Sonwai (Verma Nequatewa) Coral Strand Gold Necklace

$22,000.00

Sonwai (Verma Nequatewa) · Hopi

Coral & Pearl Strand Necklace

Materials — Nineteen strands of red Mediterranean coral with three strands of freshwater pearls; pink coral, turquoise, and fine gold disk spacers throughout

Cones — Handmade 18k gold tufa-cast cones with a morning-star design, gold dots, and a single Lone Mountain turquoise

Clasp — 18k gold hook with Sonwai’s hallmark

Length — 30 in., adjustable to 27 1/2 in.

Master Hopi jeweler Sonwai (Verma Nequatewa) strung nineteen strands of red Mediterranean coral, accented by three strands of freshwater pearls, with pink coral, turquoise, and fine gold disk spacers throughout. The handmade 18k gold tufa-cast cones carry a morning-star design, gold dots, and a single Lone Mountain turquoise, and her hallmark appears on the gold hook clasp. Sonwai remains active at Hopi, continuing the traditions of her uncle, Charles Loloma, and their family’s history of making wearable art.

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Artist:

Faust Gallery

Sonwai (Verma Nequatewa)

b. 1949, Hotevilla, Arizona  ·  Hopi

Hopi jewelers Charles Loloma and his niece Sonwai, Verma Nequatewa, together in the studio

Charles Loloma and Sonwai

Sonwai is the artistic name of Verma Nequatewa, one of the foremost Native American lapidary artists working today. The niece and longtime apprentice of the legendary Charles Loloma, she signs her work Sonwai, the feminine Hopi word for beauty, the counterpart to Loloma, the masculine word that was her uncle's name.

Working primarily in 18-karat gold set with the finest turquoise, coral, lapis, and sugilite, she hand-cuts each stone and fits the pieces together like a puzzle into the luminous stone-to-stone inlay that has become her signature. In 2018, the Heard Museum honored her with a retrospective, Sonwai: The Jewelry of Verma Nequatewa.

"Often, it is the stones that tell me what to do with the inlay. I work with them to help them become what they can be."

— Sonwai

Sonwai pendant in 18-karat gold with multi-stone inlay

Sonwai, 18k gold and inlay

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Necklace Length Guide – Find the Right Fit for Your Look

When selecting a necklace, the length makes all the difference in how it feels, looks, and layers. Whether you’re purchasing a fine inlay pendant or a hand-fabricated gold chain, this guide will help you choose the ideal necklace length for your body and style.

Standard Necklace Lengths for Adults

Length Name Where it falls Best For
14″ Choker Tight around the neck High-neck outfits, layering, bold statement
16″ Collar Base of the neck Everyday wear, delicate pendants
18″ Princess Sits at collarbone Classic choice, suits most necklines
20″ Matinee Just below collarbone Slightly longer pendants, high necklines
22–24″ Opera Above bust or mid-chest Statement pendants, layering
30–36″ Rope or Lariat Drapes below the bust Elegant evening wear, versatile wrap styling

Tip: Use a string and ruler to test different lengths before ordering.

Necklace Length Guide for Women

  • 16–18″ is the most popular length for everyday wear.

  • 20–24″ works well for longer pendants or statement pieces.

  • For a more dramatic look or layering, 30”+ lariats can be styled doubled or knotted.

Necklace Length Guide for Men

  • 18″ fits closely around the neck.

  • 20″ falls at the collarbone and is the most common men’s length.

  • 22–24″ offers a relaxed fit for pendants or heavier pieces.

Tips Based on Body Type and Face Shape

  • Petite frames: 16–18″ helps elongate the neck and keeps proportions balanced.

  • Broad shoulders or larger chest: Consider 20–24″ for a comfortable fit.

  • Round or square faces: Longer necklaces (20” and up) help create a more elongated appearance.

  • Oval faces: Almost any necklace length will complement this shape.

Pairing Lengths with Jewelry Styles

At Faust Gallery, many pieces are one-of-a-kind and deserve to be showcased at the perfect length:

  • Inlay pendants or large stones: Opt for 18–22″ to center the piece on the chest.

  • Gold and silver chains: Use 16–20″ for layering or 24″+ for a longer, refined look.

  • Artist-made lariats or figure pendants: Let them shine with 30″+ lengths, styled simply.

Necklace Fit and Styling Tips

  • Measure where you want the pendant or focal point to rest.

  • Consider the weight of the piece—heavier pendants hang lower.

  • Handmade or artist-signed closures may add extra length to the total chain.

  • Try on with the neckline you plan to wear it with for the most accurate look.

Need Help Choosing the Right Length?

We’re here to help you make the perfect selection.

  • Email us at sales@faustgallery.com

  • Visit us in person at our Scottsdale, AZ or Santa Fe, NM galleries

  • Request a photo or video of how the necklace hangs on a bust or model

Custom Chain Lengths Available

Some pieces can be adjusted to suit your preferred length. Contact us before purchasing—we’ll work with the artist when possible to ensure your necklace is tailored to fit your vision.