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A new year means new fashion ideas. Wearing jewelry and adorning with accessories will always be a popular way to show off your own style. Fashion experts and magazines will differ in the details, but current fashion ideas are clear to see a variety of applications. Western-style accessories and jewelry, many which you can readily find on West Coast Cowgril.com, are right in line with what are being touted as 2017 Jewelry trends.

Shining, dangling earrings are making a comeback. There is even a growing trend to wear one long, glitzy or big hoop earring only. Whether you go for a single one or a pair, earrings that sparkle and shine draw attention to your face and hair, and make an ideal complimentary statement. Our Anevay totem tassel earrings will be sure to turn heads and make others take notice. For some elegant dangling glitz, try our Phoebe Chandelier earrings, perfect for an evening out.

We have already talked about the big trend in  layered bracelets. Now, layered necklaces are getting into the mix. Wearing several necklaces together allows for a great way to mix and match your moods and outfits. We make it even easier by offering a variety of layered necklaces, providing multiple strands within one piece, a great practical idea to help keep your chains from tangling while worn. Some of our layered necklaces also showcase another growing trend for 2017, the talisman, or good luck 

charm necklace. Dangling charms have moved from bracelets to chains, giving us another way to make a symbolic statement in the jewelry we wear. Our New Friends Layered Necklace comes in silver and gold, and includes dangling feather and coin charms. A fun and bright good luck charm piece can also be found with our Wealth & Plenty Necklace. These beaded necklaces include classic western charms for wealth and abundance. Put one of these on, and you are sure to feel lucky.

Another trend for the year are tassels. These fringe heavy adornments made a big splash in fashion circles with the growing popularity of the Steampunk movement. But Tassels have been long used in western wear, and still make an excellent color statement. Wear a touch of the Victorian era when going out on the town with our Tender Mist earrings. Our Ocean Breeze Necklace combines the allure of the tassel with the statement of layering chains into one piece.

Fashion trends come and go, yet classic elements remain exciting to wear as you can see in the big 2017 jewelry trends. The start of a new year is also a great time to refresh your accessory collection. 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.

When it comes to wearing spectacular, bold jewelry, there is a right way and a wrong way to make a statement. Wearing large pieces of western style jewelry is a great way to show off your style, but there are three key areas to think about before you step out.
The clothes you wear, other accessories, and simplicity all play a role in making the right bold statement about who you are when wearing statement jewelry.

What you wear can either enhance or detract from large accessory pieces. Statement
jewelry is typically big and full of detail and color. You want others to notice your necklace, not the clash of a pattern which can hide it away. To make your jewelry stand out, stick with single colors; neutral, black, or white are best. For both necklaces and earrings, attention to the neckline of your top or dress is important. Collars with their own details or higher necks can draw the eye away from your jewelry. If you have a
bright cuff bracelet to wear, keep your arm bear if possible, or wear something with close fitting sleeves and wear your bracelet on top.

Wearing a piece of statement jewelry will also impact the other jewelry you wear. To
help keep from looking weighed down, it is a good idea to avoid wearing big earrings and necklaces together, or large rings and bracelets. Mix them up instead. Go for a ring with bling along with a striking necklace, or pair a colorful cuff bracelet with large dangling earrings. By breaking up where your jewelry is on your body, you make a flowing statement, creating a coordinated look. These pairings for statement jewelry also help balance out your ensemble, sure to attract positive attention.

Bold statement jewelry ultimately comes down to simplicity. If you keep it simple, your statement of style will not be missed; you’ll be the talk of the evening. Often, one
colorful piece is all that is needed. Layering pieces together can also make a big statement, but do so with simplicity in mind for greater impact and less confusion. A lot of necklaces or bracelets can look too busy and less sophisticated. Keep large bracelets and rings to one arm or hand. This can help create a symmetry of interest in what you wear.

Western Style statement jewelry can say a lot about who you are in a bold and colorful way. I invite you to check out our products at West Coast Cowgirl, where you can find a variety of statement 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.

We wear jewelry to feel good, to enhance our own beauty and take pride in our appearance. Jewelry is a wonderful way to express yourself, who you are, and what you like. Western style jewelry speaks to the cowgirl in each of us, showing off our pride in the West with traditional elements, materials and symbols. One symbol that can readily be found in many types of western jewelry is the feather. Feathers may be delicate, but they speak volumes.

The feather has many symbolic meanings attached to it. Native American tribes and other indigenous people around the world connect the feather with the wind, powerful energy, such as thunder, and wisdom. As birds fly high in the sky, they are closer to the sun, stars and cosmos beyond. In many Native cultures, birds are messengers of the spirit world, bringing lessons and wisdom to those who receive them. The feather as a sacred symbol for many Native Americans ultimately represents trust, honor, strength, wisdom, power and freedom.

