Turquoise

• This blue or green stone is a natural choice for Western jewelry. You can purchase turquoise at jewelry and crafts stores or from gemstone suppliers. For a rugged, rustic look to your homemade jewelry, use turquoise nuggets, which can be smooth or rough finished. Round or shaped stones give a necklace or earrings a more polished look. Larger turquoise stones make great focal pieces, while smaller ones can be used throughout a piece to good effect. Try mixing green or blue turquoise with red stones, such as carnelian, for a very Western look.
  
  

Leather

• Leather rawhide or cord makes a good component for bracelets and necklaces as the rustic material offers good contrast to beads and gemstones. Try making a double or triple strand bracelet with leather cord and a few turquoise or wooden beads, or hang a Western-look pendant on a rawhide or smooth leather cord for a simple necklace. Leather sheets can also be cut into shapes for use in earrings or as pendants; small leather stars or circles can be fitted with jump rings and used in earrings, or a cactus design embellished with beading and used for a necklace.
  
  

Silver

• Silver, whether in the form of beads, focal pieces or finishing touches, such as earring backs or jewelry clasps, is a classic part of Western jewelry style. Look for larger beads or discs for necklaces, or special designs, such as flowers, horses or Western motifs, for use in earrings or as charms. Unique "liquid" silver necklaces and bracelets can be made by stringing long, thin silver tubes onto wire or strong beading thread. To save on cost, look for silver-plated beads and pieces, which are cheaper than sterling silver but of better quality--and easier on sensitive ears--than silver-colored nickel.