Loloma, Charles Gold Tufa Cast Ring With Turquoise

$12,000.00

Loloma, Charles (b. 1921-1991)

 

Charles Loloma was the father of contemporary American Indian jewelry, starting the modern movement and turning jewelry into wearable art that we still see today. This ring by Loloma is tufa cast in gold with three turquoise stones, which consist of Lone Mountain and Bisbee, all set in Charles’ classic serrated bezel style. This ring was made in the early 1980s by Charles and is unsigned. We have written documentation proving provenance and will include a letter of authenticity.

 

Dimensions: 1/2 W taper to 1/4th

Ring Size: 5 1/2

In Stock

Curated Pairings

Loloma, Charles Gold Tufa Cast Ring With Turquoise + Charles Loloma 14K Gold Corn Maiden
Price for both: $28,000.00

Charles Loloma

b. 1921, Hotevilla, Arizona  ·  d. 1991  ·  Hopi

Hopi master jeweler Charles Loloma at his studio bench

Charles Loloma, William Faust II, Lovena Ohl.

Widely regarded as the foremost Native American jeweler of the twentieth century, Charles Loloma transformed Hopi jewelry by introducing gold, diamonds, and unconventional stones, and by setting hidden "inner gems" within his pieces. A member of the Badger Clan and a Hopi spiritual leader, he drew on a deep reverence for his heritage to create work that entered collections around the world—from Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower to the Queen of Denmark.

"In order to create valid art, you have to be true to yourself and your heritage."

— Charles Loloma

In 2005, the Wheelwright Museum in Santa Fe honored Loloma with a 466-object retrospective titled Loloma: Beauty Is His Name—a fitting title, since "Loloma" means "beauty" in the Hopi language. Asked what he hoped to be remembered for, he simply said: "beauty."

Hopi jeweler Charles Loloma with gallery owner Lovena Ohl, 1987

Lovena and Charles Loloma, 1987

Tufa casting is an ancient and revered metalworking technique used predominantly by Navajo and other Southwestern Native American jewelers. The process involves carving a design into a soft, porous volcanic stone known as tufa, which is composed of compressed volcanic ash. Tufa stone is ideal for casting due to its ease of carving and ability to withstand high temperatures.

To begin, the artist cuts and sands two matching tufa stones, creating a mold by hand-carving the desired design into one half. A funnel-like channel is also carved to allow molten metal—usually sterling silver or gold—to be poured into the mold. The two stone halves are then bound together and pre-heated to remove moisture, which prevents cracking during casting. Once the molten metal is poured in and cooled, the mold is broken open, revealing a one-of-a-kind piece.

Tufa casting is prized for its texture—the stone imparts a natural, grainy surface to the metal, giving the finished jewelry a distinct organic look and feel. Many artists embrace this texture as a signature element of their work, often finishing the piece with additional hand stamping, polishing, or stone inlay.

This method allows for artistic freedom and individuality, as each mold is used only once, making every tufa cast piece truly unique. Tufa casting reflects a deep respect for tradition and craftsmanship, preserving a hands-on, ancestral approach to jewelry making that continues to inspire contemporary Native artists today.

 

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.

  1. Wrap the paper around the base of the finger where you’ll wear the ring.
  2. Mark the point where the ends overlap.
  3. Measure the length (in millimeters) with a ruler—this is your finger’s circumference.
  4. 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.

  1. Place the ring on a flat surface.
  2. Measure the inside diameter straight across the center in millimeters.
  3. 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.