When it comes to fashion trends, feathers have been popular throughout various times in history, and probably even before then. Native American ceremonial headdresses, were worn only by men and at special occasions. Feathers reached

their peak in popularity with the high-fashion feathered hats of the 18^th and 19^th Centuries. Unfortunately, exotic feathers were often sought after during this time, which led to the decline of many beautiful birds around the world. The practice of using real feathers from birds declined itself with the modern age. Today we have synthetic feathers such as can be found in the feather boa of today’s entertainers. There are better supply practices in place, with feathers being sustainably harvested from more common birds, such as roosters. Feathers have been used make a bold statement in a beautiful way.

In current western style fashions, feathers are still a popular element and can be found in a variety of pieces. Feathered earrings and necklaces can add a bit of whimsical fun to an outfit, and make for a wonderful conversation piece. Feathers can also add a bit of romance to your mood. The soft flow of feathers dangling from filigree earrings can feel like the wind gently whispering by. But a feather need not be a real one from a bird. Antiqued gold or silver feathers provide beautiful details, as a delicate accent, or as a bold centerpiece. At the office, they can bring a bit of flair, and at a party or big event, they can highlight a new dress or stunning outfit.

Feathers make a bold and beautiful statement, and are a great way to show off your Western style. I invite you to check out our products at West Coast Cowgirl, where you can find a variety of items with a feathered centerpiece or accents at our website. Whether you are looking for a gift for that special someone or you are ready to treat yourself to something new, products are added regularly so be sure to check back often.

Wearing several bracelets together is growing in popularity. Layering, or stacking groups of bracelets on an arm, creates a statement of intrigue, color and design. These fashion accessories are also a lot of fun to wear and a great way to shine with your own sense of style. Western-style bracelets easily lend themselves to layering, in fact some styles incorporate a stacked look into their design. With splashes of colors and a variety of materials, bracelets are an easy way to make a bold statement. Let the inner cowgirl out with western-style bracelets.

There are some suggested basics which are recommended for layering several bracelets together. Having a starter, or ‘everyday’ set of bangle bracelets gives you a foundation to build on. Check out the Kestral Bracelet, with many layers to work with. Picture our Lady’s Bracelet with several other bangles or as a stand alone on your wrist. It’s versatile and can be worn as a dress up or a dress down. With bright crystals this leather buckle bracelet is a fun and whimsical way to accessorize.

Some may ask how many is too many? It truly depends on where and when you are showing off your collection. One of the fun aspects of bracelets is the noise they make. Some occasions call for quieter dress however, such as job interviews, or an evening at the theater. But you can still wear layers of bracelets. Lasso-style bracelets, made with cording, leather and braided material, allow you to layer without worry. Our Trixie Feather Bracelet makes a stylish statement, when paired with our Braided Bling Bracelet; you get the look of several bracelets without all the jingle-jangling. Even better, with the Braided Bling Bracelet collection, you can get a selection of colors to mix and match

Layered bracelets make a bold style statement. When you mix colors and materials, you make that statement even bigger, and better. To really get the wow factor with mixed bracelets, wear a monochromatic color, in black, white or a neutral tone. Simpler clothing design will make your wrists and arms pop with a chic attitude. West Coast Cowgirl has some stunning bracelets which will put you on center stage. Our Spell Bound Bracelet will have you and others transfixed with vibrant turquoise beads intermixed with a variety of colorful beads in a coil, creating the look of layered bracelets within one piece.

Layering bracelets is a great way to make a style statement. I invite you to check out our products at West Coast Cowgirl, where you will find a wide variety of bracelets, many of which work well layered together. 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.

The  American West and horses go hand in hand. As an icon of independence and beauty, the horse has long had a place in western style jewelry as well. As the world has become more globally connected, so too have various fashion styles, including those with an equestrian flair. Today, western style jewelry has become popular with people sharing a wide range of tastes.  The horse lends itself to a variety of jewelry options from showy and glitzy, to simple and alluring, and everything in between. As an accessory theme, all things equine related can make stunning statements to enhance your personal style.

There is more to horse inspired jewelry than stallions in profile and bejeweled spurs. Today’s western style includes other accessories as well, including handbags, such as the Blazing Pony Handbag which you can find on our website. This new addition to our product line offers a stylish and unique way to step out on the town with purse in tow. The shape and way these handbags drape easily across your body are reminiscent of the mailbags used by the Pony Express.

