Jewel of The Month - June 2025

Hancocks London is proud to unveil a remarkable cuff bangle by one of the world’s foremost Native American jewellers — Verma Nequatewa, known professionally as Sonwai — as its Jewel of the Month.

Handcrafted in 18ct yellow gold and intricately inlaid with turquoise, lapis lazuli, sugilite, spiny oyster shell, and rosarita, the bangle is a bold, sculptural celebration of Hopi tradition reimagined through a contemporary lens. Each stone has been meticulously selected for its colour, texture, and arranged into a mosaic-like design that is both powerful and poetic

This cuff is the first piece Sonwai has ever created for Hancocks London and is etched on the reverse with the words “For Hancocks”— a personal signature underscoring the significance of this partnership

Verma Nequatewa began her career in the 1960s, setting stones for her uncle, the legendary Charles Loloma, widely regarded as the most influential Native American jeweller of the 20th century. Today, she continues his legacy, evolving and expressing her own artistic vision, and creating pieces that reflect her heritage and deep connection to the Hopi reservation in Arizona, where she was born and continues to live and work.

Amy Burton, Creative Director, Hancocks London, says: "“We are incredibly honoured that Sonwai has agreed to create a small number of jewels exclusively for us. Her pieces are beautiful, her craftsmanship and lapidary work impeccable, and her jewels are a true joy to wear."

To have these rare jewels available at Hancocks London is an exciting and important moment not only for us but for collectors and connoisseurs alike. Sonwai’s pieces are all one-ofa-kind and we have great respect and admiration for her incredible work.