Dazzling Turquoise Horse Breast Collars Guide

Elegant Turquoise Horse Breast Collars

A beautiful handmade turquoise breast collar can make a dramatic statement on any horse. The vivid shades of blue positively glow against a horse's coat, attracting admiration from onlookers. For riders who want to add some colorful flair to their tack, a turquoise breast collar is an eye-catching option.

Styles of Turquoise Breast Collars

• Standard rounded breast collars
• Flat breast collars
• Roped breast collars
• Conchos and fringe breast collars

The width of the neck strap, placement of dee rings, amount of decorative embellishments, and overall shape can vary. But any of these styles sparked up with vibrant turquoise beads, stones, embroidery, feather accents or the like will command attention.

Turquoise Colors and Qualities

Genuine high quality natural American turquoise is considered the most valuable and beautiful for jewelry or decorations. The distinct color ranges from crisp sky blue to deep green-blue, with matrix spiderwebbing in darker or lighter shades of brown or black. The matrix patterns make each stone unique.

However, decent manmade and imitation options are available for mas produced breast collars and other horse tack items. The artificial colors may appear slightly more bright and uniform in tone. But the natural imperfections and earthy shades of real turquoise has an organic beauty.

Choosing Stones for Riding Durability

Natural turquoise is relatively soft at 5-6 on the Mohs mineral hardness scale. So it does risk some scratching and damage over time with rugged use. But occasional gentle cleaning and polishing can maintain its shine.

Smaller beads and stabilized or treated turquoise offers increased durability for equipment used in rough riding conditions. Sterling silver findings further buffer the stones from damage. sewing stones securely onto leather also helps minimize loss of loose pieces.

Elaborate Conchos and Fringe Breast Collars

For those wanting to fully decorate their horses in flashy southwest or Native American style, a concho and fringe breast collar delivers. These pieces feature strands of leather fringe dangling rows of coins, metal spots, and glittering beads.

Interspersed stones and glass jewelry make these breastplates shimmer as the horse moves. Their motion captures eyes while maintaining a respectful appreciation of tribal culture and handicraft.

Concho Styles

Classic conchos breast collars have rows of engraved or stamped silver or brass plates linked together between strands of leather. More elaborate versions incorporate inset gems like turquoise, coral, or colored glass. Intricate stamping patterns and design details raise the style level.

customize with Fringe and Stones

To make a concho breast collar really make a statement, artisans customize them with additional embellishments. Long fringe and additional beaded strands flutter from the smooth leather base. Vivid turquoise cabochons pick up the spots of color from the conchos and other beads.

Concho breast collars often come with matching headstalls so the entire regalia coordinates. Showy silver bits, headbands, and other accessories contribute to the eye-catching display.

DIY Turquoise Breast Collar Projects

Those comfortable crafting with leather, beads, and simple jewelry findings can create their own custom turquoise breast collars. Basic leatherworking skills allow fashioning strips of leather into simple rounded plates for the neck and chest straps.

Beaded Decorations

Beading the breast collar borders lends colorful embellishment. Choose smooth heishi beads or small nuggets that coordinate with the turquoise colors. Varying sizes and shapes provide visual interest.

Sewing the beads securely along the leather edges provides decoration and helps protect the material from stretching and fraying. The tiny pops of color complement any central turquoise cabochons or sections.

Affixing Turquoise Plates

Cut pieces of turquoise or imitation stones can be bezel set into metal plates and affixed to the leather breast collar. Use sterling silver or copper blanks to provide a protective edging around the stones. Secure the plates at intervals along the straps or concentrate them at the center for impact.

Gluing appropriately sized cabs directly on the leather also works but risks the stones falling off. For the most security, choose quality gems and bezel settings and sew the pieces tightly in place along the leather edges.

With quality materials and careful crafting, a homemade turquoise breast collar offers an inexpensive way to add colorful style to riding tack. Riders can get creative with bead and fringe additions to make each piece unique.

FAQs

What is the most durable stone for a breast collar?

Genuine high quality natural American turquoise is the most durable option for a breast collar, although it is relatively soft at 5-6 on the Mohs hardness scale. A close second with increased durability would be stabilized turquoise or other imitation stones.

How do you clean a turquoise horse breast collar?

Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap to gently scrub the turquoise stones. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Essential oils like olive or jojoba can polish the stones to a gleaming finish.

Why are sterling silver findings good for turquoise?

The softness of sterling silver helps cushion the more delicate turquoise stones, protecting them from bumps and cracks. The silver tarnishes over time but can be easily cleaned with a polishing cloth to restore its shine.

Can you make your own beaded breast collar?

Yes, with some basic leatherworking and jewelry making skills, you can bead and embellish your own custom breast collar. Choose durable stones or beads and affix them securely to prevent loss while riding.