Horse lovers can express their passion with the simple design of the Wild Hearts Sterling Silver necklace. Taking inspiration from heart silhouette pendants with a bit of bling, this necklace features a unique heart formed from a mare and foal with their heads touching. The cubic zirconia accents make this a sparkling piece perfect for dressing up or any casual day.

No western style wardrobe would be complete without at least one glittering horseshoe.
Legend has it that an up turned horseshoe on a door can keep evil spirits, or bad luck at bay. The traditional use of 7 nails to hold a shoe in place is also considered lucky. You can carry your own bit of luck with a glittering horseshoe of your own, besides horseshoe jewelry is hard to resist! West Coast Cowgirl has Lucky’s Chance Bracelets which feature a crystal horseshoe on a sterling silver chain. You can enhance your horseshoe collection with our Rhiannon Earrings, dangling horseshoe post earrings, as well.

Whether you ride a horse or not, every cowgirl needs the right hat. If you are as inspired by horses as we are, you will want one which speaks to your horse sense with finesse. Our Coco Lady Felt hat is made to embrace the equestrian within. Available in midnight, claret and saddle shades, this hat’s classic lines and finer details evoke horses and beautiful sunsets.

I invite you to check out our products at West Coast Cowgirl, where you will find a wide variety of jewelry options, including pieces inspired by the iconic horse of the American West. Whether you are looking for a gift for that special someone or you’re ready to treat yourself to something new, we have new products added regularly so be sure to check back often.

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Don't miss this great opportunity to shop for some Christmas sparkles! 

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.

Chokers, those close-fitting necklaces which wrap around the neck, are making a big comeback when it comes to fashion statements. These are versatile necklaces which can be made of most any material, and make for a stunning accessory. Choker designs have changed over the years, with a new flare for layering being the dominant theme to this type of jewelry. The latest design inspirations for chokers are also reminiscent of the bolo tie, the original western style choker. Enhanced choker styles of today include tying options, as can be seen in the types of chokers you can find at West Coast Cowgirl Jewelry.

Chokers have long been worn by different cultures around the world. One of the biggest surges in popularity came in the late 1800’s, when Alexandra, Queen of Denmark and Princess of Wales, was seen as the epitome of Victorian fashion. It is said she wore chokers to hide a scar, and was influenced by the women of India, and their style of elaborate adornment. Whatever the reason, those who knew high fashion at the time emulated her style. Often wearing rows of pearls or gemstones, Alexandra’s fashion sense broadened the possibilities of chokers from a simple ribbon to so much more.

When it comes to western style jewelry, the choker is a piece that is right at home with the rest of your accessories. With the rising popularity of layering and tying chokers, these necklaces take the idea of bolo tie to a whole new level. Bolo ties are a type of choker, with typical designs  made of leather or cording with an ornamental clasp which rests close to the neck. With today’s chokers, some designs are longer than normal, providing the option of tying the choker as close you want it, and leaving the ends to dangle. Often you will find the ends have their own ornamental pieces, much like a bolo tie. These ornaments add to the striking nature of a choker. Layering is another option that is catching on; wearing two or three chokers together can help elongate the neckline and makes for a stunning statement.

I invite you to check out our products at West Coast Cowgirl, where you will find a wide variety of jewelry options, including chokers of different designs and styles. 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.

There are many designs in western style jewelry which are directly influenced by Native American culture, especially from the South West. One design speaks volumes, both in its striking beauty and the deeper meanings connected to it. I am talking about the Squash Blossom necklace, iconic jewelry of the Navajo. These large, silver and turquoise beaded necklaces have a unique story which connects us with the past, and perhaps surprisingly, with a variety of cultures.

When first made, and worn by Navajo people (and other regional tribes such as the Zuni and Pueblo), the Squash Blossom necklace was primarily a ceremonial piece. Much of our jewelry and ornamental wear of today began this way. These necklaces were made and worn with reverence for the spiritual path of the wearer. The main components of this necklace are symbolic in nature. Symbols have been used since the stone age to communicate ideas. 

The most common form of symbols today is our alphabet.

Jewelry and other ornamental wear worn in days gone by, also spoke through their symbols. Often these symbols would aid in healing, protecting and guiding those who understood what they meant. There are many universal symbols, images which have been used across time and around the world. which represent similar ideas. Within the Squash Blossom necklace there is the universal symbol, the Naja.

