Bolo Ties: Handmade Slides & Cords

A bolo tie is three parts working together: the decorative slide, the braided cord, and the metal tips (aglets) that weight the ends. Judge the slide first. Turquoise, jasper, and agate cabochons read classic Southwestern; cast pewter, brass, or sterling slides carry initials, longhorns, feathers, or state shapes. Check that the stone is set in a bezel rather than just glued, and that the back has a sturdy clip or two-loop bar so it grips the cord without sliding loose. Cord matters too: round braided leather (about 3-4mm) is standard, while flat or waxed cotton cord suits a softer look. Tip length of roughly 1.5 to 2 inches keeps the ends balanced. Price bands run about $20-$45 for cast-metal slides, $40-$90 for genuine turquoise or stone, and $90-$200+ for sterling silver or signed artisan pieces. Many makers ship stock bolos in 3-7 business days; custom stones, engraving, or hatband-matched sets usually need 1-3 weeks.

Use the filters for slide material, stone, cord color, and personalization, and check the related searches to jump to turquoise, sterling, or groomsmen styles.