Working together with you to create custom horsehair objects- bracelets, necklaces, key fobs, and tassels
Each piece is custom to the amount of horsehair available. Styling with fittings will depend on the type of braid and the amount of horsehair. Start by exploring examples & Fittings and braid styles above.
Care of your horsehair objects
Horsehair from the tail is very strong and will last a long time. When wearing be watchful of other jewelry and watches that could catch and pull out strands.Cleaning your horsehair jewelry: It’s okay to wash your horsehair with a mild shampoo, blot dry.
Bracelets: while damp wrap around a round/wrist shape until dry to shape.
Tassels and Keychains: carefully brush/comb the loose hair, hang to dry.Cleaning the metals: In most cases using a silver polishing cloth removes tarnish. If you use a polishing creams be very careful to keep it off of the hair.I strongly suggest not wearing your jewelry while showering or getting it wet repeatly. Shampoos and rinses will collect in the braid. Chemicals in swimming pool water can degrade the hair and compromise the adhesives.Cleaning and refurbishing prices on request.
Collecting hair
Tail hair is best because of the length and strength. Mane hair is not as strong but can be used for smaller projects like key chains and tassels.
Wash when possible with a mild shampoo, dry and detangle the tail hair. Please don't use products like show sheen.Lift the tail to expose the tail bone, brush aside the shorter hairs on the outside so you're taking hair from inside, the cut will then be hidden. Choose the longest hairs of the same length from top to bottom near the tail bone. Only hair that is the same length can be used so the braid is consistent in size.Gather a generous pinkies diameter (when twisted together) of hair from one or more places. Holding together firmly cut the hairs about an inch from the tail bone. Wrap a rubber band tightly around each group an inch or so below where you made the cut. Make a loose coil and place it in an envelope.
Length of hair for projects -
necklace - 28"
Bracelet - 16"
Tassels - 14"
Key Fob - 10" - 12"
Inlay - 8"
Examples and Fittings
Styling with fittings will depend on the type of braid and the amount of horsehair.
Inlay in Sterling Silver
Magnetic Clasps
Styles
Braid Styles
Depending on the amount of horsehair
a braid can be bold or refined.
4 strand round
8 Strand Half Round 2 Colors
12 Strand Flat 2 Colors
8 Strand Half Round 2 Colors
8 Strand Square
8 strand hollow round
For the most accurate fit, it's best to measure the person's wrist with a flexible cloth/tape measure or string that can be measured with a ruler.If that's not possible or the bracelet is a surprise the size estimates below should help you guesstimate.
WOMEN
Estimated average female wrist size and bracelet circumference based on body-type.Petite women 5’ – 5’4”
Slim 5 ¼ – 5 ½”
Normal 5 ¾ – 6”
Curvy 6 ¼ – 6 ½”Average women 5’5” – 5’7″
Slim 5 ¾ – 6”
Normal 6 ¼ – 6 ½”
Curvy 6 ¾ – 7”Tall women 5’8″ – 6″
Slim 6 ¼ – 6 ½”
Normal 6 ¾ – 7”
Curvy 7 ¼ – 7 ½”
MEN
A general rule for men
Small wrist - 6 ¾ – 7” 8”
Medium wrist - 7 ¼ – 7 ½”
Large wrist - 7 ¾ – 8”
X Large wrist 8 ¼ – 8 ½”
Wrist circumference with recommended bracelet circumference for an average fit with a narrow bracelet.Wrist 6 ¼ – 6 ½” bracelet 7 ½”
Wrist 6 ¾ – 7” bracelet 8”
Wrist 7 ¼ – 7 ½” bracelet 8 ½
Wrist 7 ¾ – 8” bracelet 9”
Wrist 8 ¼ – 8 ½” bracelet 9 ½”
I've been braiding horses for shows for almost 60 years starting with backyard horse shows through the A show circuit. Creating horsehair jewelry from a certain special horse or horses creates a precious lasting object with fond memories.Please check out my pastel animal portraits.
Carol Molyneaux