Naja is a Navajo word meaning curved, or crescent shaped. Traditional
Squash Blossom necklaces have a centerpiece pendant which is a Naja. There are various accounts for the meaning behind this symbol as it relates to Navajo use, but in terms of its use in these necklaces, there appears to be a connection to Spanish influences from the time of the Conquistadors, which in turn provides a connection farther back to the Moors, who ruled Spain for over 800 years. For the Moors the crescent moon represented protection against the “evil-eye”, or negative forces. It was traditional to have metal-worked crescent shaped emblems adorning their horses. The Spanish in turn took up this fashion, which was then discovered by Native tribes like the Navajo.

During the 1800s and into the 1900s, jewelry artistry became an important and vital commodity for the Navajo. Such was the demand for their beautiful craftsmanship, a full industry was created. The Squash Blossom necklace was one of the most desired pieces. It is said that the name squash blossom was put into use to describe the style of flower-like beads which line each side of the Naja pendant. The Navajo description of this bead style says it is “the bead that spreads out.” It is possible this was translated into a “squash blossom” in an attempt to give a simplified name to English speakers. Whatever occurred, the name has stuck, and anyone who loves the Native influences of Western Style jewelry knows just what this design is.

There is a possible symbolic connection of the squash blossom beads themselves. As the spreading petals of the bead certainly look like squash blossoms in shape, they are also reminiscent of pomegranate fronds, another Spanish import. Food has always played an important role in our lives; in the past the annual cycles of planting, growing and harvesting literally ruled our daily lives. It is no big surprise to see important foods immortalized in symbol on ceremonial ornaments.

Today, jewelry is often worn for the sheer pleasure it brings the wearer. If you are attracted to the striking, traditional designs of Native American jewelry, a squash blossom necklace is one you will want to add to your collection. When you are adorned in this type of necklace, you can’t help but feel connected to the past, and to others, maybe now, not so surprisingly, from around the world.

If you love Western Style jewelry like I do, I invite you to check out our products at West Coast Cowgirl, where you will find a wide variety of jewelry options, including a lot of silver, from classic motifs, to more modern cowgirl bling. 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.

The majority of Western-style jewelry includes silver. This brightly shining metal has become synonymous with the west, stemming from the great silver boom of Colorado in the late 1800s. Since that time, many a cowgirl (and boy) have worn pieces of silver jewelry. But many is also the piece of silver which becomes tarnished over time, and in need of a good cleaning.

You may think it is difficult to keep your silver clean, but it isn’t. You do not have to take your items to a jeweler when there are do-it-yourself methods which can work just as well. As a soft metal, silver becomes stained with tarnish over time. Tarnish is a thin layer of corrosion which accumulates on some metals. This happens through long-term exposure to our everyday atmosphere and by coming into contact with other substances, such as oil and dirt from skin.

Some everyday household products work well for cleansing your silver. These methods
offer an inexpensive and less toxic or harsh approach to cleaning your jewelry. Plain toothpaste (without any special additives like a whitener), can be used to gently remove tarnish. The easiest way is to use a soft chamois or polishing cloth with a dab of toothpaste. Gently rub your silver jewelry and watch how the tarnish will transfer to the cloth.

A Caution Tip: Watch for scratching, start on the underside or back of your jewelry. If the toothpaste has an abrasive, it could scratch.

A salt and aluminum foil bath will also clean your silver jewelry. Check out this Wiki-How tutorial for making this cleansing solution. It is best to use a bowl for this method, as opposed to a sink. Stainless steel in particular can damage silver. Salt is a gentle cleanser, ideal for soft metals. When you include some bits of aluminum foil in a salt-water bath, a chemical reaction occurs to tarnished silver, returning accumulated silver sulfide (the tarnish) back into simply silver. Baking soda can be used instead of salt as well.

A Caution Tip: If your silver jewelry includes gemstones, a salt bath may be too abrasive. For these more delicate pieces, I do recommend having them cleaned by a jeweler.

There are also silver polishes and “dips” on the market. While these can work, be sure to follow directions carefully, as they can also be damaging. In particular, silver dips contain a variety of harsh chemicals, which will damage silver if exposed to it for too long. Whatever method you use to clean your silver jewelry, be sure to give it a good final rinse in warm water, dry thoroughly and store your silver away from other items.

A Caution Tip: Many substances are damaging to silver, including paint, stainless steel and rubber. Do NOT wear rubber gloves when cleaning your silver. Nitrile gloves, which are latex and rubber free, are a great substitute, and available at pharmacies everywhere, or online.

If you love Western-Style jewelry like I do, I invite you to check out our products, West Coast Cowgirl, where you will find a wide variety of jewelry options, including a lot of silver, from classic motifs, to more modern cowgirl bling. 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.