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Carol K
Jewelry Should be an Expression of Yourself
I spoke to jewelry designer Carole Schurch of Carol K. Here is what she had to say regarding the current trends in western jewelry.
"Expect the unexpected! We are seeing more contrast between the new and the old like Indian nickels with turquoise, sterling silver with stones, leather, or other textures. You will also see sheer beauty and glamour like Swarovski crystals which just light up everything and are not totally in-your-face western.

I make jewelry appropriate for occasions. Above all, jewelry should be an expression of yourself- whether it be basic, high-styled, or unique. Sometimes that means trying on a new design. Be brave! You can do it."
Carol K
San Francisco, California
800-475-5158 |
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debi lynn designs®
Bringing a Rockin' Edge to Western Jewelry
Debi Mattingly of debi lynn designs® gave me some insight on the western jewelry world from her 32 years of designing experience- the challenges designers face and how she has been so successful.
"Western jewelry trends really don't change as drastically or as frequently as the rest of the jewelry fashion world, because our customers expect a tried and true look.
With the economy getting worse and the price of precious metals sky rocketing, designers are going to have to become a bit more conscious of price points in order to get through these difficult economic times, while staying true to what our customers expect in western jewelry.
Each season, I make sure I watch the clothing designers to see what they are creating in order for me to bring my jewelry designs into alignment with the new fashions for the season-always a great challenge!

My designs are not strictly traditional western style. I have always been known as a designer who brings a 'rockin' edge' to western design- 'where Mae West meets Stevie Nicks.' When I am designing each season, I always strive to make sure that each piece meets that rockin' western style, so that a customer is able to pick my jewelry out in a crowd, knowing that it is a debi lynn.
As a designer for over 32 years now, I have been blessed to be able to cross over all styles and still be considered 'western with an edge.' I have always seen my designing like a singer, who is able to take their music and cross over the boundaries of all styles."

debi lynn designs®
Houston, Texas
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Ranch at the Rim
Current Trends in Western Jewelry
Brittney Yost, buyer at Ranch at the Rim, talks about what people expect in jewelry from a fine western retailer, as well as how their experts can help you find the perfect piece to match your favorite outfit.

"Recently, Native American influence has played a large role in directing trends in western jewelry. The new and innovative sterling silver touches of Navajo pearls, along with the addition of semi-precious stones in a variety of colors, brings a fresh new look to vintage designs. Many of our best-selling lines have strong Native American influence, such as Rocki Gorman, Mummy's Bundle, and Vintage Revival.
Our clientele love unique and eye-catching pieces that are forged by hand, never from a factory. With this in mind, our buyers travel extensively to find quality- Native American and contemporary Southwest Artisan pieces that speak to the finest craftsmanship. From Sleeping Beauty turquoise to Peridot, Amethyst, and Topaz, you will be able to find a distinct look that will coordinate with an elegant black dress or with a pair of jeans and a tank top.
Ranch at the Rim also offers custom-made jewelry from Chelsea Collette Collections. Clients may bring in outfits or pictures, so Chelsea can uniquely customize a highlight piece, or a complete set of jewelry, to exact specifications. The result is a stunning, tailor-made work of art transforming an outfit into extraordinary dimensions.
When possible, we also showcase local designers from the heart of Texas to offer a Hill Country look distinctively and fashionably western. Ranch at The Rim features innovative local designers such as Rhed Lucy, Dian Malouf, and Amanda Sterret.
When you visit San Antonio, you are invited to be our guest at Ranch at The Rim. We will personalize your shopping experience with custom designed clothing, belts, hats, and boots for every occasion; and, of course, please allow us to show you the distinctive look of our premier jewelry lines."

Ranch at the Rim
San Antonio, Texas
210-319-3001 |
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Jewelry by Day
Jewelry That Blends High Quality Gemstones with Handtooled Leather
Michelle Day of Jewelry by Day had to live in Europe and come back home to find her true Western design sense. A native of Pendleton, Oregon, she returned from Budapest, Hungary, and embarked on a full time jewelry adventure. Her new line of tooled leather pendants initially came about in 2007 with an idea. Three years later, she found exactly the right leather craftsperson in fellow Design America artist, Clair Kehrberg.

