You’ll know by now that I’ve always loved history, and this is reflected in all the pieces I produce for Rock & Rose Jewellery.
I’ve been fascinated with the ‘Wild West’ era since I studied it at GCSE and wanted to do a collection around this for some time. Â
The era really struck and chord with me. All those people fighting for a better life, for what they wanted or what they thought belonged to them, right or wrong. It was brutal and emotional, and those feelings stuck with me. It also fits with my passion for the Victorian era as we’re looking at c.1850-90s America for those that don’t know.Â
The ‘Western’ films that were released while I was doing my school studies (this will age me!) were amazing – Dances with Wolves, Tombstone, Wyatt Earp, etc. Â
I have always said I don’t enjoy a traditional western – think Clint Eastwood or John Wayne – but I adore the 1980/90’s films including Young Guns (1 and 2), Tombstone, Dances with Wolves and The Quick and the Dead. I’ve even been hearing about Young Guns 3 happening!
Another influence is country music. My love of ‘Western’ things was reignited when I discovered the TV series Nashville and listened to the soundtracks on permanent loop! As a result, we decided to visit Nashville (via other ‘country’ states) and we got engaged while on that trip. Our wedding was even inspired by the cuisine of the Southern States and the cowboy aesthetic. I even wore cowboy boots I bought in Nashville on the big day!Â
Sad when Nashville finished, I was ecstatic to see streaming services were revisiting the ‘western’ genre with grittier programmes like 1883, 1923 and the superb Betty Gilpin in ‘American Primeval.
Conversely, I tried and didn’t like Yellowstone as it isn’t historical enough for me and the characters just annoyed me!
I’m also obsessed with the outlaws of this period. I’ve watched tonnes of historical outlaw programmes about Billy the Kid, Jesse James, Butch Cassidy, Wyatt Earp and so forth.Â
I adore a baddie in a Western too – Gene Hackman in The Quick and the Dead and Michael Biehn in Tombstone are superb!
I’ve read so many books about these historical characters too: too many to mention and there are also some great ones about indigenous peoples like ‘Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee’ by Dee Brown.
Speaking of Tombstone, I have never been to Arizona but it’s on my bucket list and hopefully we’ll take a trip for my next (big) birthday.
I’ve read lots of books and articles about copper (and silver) mining from the 1880’s onwards in Arizona. Places like Tombstone grew up from mining claims in the area.
In 1877, silver prospector Ed Schieffelin set out for the Dragoon Mountains to ‘stake a claim’ in a silver mine. He was warned that all he’d find there was nothing but his own tombstone.Â
When Schieffelin eventually struck silver, he named his mine Tombstone and then a town built up around the claim (as was usual).
Most people are aware of successful gold and silver mines in the US but turns out copper was also a huge mining operation in ‘them there hills’!Â
Perhaps the most well-known copper mine is the Copper Queen Mine in Cochise County, Arizona. Its development led to the growth of the surrounding town of Bisbee in the 1880s. In the early 1900s, it was the most productive copper mine in Arizona. Whilst they don’t mine there today a big tourist trade has grown up around it and I hope one day to go.Â
Named after my love of the ‘Wild West’ and inspired by the outlaws that inhabited the era and the copper mining of the day. I picked three talismans to represent different motifs.
Made from textured oxidised copper with an Arizona Kingman turquoise stone. Suspended on an 18-inch oxidised sterling silver ball chain.Â
Worn for resilience and endurance (because you’re tougher than you look).
Forged from sterling silver with a hand stamped motif and an Arizona Kingman turquoise stone.Â
This classic charm is all protection and possibility—worn upright to keep the good fortune in.Â
Forged from sterling silver and textured oxidised copper, finished by hand. Suspended on an 18-inch sterling silver ball chain.Â
This lightning bolt pendant channels power, clarity, and a touch of rebellion—because some storms are meant to be worn. Mixed metals are a key trend this year too.Â
I’ve also added some turquoise cabochons from Arizona and Mexico to two of the necklaces as well as turquoise stud earrings to complete the look. You could even add a turquoise gemstone ring from my collection!Â
If you’d love to rock an outlaw or cowboy look with your everyday outfits or you love the warmness of copper mixed with the high shine silver, then these pieces are for you!
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