A GUIDE TO COLLECTING, SIZING & CARE

Collector Resources — Faust Gallery

Collecting Art & Jewelry

A Guide to Collecting, Sizing & Care

Collecting American Indian art and jewelry is a meaningful, personal journey. Each piece tells a story — of heritage, creativity, and cultural endurance. Whether you’re wearing a finely inlaid bracelet or hanging a powerful painting in your home, these works connect us to traditions that are both timeless and evolving.

At Faust Gallery, we believe that great collections are born from emotional connection and curiosity. Let your heart guide you toward pieces that bring beauty, spirit, and inspiration into your life.

Collecting with Intention — Seven Principles

1 · Collect What Speaks to You

Let your instincts and emotions lead the way. Whether it’s the texture of tufa-cast silver, the vibrant colors of hand-cut stones, or the quiet power of a painted figure, choose pieces that resonate with you. When you collect what you love, your collection becomes a reflection of your story.

2 · Learn About the Culture and Artists

American Indian art is deeply rooted in history, ceremony, and community. Exploring the cultural significance behind the designs — like a Navajo Yei figure or a Hopi Kachina — adds depth to your appreciation. Many artists continue family traditions while creating something entirely their own; learning their stories brings the work to life.

3 · Value the Craftsmanship

Behind every piece is a process. From hand-fabricated silverwork to microscopic stone inlay, Native artists master techniques that can take years to refine. Understanding the skill involved helps you see each piece not just as adornment, but as wearable or displayable art.

4 · Ask Questions and Stay Curious

The deeper your understanding, the more meaningful each piece becomes. Every work reflects a distinct tribal tradition, personal vision, and historical context — a Hopi overlay bracelet may carry ancient migration stories, while a Navajo weaving expresses harmony with nature through sacred geometry. We strive to share that context, whether it’s the meaning of a Yei figure, the identity of a rare turquoise mine, or a family hallmark, because education is central to collecting with intention and respect.

5 · Support Both Legacy and Future Voices

A powerful collection isn’t built on big names alone — it’s built on intention, craftsmanship, and connection. While museum-quality works by iconic artists hold undeniable significance, collecting emerging and mid-career artists is just as meaningful. Look for pieces that are well made, thoughtfully designed, and rich in symbolism, whether by a recognized master or a rising voice. The value of a collection lies in the quality of the work and the story it tells, not just the signature it bears.

6 · Live with Your Art

Don’t hide it away. Wear the jewelry, display the sculpture, let the artwork surround you. The joy of collecting is not just in owning — it’s in living with pieces that bring beauty, meaning, and connection to your world.

7 · Enjoy the Journey

There’s no rush. Let your collection grow naturally as you explore, learn, and evolve. Whether you’re drawn to bold contemporary designs or historic pieces rich in symbolism, the best collections reflect the collector’s spirit over time.

Ring Sizing Guide

Finding the right size matters for fine, handmade jewelry — especially one-of-a-kind pieces that may not be resizable.

Option 1 · Measure your finger

Wrap a thin strip of paper around the base of the finger, mark where the ends overlap, and measure the length in millimeters. That circumference corresponds to a U.S. size below. The strip should fit snugly but still slide over your knuckle.

Option 2 · Measure a ring you own

Place a ring that fits on a flat surface and measure its inside diameter straight across the center in millimeters, then match it to the chart.

Inside Ø (mm)Circumference (mm)U.S. Size
14.846.54
15.749.35
16.551.86
17.354.47
18.157.08
19.059.59
19.862.110
20.664.611
21.467.212

Tips for the best fit

  • Measure at the end of the day, when fingers are at their largest.
  • Avoid measuring cold hands — fingers contract.
  • Wider bands fit more snugly; size up ¼–½ for bands over 6 mm.
  • If you’re between sizes, go up a half size.

Many of our rings are handmade with inlay, stone settings, or tufa-cast techniques and may not be resizable, so accurate measurement is essential. Need help? We’ll happily ship you a complimentary plastic ring sizer.

Bracelet Sizing Guide

Wrap a flexible tape, string, or strip of paper snugly around your wrist just above the wrist bone (where you’d wear a watch). That measurement is your wrist size.

