Harvey Begay (1938-2009) Harvey Begay was born in 1938 in Tuba City, Arizona, the son of Kenneth Begay, who was often referred to as the Charles Loloma of Navajo jewelry. When Kenneth became a partner in The White Hogan, a shop in Scottsdale, Arizona, Harvey attended Scottsdale High while his father worked there. He then went on to graduate from Arizona State University with a degree in Aerospace Engineering in 1961. Harvey became a Navy flight officer and was a test pilot for McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, testing the Phantom Jet. During one of the test flights, Harvey had to eject from the plane due to electrical power failure and was lucky enough to survive. Following the life-altering plane crash, Harvey’s resilience and dedication to his craft shone through. He felt a strong pull to return to his roots in silversmithing with his Father, leading him to Steamboat, Colorado. In 1979, he made his way back to Phoenix, Arizona, where he began a fruitful collaboration with Lovena Ohl. A memorable moment in the gallery was when Lovena asked Harvey to make sterling silver goblets, and Harvey, who had never made goblets before, initially declined. However, Lovena encouraged him, saying that he was as talented as his father. Harvey eventually made the goblets, and they turned out stunning. Harvey was among the first jewelers to use lost-wax designs with extreme details and create a high-end line of hand-fabricated, one-of-a-kind museum pieces. Over the years, he evolved as a high-end and sophisticated jeweler, exemplifying wearable art. Sadly, Harvey passed away in 2009, leaving behind cherished memories of his exceptional friendship and artistry. Before his passing, he established the “Harvey A. Begay Memorial Scholarship” at Arizona State University. The scholarship helps American Indian undergraduate students pursue their degrees and is still active today. To donate to the scholarship, please contact ASU at 480-727-7448. –William Faust II
Ring Sizing Guide: How to Measure Your Ring Size Accurately
Ring Sizing Guide – How to Measure Your Ring Size Accurately
Finding the right ring size is essential when purchasing fine, handmade jewelry, especially one-of-a-kind pieces that may not be resizable. Use this simple guide to measure your ring size at home and shop with confidence at Faust Gallery.
How to Measure Your Ring Size at Home
You can determine your ring size in a few easy ways using common items or by measuring a ring you already own.
Option 1: Measure Your Finger with a Strip of Paper or String
What you’ll need: a thin strip of paper, a ruler (millimeters), and a pen.
- Wrap the paper around the base of the finger where you’ll wear the ring.
- Mark the point where the ends overlap.
- Measure the length (in millimeters) with a ruler—this is your finger’s circumference.
- Use the chart below to find your U.S. ring size.
Tip: The paper should fit snugly but still be able to slide over your knuckle.
Option 2: Measure a Ring That Fits You
What you’ll need: a ring that fits the intended finger and a millimeter ruler or caliper.
- Place the ring on a flat surface.
- Measure the inside diameter straight across the center in millimeters.
- Compare that number to the chart below.
U.S. Ring Size Conversion Chart
| Inside Diameter (mm) | Inside Circumference (mm) | U.S. Ring Size |
|---|---|---|
| 14.8 | 46.5 | 4 |
| 15.7 | 49.3 | 5 |
| 16.5 | 51.8 | 6 |
| 17.3 | 54.4 | 7 |
| 18.1 | 57.0 | 8 |
| 19.0 | 59.5 | 9 |
| 19.8 | 62.1 | 10 |
| 20.6 | 64.6 | 11 |
| 21.4 | 67.2 | 12 |
✔️ Chart verified against standard U.S. jewelry industry sizing measurements.
Ring Sizing Tips for the Best Fit
- Measure at the end of the day – your fingers naturally swell and shrink.
- Avoid measuring cold hands – cold temperatures cause fingers to contract.
- Wider bands fit more snugly – consider sizing up ¼ to ½ size for rings wider than 6mm.
- Your dominant hand may be larger – double-check if you’re switching hands.
- If you’re in between sizes, it’s safer to go up a half size.
Can Rings Be Resized?
Many of the rings at Faust Gallery are handmade by renowned Native American and contemporary jewelers using inlay, stone settings, or tufa cast techniques. Some of the designs are often not resizable due to their intricate construction. We always recommend measuring accurately before purchasing.
Need Help Finding Your Ring Size?
We’re happy to assist.
- Email us at sales@faustgallery.com
- Visit us in person at our Scottsdale, AZ, or Santa Fe, NM, locations
- Request a complimentary plastic ring sizer – we’ll ship one to you
Shop with Confidence
Faust Gallery specializes in museum-quality jewelry where precision and craftsmanship matter. Our goal is to ensure your ring fits perfectly and lasts a lifetime.