Sonwai (Nequatewa, Verma) 14k Gold Ring With Inlay

$4,200.00

Sonwai (Nequatewa, Verma)

 

This ring by Sonwai, the Hopi jeweler Verma Nequatewa handmade this ring in 14k gold. The ring features an inlaid combination of turquoise, opal, lapis, coral, ironwood, sugilite, and fine-line gold accent spacers arranged in a stepped composition that creates both movement and balance. Sonwai’s work continues the legacy of her uncle and mentor, Charles Loloma, whose innovations in Native jewelry design profoundly shaped the contemporary jewelry we see today. While her aesthetic is rooted in his teachings, Sonwai has cultivated a distinct voice—marked by meticulous artistry in material and form. Verma signed this ring inside with her artist name and hallmark, Sonwai.

 

Ring Size: 6

*Ring cannot be sized. Sonwai can make one using a similar color pallet.

In Stock

Sonwai is the artistic name of Verma Nequatewa, a master Hopi jeweler whose work reflects both a deep cultural heritage and a commitment to innovation in contemporary Native American art. A niece and longtime apprentice of the legendary Charles Loloma, Sonwai began her artistic journey in the mid-1960s, working side by side with Loloma in his groundbreaking studio. For nearly three decades, she absorbed the techniques, philosophy, and spirit that defined his approach to jewelry—an approach that radically transformed Native American art by integrating traditional materials with modernist aesthetics.

After the closure of Loloma’s studio in the early 1990s, Sonwai established her own workshop in Hotevilla, Arizona, on the Hopi Reservation. There, she has continued to evolve the techniques and vision inherited from her uncle, creating her own distinct voice while honoring the legacy that shaped her foundation. Like Loloma, Sonwai’s work often utilizes 18k gold, turquoise, coral, lapis, ironwood, sugilite, and other precious materials in striking combinations of stone-to-stone inlay and sculptural forms.

Each piece by Sonwai is completely handcrafted, and no two are alike. Her jewelry is celebrated for its balance of elegance, symbolism, and technical excellence. She creates rings, bracelets, pendants, earrings, and belt buckles that embody the Hopi tradition of fine craftsmanship while pushing the boundaries of wearable art.

Today, Sonwai’s work is held in prestigious museum collections, sought after by collectors worldwide, and exhibited in major galleries and cultural institutions. With every piece she creates, Sonwai continues a living lineage—transforming tradition into timeless beauty.

 

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.