Lapidary_Journal_Jewelry_Artist_-_November_-_December_2019

emblems that express American inter-
ests like horseback riding, exploring,
fl ying, sailing, fi shing, masonry, and
service to country.
The line is designed for the guy
who doesn’t want to think about
wearing jewelry, says Speight. “Ameri-
cana takes on that aesthetic of a casu-
al statement, a comfortable signature
piece, expressive but not fl ashy, and
that has meaning for the wearer, add-
ing meaning to his style.”

HIGH HORSE
Horses are among the stars of any
good western and undoubtedly
provide an iconic muse in jewelry

design, as well as the elements re-

lated to riding.

“The romance of the west and

love of the western lifestyle is a

part of everyone’s heritage,” be-

lieves Kelly Herd. Iconic imagery like

horseshoes, bridles, buckles, stirrups,

and riding boots is limitless in how

designers can express their individu-

ality in the details.

With roots in his mother’s eques-

trian jewelry business, the Chatta-

nooga, Tennessee-based jeweler and

manufacturer celebrates his mother’s

savvy business sense in creating, back

in 1983, a product for a market that

had been longing for high-end jewelry

to fi ll its passion. The company today

off ers designs in gold and silver, dia-

monds, gemstones, and CZ.

“Our take on buckle rings and

necklaces; restyling a basic horse-

shoe into a piece of jewelry a mother

wants to pass on to a daughter,

the way we are able to capture the

nuances of a horse’s behavior in

our sculptures lets our clients con-

nect with each one of our designs,”

explains Herd, who has a barn full of

horses and a family engaged in riding

and the western lifestyle.

Broadly speaking, horse motifs

are popular in charms and thematic

bracelets, as the brand Rembrandt

Shane HendrenBelt Buckle

Turquoise, sterling silver, gold, garnet

PHOTO: COURTESY SHANE HENDREN

“Americana takes on

that aesthetic of a

casual statement, a

comfortable signature

piece, expressive but

not flashy, and that

has meaning for

the wearer, adding

meaning to his style.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 23

Foal & Halter PendantKelly Herd

PHOTO: COURTESYSterling silver

KELLY HERD

offers designs in gold and silver, dia-

elements re- to fi ll its passion. The company today

IB GoodmanBracelet

Leather, sterling silver, bronzePHOTO: COURTESY IB GOODMAN