With the proliferation of online sales sites, it's easier than ever to find every sort of item. That includes jewelry; however, it's also become very easy to fall victim to sites selling items that are not quite as labeled. This can range from mislabeling stones (such as labeling something initially as jade, only to mention later in the item description that it's really jade-colored aventurine) to labeling jewelry that doesn't really qualify as whatever the site wants it to be. When you look for something as specfic as a western-style turquoise concho statement necklace, you want to be sure that what you're seeing really fits the bill.

What Qualifies as a Concho?

A concho, in ornamental terms, is a metal disc – traditionally round but occasionally oblong – with some sort of decoration on it. These conchos are commonly found in leatherwork or items such as horse bridles; the conchos have either a couple of slits in back or a post with a matching screw (often called a Chicago-style screw back) that allow you to place the concho on cords or through layers of leather and suede. These conchos can have commemorative logos on them or other decorations.

A variation of this type of concho is one that has rings or loops on opposite ends, allowing the conchos to be connected for jewelry. Conchos in necklaces and other jewelry typically aren't commemorative but instead have patterns of beads glued on them. A western-style concho would likely be made of silver and have turquoise or another western stone adhered to it, often singly with one big cabochon or smaller stones arranged in a radiating pattern. The edges of these conchos can be smooth or scalloped, and sometimes they have filigree designs.

A concho in a necklace would not be made of plastic or glass, for example, and it wouldn't be plain; for example, if someone was selling a necklace made of what they call plastic conchos—well, those aren't really conchos.

How Do You Know It's a Statement Necklace?

Statement necklaces are relatively easy to recognize; if it's big and has a clunky aspect to it, and it makes a statement when you wear it (visually, not literally), it's a statement necklace. For example, if you find a necklace with three or four delicate beaded strands, that's not a statement necklace. If you spot a necklace with three or four strands of huge beads that catch someone's eye at first glance, that's a statement necklace.

For a concho statement necklace, you'd have large conchos—not small ones that sit unobtrusively around your neck. Once you find something that satisfies all the requirements (several large conchos, metal discs, turquoise or other western-associated stones), you can purchase with confidence.

Reach out to a company like Calico Cavvy Co for more information.

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