting

For designs with gemstones or diamonds, the setting must suit the stone's size and shape. The stone is fitted into its seat, and the surrounding metal is carefully worked to hold it securely, using the setting style chosen for that design.

We check the fit and security of the stone as well as its appearance. Whether it's a small birthstone or a diamond accent, it should feel like an intentional part of the jewelry.

Preparing and Braiding Your Horse's Hair

Your horse's hair is individually labeled and kept organized throughout the process. We clean and prepare the strands needed for your piece, then braid them by hand to suit the width and shape of your chosen design.

Tail hair is preferred, ideally 10–12 inches long. The amount needed depends on the piece, so follow the instructions in its product description. If you have mane hair, shorter strands, or only a small amount, contact us before ordering so we can help you choose a suitable design. Unused hair is returned with your finished jewelry.

A Carefully Fitted Inlay and Permanent Bond

A quality horsehair inlay starts with a properly prepared channel. The braid must fit neatly within it, following the shape of the design without being forced or crowded. Careful preparation matters because the bond is only as dependable as the surfaces and fit beneath it.

We secure the fitted braid with resin, creating a permanent bond within the metal channel. The resin is allowed to cure, anchoring and protecting the hair while keeping its natural color and woven detail visible. The surrounding metal provides additional protection for the recessed inlay.

We inspect the finished inlay for a neat fit, secure adhesion, and a clean surface. The aim is a piece you can wear and enjoy, with the horsehair integrated into the jewelry rather than simply attached as a decoration.

A permanent bond still needs appropriate care. Avoid harsh chemicals and prolonged soaking, and follow our horsehair jewelry care instructions to protect both the inlay and the metalwork.

Our Mission

We make jewelry that honors the bond between horses and the people who love them. That means treating the hair you entrust to us as irreplaceable and giving the metalwork, stone setting, and inlay the attention they deserve.

Rooted in Vermont, The Treasured Horse creates keepsakes for horse lovers around the world. Explore our horsehair jewelry collection or get in touch about a custom piece.

From Our Customers