Choosing the right fit

  • Cuffs (non-adjustable): add ¼″ for a snug fit, ½″ for a comfort fit. A 6″ wrist suits a 6¼″–6½″ cuff (including the opening).
  • Chain or link: add ½″–¾″ for a comfortable fit, up to 1″ for a looser drape.
Wrist SizeRecommended Bracelet Size
5.5″6″ – 6.25″
6″6.5″ – 6.75″
6.5″7″ – 7.25″
7″7.5″ – 7.75″
7.5″8″ – 8.25″
8″8.5″ – 8.75″

Cuff sizes include both the inner circumference and the opening. If you’re between sizes, choose the larger for comfort. Handmade cuffs often can’t be resized, so accurate sizing is essential.

Necklace Length Guide

Length changes how a necklace feels, looks, and layers. Use a string and ruler to test lengths before ordering.

LengthNameWhere it falls
14″ChokerTight around the neck
16″CollarBase of the neck
18″PrincessAt the collarbone
20″MatineeJust below collarbone
22–24″OperaAbove bust / mid-chest
30–36″Rope / LariatDrapes below the bust

A few guidelines

  • 16–18″ is the most popular everyday length for women; 18–20″ for men.
  • Inlay pendants or large stones: 18–22″ centers the piece on the chest.
  • Artist-made lariats or figure pendants: let them shine at 30″+.
  • Heavier pendants hang lower; factor weight into your choice.

Some pieces can be adjusted to your preferred length — contact us before purchasing and we’ll work with the artist when possible.

Jewelry Care & Cleaning

Handcrafted and inlay work is meant to last generations — with thoughtful handling it will.

Basic cleaning

  • Wipe gently with a soft, lint-free cloth after each wear.
  • For light cleaning, use lukewarm water and a mild, non-detergent soap; pat dry immediately.
  • Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners unless advised by the artist or gallery.

Avoid entirely

  • Cleaners with alcohol, ammonia, or acids.
  • Toothpaste, baking soda, or any abrasive.
  • Paper towels, which can scratch softer stones and metals.

Care by material

  • Turquoise, coral & soft stones: porous — keep from water, lotions, perfume, and prolonged sun; clean with a dry cloth only.
  • Inlay (stone, shell, metal): never soak; moisture weakens the adhesive. Avoid impact and store flat.
  • Tufa-cast: matte/textured finishes shouldn’t be polished — dry brush or soft cloth only, never a tarnish-remover cloth.
  • High-karat gold (18K–22K): won’t tarnish; clean gently with warm water and a soft cloth, and polish sparingly on brushed finishes.
  • Sterling silver: use a silver cloth occasionally, but don’t over-polish intentional patinas; store in anti-tarnish bags.

Storage & everyday wear

  • Store pieces individually in soft pouches or lined boxes, away from sun, heat, and moisture.
  • Lay cuffs flat; don’t hang heavy necklaces for long periods.
  • Remove jewelry before swimming, showering, exercise, or applying lotion, perfume, or hairspray.

For signed, vintage, or irreplaceable works, contact us before any major cleaning or repair — we can refer you to trusted specialists in artist-made jewelry.

Repair & Restoration Services

We treat every piece with respect for its history and craftsmanship. Our services include:

Necklace restringing & adjustments

  • Custom length alterations and extension wraps
  • Clasp replacement or upgrades
  • Removal of broken or mismatched beads

Stone replacement & resetting

  • Turquoise and other stones matched as closely as possible
  • Resealing aging stones for protection
  • Securely and invisibly re-seating loose stones

Resizing & reshaping

  • Ring resizing without visible seams
  • Bracelet and cuff reshaping to match your wrist
  • Correcting older, poorly executed resizes

Earring conversions & inlay repairs

  • Clip-ons to posts/hooks, or posts to clip/screwbacks
  • Replacing lost inlay stones with precision-matched materials and restoring original patterns
  • Over-polished surfaces, hairline cracks, and general structural repairs

Unsure whether a piece can be repaired? We’re happy to take a look.

Visit Us

Santa Fe

New Mexico

Address

142 Lincoln Ave, Suite 102
Santa Fe, NM 87501

Hours

Open daily, 10 AM – 5 PM

Phone

Bill Faust · (480) 200-4290
Michael Faust · (480) 745-5928

Directions & Hours →

Scottsdale

Arizona

Address

7100 East Main Street, Suite 4
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Hours

By appointment only

Phone

Bill Faust · (480) 200-4290
Michael Faust · (480) 745-5928

Directions & Hours →

bill@faustgallery.com · sales@faustgallery.com · faustgallery.com