Directions, FAQ's

To collect and send your horsehair, to be made into jewelry,

please follow these directions.  

Select the longest hairs by lifting the tail and going toward the end of the dock.  You may cut from several different places or from just one spot.   Each piece of jewelry that you order will require a section of long hairs slightly larger than the diameter of a pencil, about 3/8” or 10mm.  

In order to make a necklace about 18 inches in length, we need to start with tail hairs that measure at least 27 inches.   For a bracelet, we need hairs that are at least 15 inches long.  (Since it is impossible to cut only the long hairs, you will need to cut more hair than will actually be used.)

Use a rubber band to keep the cut ends together as neatly as possible.   Holding the rubber banded end, shampoo the hair thoroughly and rinse.  Repeat until the water runs clear.  Roll the wet hair in a towel to remove excess water, and hang until completely dry.  (damp hair will mildew easily in a closed plastic bag)

Roll the hair loosely, without making any knots, and put it in a plastic Ziploc bag for mailing.  Write your name and your horse’s name on the Ziploc bag.  Clean, tangle-free hair is necessary to make beautiful jewelry!  Please let us know if you want any unused hair returned to you. 

We realize that “life happens” and we don’t always have the time or the opportunity to make plans to collect hair from a well-loved horse friend, so if you have hair that was previously collected, you may send it “as is.”   Please, just let us know before you send the hair. 

Print and fill out the order form completely, and include the form with the hair to be mailed.  Be sure to indicate whether you are ordering a bracelet, a necklace, or both. 

 

Q. May I order a bracelet for a child?
Yes, of course.  Just let us know on the order form, under "special instructions."  Custom ordering your jewelry means that you are able to let us know a preferred size.  Unless you ask for a specific size, all ladies bracelets will be about 7.5" long, and all men's wristbands will be about 8.25" long.  Necklaces can be made from about 16" - 18" long.  For a child, we can make a smaller bracelet.

Q. Where is the best place to cut the hair? 

The longest hairs will be toward the end of the dock of the tail.  If you lift the tail, you can select hairs from several different spots to make the full amount needed, or you can just cut the hair from one place.   Remember:  it’s just hair.  It will grow back!

Q. How long before I will receive my jewelry? 

That depends on how many orders we have!  We try very hard to get your jewelry back in the mail by four weeks from the date that we receive your package.   If it is going to be longer, we will contact you to let you know.   If you need the jewelry by a certain date, please let us know when you send the order.   If you would like to give a piece of jewelry as a Christmas present, please plan on sending  your package in time for us to receive it no later than November 20th.  Or, you may purchase a Gift Certificate.   The directions for ordering Gift Certificates are at the bottom of the Order Form page.

Q. Will you return any unused hair? 

Yes, if you let us know that you would like the hair returned.  There is a box to check on the order form.  If the box is not checked we will dispose of any unused hair. 

Q. I recently had to put my horse down and only have mane hair.  Can you make a necklace or a bracelet from the mane? 

No, I’m sorry.  The mane hair is much finer, usually too short, and therefore harder to use.   We actually count out the hairs to make each piece of jewelry and mane hair has proven to be unworkable.

Q. I think I’ll wait to have a piece of jewelry made when my horse passes on.  What do you think? 
Oh, no, don't wait.  Although I certainly enjoy wearing my jewelry from Jake, who passed away a couple of years ago, I also feel really good wearing jewelry from the mare I now have, Rosie.  It is a very special thing to have a handmade bracelet or necklace to wear while your horse is alive.

Q.  What do you put on the hair to make it so smooth?   

Absolutely nothing!  The hair is just so tightly braided and is so clean that it feels very different than how the tail hairs feel normally.

Q.  Why does the braided tail hair look darker than the hair looked before it was braided?
The braids we make are very tight, limiting the amount of light that filters thru the hair.  For instance, if we braid hair from two horses, one dark red and one black, the dark red will be even darker when the piece is finished. 

Q. Is the jewelry waterproof? 

The jeweler’s glue that is used in our products is waterpoof.  It is also pliable and clear, which are two other very important properties.   We have worn our bracelets and necklaces while riding our horses, doing dishes, and (oops!) showering.  None of these are really recommended!  But, the jewelry is just fine and we have confidence that if you engage in these activities once or twice while wearing your jewelry, yours will survive, too.

Q.  How strong is the jewelry? 

See above!   In addition, we have worn the types of clasps that we offer  for the past two years.  They are quite strong.  On the other hand, please treat your horsehair jewelry as carefully as you would treat any fine jewelry.  Like a horse, the jewelry is both very  strong, and very fragile. 

 
              Lady's Bracelet - 
heavy square braid w/smooth end caps, 
sterling silver clasp, & horseshoe charm 
               (example)

 Please contact us with any questions:

     leeann@braidedbondsjewelry.com       541-740-0789   

We answer emails every day (excluding vacations or emergencies) so if you do not receive an answer to your email message, please check your spam box.  Or, just give us a call.  Thank you.