Her jewelry marries leather with high quality Turquoise, Coral, Onyx, and various other stones and Silver. Each piece is bold and sculptural with texture and energy. While her jewelry is inspired by the West, it can be worn in any setting. Her pieces are a microcosm of her life, blending European élan with Western style. Michelle says, "The jewelry I make for women is meant to give them joy and confidence!"

Jewelry by Day
Pendleton, Oregon
541-377-0700 |
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Colorado Cowgirls
Create a Showplace of the Old West Lifestyle Like No Other
Welcome Colorado Cowgirls to The Western Vault! They specialize in western and rustic furniture, frames and antiques with cowhide covers and trim, western and rustic lamps, cowboy and Native American memorabilia, and western art. More and more of their inventory is locally made. They can cowhide furniture you bring in and make lamps out of whatever you desire. They would be happy to custom frame your own prints or paintings of any size.
 Let them decorate your home to make it a showplace of the old west lifestyle like no other! Colorado Cowgirls has moved into a new home located in the newly restored Windsor Hotel Building on Grand Avenue in Del Norte, Colorado!
Colorado Cowgirls
Del Norte, Colorado
719-657-3111 |
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RCC Western Stores
One of the Oldest & Most Respected Retailers in the Western Industry
RCC Western Stores has become one of America's foremost western apparel & boot retailers. The company was founded in 1948, as Rapid City Clothing. Soon, the company expanded and moved to a location where it operated a store for more than 30 years. Customers soon began abbreviating the name to "RCC."

RCC is one of the oldest and most respected retailers in the western industry with 30 stores in 12 states. Throughout its history, RCC has prided itself as "the experts in style and fit." The company has succeeded by keeping the product lines focused and the marketing strategy simple: "We give our customers service that exceeds their expectations."

Bob Hoover, President of RCC Western Stores, Inc. states, "We attribute our success to two things. First, our customers are genuine people- the salt of the earth. Second, we have an outstanding management team, dedicated store managers, and knowledgeable staff all connected to the western lifestyle."
RCC Western Stores
Rapid City, South Dakota
888-318-9776 |
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Texas Music Chart
Your Guide to Texas and Red Dirt Music
After four weeks at number one on the Texas Music Chart, the Randy Rogers Band has been knocked out of the top spot. Eight weeks of climbing the Chart has paid off big for the Eli Young Band and their single "Crazy Girl," as they now sit in the number one spot.
Randy and the boys didn't fall far - "Interstate" is still holding on tight in the top five along with Brandon Rhyder with "Lord, I Hope This Day is Good," Reckless Kelly and "I Hold The Bottle, You Hold The Wheel," and Rich O'Toole's "The Cricket Song."
The Chart also welcomes a number of newcomers this week. Joe Ely enters at #41 with "You Can Bet I'm Gone," Paul Nunn at #43 with "Dead and Gone," David Grace and his single "Freight Train" at #45, and Sheila Marshall enters at #47 with "What Will You Say About Me." Click here to see who else made the chart this week!

Texas Music Chart
Houston, TX
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Sales & Events
ANNUAL SPRING TENT SALE AT D&D FARM AND RANCH!
D&D Farm and Ranch is holding their Annual Spring Tent Sale through April 23rd! There's still a few days left to bring the whole family and save up to 75% on the best names in western merchandise. Click on the picture to print your coupon for 20% OFF! Also, be sure to sign up for emails from D&D to receive an additional coupon for subscribers only!

D&D Farm and Ranch
516 I-H 10 E
Seguin, Texas
(830) 379-7340 |
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Things to Do Comin' up Soon
Here is a short list of things comin' up soon. Be sure to check out the entire event calendar on TheWesternVault.com for a complete list of great western events all over the United States!
- April 27- May 1: Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival- Santa Clarita, California
- April 29-30: 14th Annual Cowboys for Kids Benefit- Cleburne, Texas
- April 30: Cordillera Ranch Shindig- Boerne, Texas
- April 30: Cattle Baron's Ball- Houston, Texas
- April 30: Haute Cowgirl Event at Pinto Ranch- Dallas, Texas
- May 1: Reckless Kelly's Celebrity Softball Jam- Round Rock, Texas
- May 6-7: 2011 Supreme Cowgirl Challenge- La Grange, Texas
- May 6-8: DesignAmerica Texas- Grapevine, Texas
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