Supplee, Don “Hopi Girl” Necklace – Bisbee Turquoise, 18k Gold & Coral Pendant (Removable)

$60,000.00

Supplee, Don

This museum-quality necklace by Hopi artist Don Supplee features rolled high-grade Bisbee turquoise, 18k gold disk spacers, and coral accents. The removable pendant, titled “Hopi Girl,” is a stylized Hopi Maiden inlaid with turquoise, coral, and jet in a hand-carved 18k gold frame.

Wear the beaded strand alone or pair it with the pendant for a bolder look—the versatile design offers two elegant ways to showcase Supplee’s masterful craftsmanship and cultural vision.

Out of stock

Categories: Contemporary, Jewelry, Necklaces, Pendants
Artist: Don Supplee

This exceptional necklace by Hopi artist Don Supplee is a standout example of contemporary Native American jewelry. It is both wearable art and a cultural statement, with rolled, high-grade natural Bisbee turquoise beads, 18k gold disk spacers, and coral accent stones.

The removable pendant, titled “Hopi Girl,” features a stylized Hopi Maiden figure inlaid with turquoise, coral, and jet, all set within a hand-carved 18k gold frame. Supplee’s inlay work and sculptural detail bring dimension and character to the piece, honoring Hopi heritage.

This versatile design allows the necklace to be worn with or without the pendant. The beaded strand stands beautifully on its own, while the pendant can be transferred to a gold chain, neck wire, or leather cord for an alternate look.

A true museum-quality work, this necklace reflects Don Supplee’s highest level of craftsmanship and vision—one of his most compelling designs to date.

Don Supplee was born in Ganado and grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona near the Hopi reservation. The son of two teachers, he was encouraged to pursue his dreams. Observing the jewelry making of his older brother Charles Supplee, an acclaimed silversmith, Don became fascinated by the intricate creative process. Utilizing metal fabrication, inlaying, and the ancient method of tufa (volcanic rock) casting, the budding artist quickly began to develop his own style. An exceptional craftsman with a natural eye for design, Don creates exquisite jewelry in both silver and gold, enhanced by diamonds and other precious stones as well as traditional turquoise. “I credit my love of nature and appreciation of the Hopi culture as primary sources of inspiration,” he says.

Garnering numerous awards at the Annual Intertribal Ceremony at Gallup, New Mexico, this jewelry designer has been written up by national magazines such as Arizona Highways and discussed in books including Art of the Hopi by Jerry and Lois Jacka. His artwork figured prominently in the 2002 Changing Hands exhibit in New York City at the American Craft Museum, as well as the 2002 Jewels of the Southwest at the Museum of Arts and Culture in New Mexico. Don has also been the featured artist at the Gilcrease Museum in Oklahoma, the Buffalo Bill Museum in Wyoming, and the Indian Craft Shop at the Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C. To view new jewelry by Don

What Is Lost-Wax Casting?

Lost-wax casting, also known as cire perdue, is a traditional method of metal casting where a wax model is used to form a detailed mold for molten metal. The name refers to the fact that the wax is melted away—lost—during the process, leaving only the final metal form.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Process:

Wax Model Creation
The artist sculpts a detailed model of the piece in wax. This step is highly intricate and sets the foundation for the final design. Every texture, curve, and cut is crafted with intention.
Investment Molding
The wax model is encased in a heat-resistant ceramic or plaster compound, creating a mold known as the “investment.”
Wax Burnout
The mold is placed in a kiln and heated until the wax melts out completely, leaving a hollow cavity in the exact shape of the original wax design.
Molten Metal Pouring
Precious metal—often 18k gold or sterling silver—is heated until it becomes liquid, then poured into the mold. The metal fills every fine detail left behind by the wax.
Cooling and Mold Removal
Once the metal cools and solidifies, the ceramic mold is carefully broken away to reveal the raw casting.
Finishing and Polishing
The metal piece is refined, sanded, and polished. Stones may be set, and final textures or patinas applied, resulting in a finished work of wearable art.

Why Lost-Wax Casting Is So Special

Unmatched Detail: This method captures intricate textures and sculptural shapes that other techniques cannot.
One-of-a-Kind Pieces: Each wax model is unique, meaning no two castings are ever exactly alike.
Durability: The solid metal forms created through lost-wax casting are highly durable and long-lasting.

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.