A Loloma Lost, Then Found

A Loloma Lost … Then Found A reader asks about the value of a Charles Loloma pendant her parents gifted her years ago. Another learns about Navajo folk art.

The front and back of a pendant made by Charles Loloma (Hopi) and owned by a reader from Boston.

Courtesy of the reader

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Back in the late 1990s, my parents bought me this Loloma pendant at Elaine Horwitch Gallery, as a graduation present. I wore it a lot that summer, then it disappeared about the time I went off to college in Boston, where I now live. Last year, while helping my parents pack to move, it turned up! I’m sure it has become much more valuable over time. It is 1 ½” x ½”  – would you please tell me what it’s worth?

E.H., Boston MA

You are lucky twice over! Your parents gifted you with a classic example of the jewelry of Charles Loloma. How wonderful that you found it – and that his pieces never go out of style!

Loloma (1921–1991) was born into the Badger Clan of the Hopi at Third Mesa in northeastern Arizona. He served in the U.S. Army in 1941–1945, then, used his GI Bill to attend Alfred University in New York. Although best known for his jewelry, he was first a painter, potter and sculptor.

In 1954 he opened a pottery shop in Scottsdale, selling Lolomaware. Soon thereafter, he began working in jewelry, as well as teaching at Arizona State University and the University of Arizona.

When the newly formed Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1962, Loloma was hired as an instructor, along with Allan Houser, Fritz Scholder and Lloyd Kiva New.

While teaching, Loloma continued working on his jewelry, experimenting with materials, ideas and designs not then found in American Indian jewelry – so much so, he was often told his work was “not Indian”. Undaunted, he created an ever-expanding market for his work and had a very successful Paris show. By 1966, he quit teaching to devote himself full time to his jewelry. Returning home to Third Mesa, he built a remarkable studio for himself – and by continually evolving his craft – an extraordinary career. He died in 1991, leaving an exceptional legacy.

I contacted experts – including Loloma’s niece and protégé, Sonwai – regarding the authenticity and value of your pendant. Signed by the artist and made of silver, tufa-cast gold, lapis, coral and turquoise, it has a value of $3,500–4,000.

Recently, counterfeit Loloma jewelry pieces have come into the market. If by chance your parents kept the receipt, be sure to hang on to it, as it confirms the provenance.

Christy Vezolles (Shawnee) is an accredited member of the American Society of Appraisers and an authority in Native American art. Her business, Art Value (www.artvalueinfo.com), is based in Phoenix.

Values provided here are informed estimates but are not considered legal appraisals. To have works considered for evaluation, send good photos, background information, and your name and phone number to and include “Appraisals” in the subject line.