Culture & Style / Jewelry Trends
A Horse Girl’s Guide to Diamond Jewelry for the Year of the Horse
From lifelong horse girl to jewelry editor, a look at natural diamond pieces that honor the power, luck, and movement of the Year of the Horse.
Updated: January 8, 2026
Written by: Anna McFillin

I honestly remember it like it was yesterday. My mom put me in the car at the tender age of seven and shipped me off to day camp—the idea was hers and my grandmom’s. The two of them love horses, especially my grandmother, who also owned horse jewelry—more on that later. My father and grandfather like horses too—more for the Kentucky Derby and the sports betting banter that came with watching the Triple Crown races. This was not just any day camp, it was horse camp.
Meet the Author

- Anna McFillin was born and raised in Philadelphia and fell in love with fashion and accessories at a young age.
- She found her niche in jewelry, specifically natural diamonds, after working at Elle, InStyle, Grazia USA, and Only Natural Diamonds.
Becoming a Horse Girl (and Falling for Horse Jewelry)
To set the scene, it was the middle of July during a heatwave. We pulled up to the local barn, and she told me to “just have fun, and make a friend or two.” (I can confidently say I made a friend and fell in love with the horses and a sport that’s still a huge part of my life today.) She later revealed to me that she and Grandmom thought I’d hate horse camp, but to both their surprise and financial dismay, horses—and eventually horse jewelry—became my ultimate love. The horse, after all, is known in astrology for igniting lifelong pasions—and this one never let me go.

I stuck with this from age seven onward. I took lessons every week, competed in Hunter/Jumpers, won, lost, ate dirt (several times), and shoveled manure, but every part of it fulfilled me. The discipline, resilience, and emotional bond mirrored the very traits the Year of the Horse represents—strength earned through effort, not ease. I never owned my own horse, but I had the opportunity to love so many different horses like they were my own.

When it came time to decide the next chapter of my life, I gave up competing and going to the barn weekly, to move to New York City for college and ultimately a career in fashion. Something my mother and grandmother also introduced me to at a young age was diamonds, and how beautiful and rare they were. Keeping all of this in mind, I fell in love with the city and fashion—specifically jewelry—but what makes my job so special now is being able to fuse the things I love: horses and diamonds.
The Year of the Horse and Why Horse Jewelry Holds Meaning
In the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Horse is associated with strength, independence, elegance, and forward momentum. Those born under the Horse sign are believed to be spirited, loyal, and deeply passionate—traits that mirror the animal’s enduring symbolism across cultures. The Horse represents movement and freedom, but also discipline and heart, making it one of the most admired signs in the lunar calendar.
These same qualities are what make horse jewelry so enduring. For centuries, equestrian motifs—from horseshoes to finely rendered horse profiles—have been worn as talismans of luck, protection, and perseverance. In the Year of the Horse, wearing horse jewelry takes on added meaning: it becomes a celebration of personal drive, resilience, and the courage to follow your own path.
Rendered in natural diamonds, horse jewelry elevates that symbolism even further. Diamonds, formed over billions of years, echo the Horse’s strength and staying power. Whether subtle or statement-making, horse jewelry is a timeless way to honor the Year of the Horse while investing in something meant to last.
Diamond Horse Jewelry That Channels the Year of the Horse
I see a lot of natural diamond jewelry that resonates with me—who doesn’t love diamonds? But diamond horse jewelry in particular takes the cake. In the Year of the Horse, these pieces feel especially meaningful, carrying centuries-old symbolism tied to strength, luck, independence, and forward momentum. Whether you’re a lifelong horse girl like me or simply drawn to jewelry with deeper meaning, I encourage you to browse this carefully curated selection of gorgeous, horse-girl-approved natural diamond jewelry. Each piece is a small celebration of the Horse’s spirit—timeless, powerful, and meant to move with you wherever the year ahead leads.
Lucky Horseshoes

Diamond horseshoe jewelry is a timeless symbol of luck, protection, and strength, making it a meaningful addition to any horse jewelry collection. In ancient Europe, they were believed to ward off evil spirits, especially when hung with the open end facing upward to “catch” and hold good luck. Historically, blacksmiths—respected for working with fire and iron—were believed to have magical powers, which added to the horseshoe’s mystical reputation. Sailors often nailed horseshoes to ship masts for protection on long voyages, and households across cultures placed them above doors as a safeguard against misfortune.
Today, diamond-studded versions carry that same legacy of protection and fortune, elevated with brilliance and timeless style. These pieces make the perfect charm, whether worn on a bracelet or as a pendant, adding a personal and symbolic touch to your everyday look. They’re especially versatile for layering, ideal for mixing with other necklaces or stacking alongside your favorite pieces.
Horses, Boots, and Bits

Do you want to go full horse girl? Diamond horse jewelry that features actual horse motifs—like horses, riding boots, and bits—captures the beauty and tradition of the sport with a glamorous twist. These designs go beyond symbols of luck, celebrating the elegance, strength, and heritage of the equestrian lifestyle.
Whether it’s a finely detailed boot charm or a diamond-studded snaffle bit pendant, each piece offers a stylish tribute to life in the saddle. Diamond-accented pieces add a layer of sophistication to everyday equestrian style, effortlessly moving from barn to cocktail hour. For those who live and breathe horses, it’s wearable proof that your love for the sport never takes a day off.
Vintage and Antique Horse Jewelry

Looking for something with an extra bit of character? These vintage horse pieces have got you covered. Steeped in history and charm, vintage diamond horse jewelry often features intricate craftsmanship and unique equestrian motifs that are hard to find today. From antique stick pins to mid-century brooches, each piece tells a story of a bygone era. They’ve been bringing the luck for decades—why not make one of them yours?




































