Neel, David 22K Gold Otter & Urchin Necklace, Ring And Earring Set

Neel, David

David Neel is a  Kwakwaka’wakw jeweler who made this 22K gold sea otter pendant and necklace set. He combines traditional Northwest Coast design with contemporary expression. On this set, David won Best Of Division under the Jewelry & Lapidary category during the 44th Annual Heard Museum Market, which was held in 2002.

This gold necklace is inspired by stylized sea life and maritime forms, featuring a pendant set with abalone shell while incorporating the design of stylized boat oars as the necklace. Neel accented the piece with hand-carved ivory teeth in both the otter’s and urchin’s mouths, bringing intricate detail and dimensionality to this necklace and pendant set.

Necklace Dimensions: 18″ 1/4 K

Sea Otter & Urchin Pendant Dimensions: 2″ 11/16th L X 2″ 3/16th W

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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.

 

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.