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At West Coast Cowgirl, we pride ourselves on providing beautiful and striking jewelry inspired by the American West. This region is full of history, culture and natural beauty, which has long been reflected in the jewelry designs. Influences from Native American and the Spanish, along with the romanticism of the Old West and the Victorian era, have impacted many styles we see today. This includes the use of natural stones within Western style jewelry. One stone, Jasper, is so amazingly varied in its colors and patterns, it is known as the picturesque stone.

Jasper is found world-wide, and has long been used by many cultures, from ancient Antiquity to the present day. Jasper comes is so many colors and varieties of patterns, it is considered the art canvas of nature. Hues of golden-red deserts, earthy brown canyons, deep spruce forests and rich azure skies are seen reflected in these amazing stones, each one a picture of nature itself.

Within some Native American tribes, Jasper was long used by Shamans as a ‘protector’ stone when they performed healing ceremonies. Spider Jasper is a specific kind of Jasper which comes in shades of brown with either white or dark spider-web like markings. These were thought to be directly connected to Grandmother Spider in many tribal legends. Jasper is also an easy stone to carve, making it an ideal piece to choose in carving stone fetishes, and beads. Our Biraldo Bracelet shows off the striking earth tones that can be found in Jasper, making it easy to see why this stone has long been used.

The range and vibrancy of colors found within Jasper will enhance any piece of jewelry made with this stone. Jasper jewelry connects you with the natural beauty of the American West. Like wearing a piece of art, Jasper bracelets and necklaces are brilliant statement pieces. Our Tamika & Pablo necklaces are excellent examples. When you are looking for a conversation piece to add to your accessory wardrobe, you can’t go wrong with Jasper.

Our latest collection of Stone Beaded jewelry includes several items with beautiful, colorful Jasper. I invite you to check out our products at West Coast Cowgirl, where you can find a variety of jewelry at our website. Whether you are looking for a gift for that special someone or ready to treat yourself to something new, products are added regularly so be sure to check back often.

Value is a big benefit when it comes to fashion and adding to your jewelry choices. At West Coast Cow Girl, we pride ourselves on being able to offer stunning jewelry at a great cost to fit any budget. While many of our items are hand-crafted, all of them are of high quality. When it comes to diamonds in jewelry, we are not shy about how we can save you money.

Diamonds are said to be a girl’s best friend, but the rarity of these gemstone beauties keeps them out of reach for many a fashion forward wardrobe. Luckily, there are alternatives around. From synthetic, or man-made stones, to natural alternatives, you can have glittering jewels without the high cost. The most common diamond substitutes are crystals, rhinestones, and cubic zirconia.

Crystals are the most abundant stones on earth. These natural beauties shine with a
flair uniquely their own, making for a great alternative to diamonds. Clear crystals are often mistaken for diamonds, as they look very similar. Their natural shapes and hardness are distinctly different, however. This doesn’t stop crystals from adding extra bling to jewelry.

One type of crystal which has been used in western style jewelry for generations now is a rhinestone. These were originally crystals found near the Rhine River in Europe. These crystals often shine like a diamond, enough to fool many an eye. Today, however, most rhinestones are actually man-made pieces of leaded or crystal glass.

Another man-made diamond alternative is the Cubic Zirconia. This synthetic stone so closely resembles a diamond that, since the 1970s, cubic zirconia has been the largest competitor when it comes to the question, Diamond or no? for fashion jewelry. These stones are a low-cost alternative, and even come in different colors.

There is no need to spend a fortune on jewelry. With crystals or synthetic stones, you can enjoy the look of a diamond without digging deep into your wallet. I invite you to check out our products at West Coast Cowgirl, where you will find a wide variety of jewelry options, including pieces with crystals, rhinestones, and cubic zirconia. Whether you are looking for a gift for that special someone, or ready to treat yourself to something new, products are added regularly, so be sure to check back often.