Faust Gallery features an impressive array of artworks by Native American artists in its Santa Fe showroom, including paintings, kachina, pottery, glass and sculpture. However, the gallery is widely known for its superb jewelry collection, founded on a deep lineage of relationships that began with Lovena Ohl—one of the earliest advocates for Native American fine art in the Southwest.
Sonwai (Hopi), Bolo Tie, 2004, hand-carved coral stone shaped into a stylized maiden face, accented with gold hair. The sterling silver body is inlaid with coral, sugilite, turquoise, lapis, ebony and fine gold bars, displayed on a black leather cord with sterling silver tips and gold dot accents, Bolo Tie: 23 in. long; Pendant: 3½ x 1¼ in.
“Her mentorship of Bill Faust led to the opening of Faust Gallery in 1996, built on a foundation of integrity, respect and long-standing personal connections with artists,” says Michael Faust, gallery director. “Over the decades, the gallery has become a trusted space where master jewelers—many of whom worked directly with Lovena or Bill—continue to showcase their finest creations.”
Today, under Bill and Michael Faust’s direction, those relationships have expanded to include both legendary figures and a new generation of contemporary Native artists, ensuring that the gallery’s jewelry collection continues to evolve while honoring its roots in excellence and cultural authenticity.
Phil Loretto (Cochiti/Jemez, 1951-2017), Stylized Mask Designed Ring, size 7, 14K gold, coral, turquoise shell, and lapis
“Each piece selected for Faust Gallery undergoes a careful curatorial process grounded in craftsmanship, design and innovation, authenticity and provenance,” explains Faust. “The gallery looks for artists whose work demonstrates not only technical mastery but also a distinct voice—those who carry forward cultural traditions while contributing new perspectives to the field of fine art jewelry. Whether through intricate tufa casting, micro-fine inlay or bold sculptural design, each acquisition reflects the gallery’s commitment to museum-quality work.”
The roster of both legacy and contemporary Native American jewelers includes Charles Loloma, Harvey Begay, Jesse Monongya, Carl and Irene Clark, Ric Charlie, Victoria Adams, James Little, Tom Jim, and so many more.
Raymond Yazzie (Navajo [Diné]), Cuff, Lander Blue turquoise, coral, lapis, sugilite and gold
Displayed at Faust for the Jewelry Show, are fine examples like a bolo tie created by Sonwai (Verma Nequatewa) (Hopi), the niece and longtime apprentice of the legendary Charles Loloma. “The piece features a hand-carved, coral stone shaped into a stylized maiden face, accented with gold hair,” notes Faust. “The sterling silver body is inlaid with coral, sugilite, turquoise, lapis, ebony and fine gold bars, and is displayed on a black leather cord with sterling silver tips and gold dot accents. The piece can be worn as both a bolo tie and a pendant, offering versatility.”
We also see a striking gold ring by the renowned Phil Loretto (Cochiti/Jemez, 1951-2017), depicting a stylized mask inlaid with coral, turquoise shell and lapis. “Loretto then hand-stamped a design around the band and inside this gold ring,” adds Faust. The gallery also presents a print the artist made by heating the ring before he set the intricate inlay.
Charles Supplee (Hopi, 1959-2021), Coral Maiden Pendant, lapis, fine-line gold accents and turquoise; face is coral with a raised turquoise stone eye and a single diamond set in a gold dangling earring
Additional highlights from the collection are a sterling silver cuff by jeweler Raymond Yazzie (Navajo (Diné)), featuring some of the finest Lander Blue turquoise, known for its tight black matrix and deep, vivid color; as well as a stunning corn maiden pendant by master Charles Supplee (Hopi, 1959-2021) set on a solid 14k gold choker neck wire, and made with lapis, fine-line gold accents and turquoise. The face is coral with a raised turquoise stone eye and a single diamond set in a gold dangling earring.
To see these beauties and many more, visit Faust Gallery in Santa Fe during the jewelry showcase on December 12 and 13. “As we celebrate 30 years of Faust Gallery, we don’t just look back—we look ahead,” says Faust. “The next chapter belongs to the creators and collectors who, like us, believe that wearable art has the power to endure for generations.” —
December 12-13, 2025
Faust Gallery
142 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 102, Santa Fe, NM 87501 (480) 745-5928, www.faustgallery.com
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