NMSU’s annual jewelry sale goes online Nov. 20 – Dec. 20

Date: 11/17/2020
Writer: Amanda Adame, 575-646-7953, aadame4@nmsu.edu
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The 38th annual New Mexico State University art department jewelry sale will look a little different this year. Instead of browsing pieces inside the NMSU bookstore coffee shop, you can purchase student created jewelry from the comfort of your couch. Beginning Friday, Nov. 20, you can browse earrings, rings, brooches and more on their website just in time for holiday giving. The sale will run through Saturday, Dec. 20

Jewelry pieces hand-made by Betty Hase, a New Mexico State University student in the jewelry and metalsmithing program. These items and more will be for sale online Nov. 20 – Dec. 20. (Courtesy Photo)

Turquoise earrings hand-made by Mahsa Yaghoobi, a New Mexico State University student in the jewelry and metalsmithing program. These items more will be for sale online Nov. 20 – Dec. 20. (Courtesy Photo)

A wood owl brooch hand-made by Brontë Porcell, a New Mexico State University student in the jewelry and metalsmithing program. These will be among the items for sale online Nov. 20 – Dec. 20. (Courtesy Photo)

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the sale was moved online. It will feature unique, one-of-a-kind, handmade jewelry created by students in the Department of Art’s jewelry and metalsmithing program. The annual sale is a fundraising opportunity for students.

Motoko Furuhashi, art assistant professor who teaches jewelry and metalsmithing, explained although students are disappointed they will miss out on the experience of hosting an in-person show, Furuhashi is optimistic that the digital show will boost exposure for her students work.

“We have mixed feelings,” she said. “Of course, it would be nice to see jewelry in person and have customers interact with our students who made these pieces. But we are always open to new ideas. I hope this online sale can reach out to more people.”

Since most NMSU classes have moved online, art students were unable to create their unique pieces inside Devasthali Hall, without the metalsmithing department’s new state-of-the-art equipment.

“Our class is virtual. So, students were working from their home studio, which was challenging in many degrees.” Furuhashi said. “However, I am proud to say they managed to keep their pieces high quality.”

The jewelry pieces are inspected for quality before the sale and will range from $15 to $260. To visit the annual jewelry sale, visit http://desertvalleyjewelry.com.