Jewellery retailer Hancocks London has announced a new partnership with Verma Nequatewa, known as Sonwai, a prominent Native American jeweller. This collaboration will mark the first time Sonwai has created jewellery for a European jeweller.
Sonwai is widely recognized as one of the leading Native American artists working today. For this partnership, she will design a limited series of pieces exclusively for Hancocks London. The first piece, an 18ct yellow gold cuff bangle, has launched as the jeweller’s Jewel of the Month for June.
Each item is handcrafted in Sonwai’s Arizona studio and is completely unique. The debut cuff is inlaid with a striking mosaic of turquoise, lapis lazuli, sugilite, spiny oyster shell, and rosarita. The inside of the cuff is etched with “For Hancocks,” emphasizing the exclusivity of this collaboration. It is available for purchase on Hancocks London’s website for £42,500.
Sonwai began her career in the 1960s, learning her craft alongside her uncle Charles Loloma, a celebrated figure in Native American jewellery and one of the most collectible jewellers of the 20th century. Today, she continues his legacy while expressing her own artistic voice by combining traditional Hopi aesthetics with bold, contemporary design and exceptional lapidary skills.
Her work is held in major museum collections and is highly sought after worldwide. She creates exclusively for private collectors and select galleries, and Hancocks London is honoured to be the only European jeweller working with her.
Amy Burton, Creative Director of Hancocks London, said, “We are incredibly honoured to be working with Sonwai. Her jewellery is more than beautiful—it is powerful, sculptural, and deeply rooted in cultural identity. Each piece tells a story and is created with such precision, thought and artistry. To have her crafting jewels for Hancocks London is an exciting and important moment, not only for us but for our clients as well as collectors and connoisseurs alike.”
This announcement represents a significant milestone for Hancocks London – a 176 years old jewellery company with multiple royal warrants – and introduces Native American fine art jewellery to a new audience across the UK and Europe. Further exclusive pieces from Sonwai’s studio will be released through Hancocks over the next year.
