A Horse Girl’s Guide To Natural Diamond Jewels Just In Time For The Kentucky Derby
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.
Early Horse Girl (and Horse Jewelry) Years
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.
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. I never owned my own horse, but I had the opportunity to love so many different horses like they were my own.
Two Loves Combined
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.
Shop Horse Jewelry
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. Especially with the Kentucky Derby happening this weekend, whether you are a horse-girl like me or just love the lucky amulet, I encourage you to browse this carefully curated selection of gorgeous, horse-girl-approved, natural diamond jewelry. Some pieces just might be perfect to wear to a Kentucky Derby party!
Horse Jewelry: 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.
Adina Reyter Baguette Horseshoe Charm, $1,498, adinareyter.com
Nicole Rose Jewelry Diamond Horse Shoe Pendant, $825, nicolerosejewelry.com
Monica Rich Kosann The Horseshoe Necklace with Diamonds, $10,600, monicarichkosann.com
Gigi Clozeau Horseshoe Diamond Midnight Necklace, $1,035, gigiclozeau.com
Future Fortune Lucky Charm, $6,000, futurefortunejewelry.com
Single Stone Small Marilyn, $5,700, singlestone.com
Horse Jewelry: 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.
Karina Brez Bit of Luv™️ Hoop Earrings, $2,275, karinabrez.com
Zoe Chicco Vintage Pavé Diamond Horsebit Link Medium Curb Chain Necklace, $3,655, zoechicco.com
Anita Ko Lucky Diamond Horse Talisman, $8,230, anitako.com
Elizabeth Locke 19K Horse-Embossed Pendant with Diamonds, $3,200, neimanmarcus.com
Sydney Evan Gold & Diamond Cowboy Boot Charm Necklace, $970, sydneyevan.com
Lionheart Jewelry Legacy Sleeping Beauty Horse Ring, $10,800, lionheartjewelry.com
Horse Jewelry: Antique Horses
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?
Doyle & Doyle Horse & Horseshoe Old European Diamond Cufflinks, $1,650, doyledoyle.com
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Citrine 4-Leaf Clover Crescent Pendant, price upon request, fredleighton.com
1stDibs Diamond Horse Brooch, $10,960, 1stdibs.com
Ashley Zhang Diamond Horseshoe Ring, $1,850, ashleyzhangjewelry.com
Samantha Knight Vintage Diamond Horseshoe Horsehead Ring, $1,995, samanthaknightjewelry.com
