Hundreds of handcrafted rings, bracelets, earrings and other pieces priced from $15 to $100 will be available at the NMSU Bookstore

Azure Mitchell, New Mexico State University

LAS CRUCES - For the past 43 years, New Mexico State University Department of Art’s Jewelry and Metalsmithing program students have hammered, sawed and soldered one-of-a-kind artwork to share with the community at their annual jewelry sale.  

Whether you’re looking for bracelets, rings, earrings, pendants, or other wearable art, from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday, October 26, the NMSU Bookstore will be filled with hundreds of handmade jewelry pieces, awaiting buyers and admirers.  

Among the featured artists this year is Olivia Novello, an art minor who spent weeks creating 3D stars and articulated crab claw earrings. To successfully bring their vision to life, Novello shaped, carved and chemically dyed each piece. 

“Copper is my main medium, and I'm using silver wire to make the earrings,” they said. “I'm doing a lot of metal forming and pressing. And I'm using a hydraulic press to get these shapes out of these acrylic cutouts.” 

While coursework provided Novello with foundational production skills, navigating a high-volume sale presents a new challenge. 

“This is my first time making jewelry in this massive way. I am not used to the production style of making a bunch of things at once,” Novello said. “It's a little overwhelming, but it's honestly really good practice.” 

The sale features a wide variety of styles and inspirations. Studio art major Piandria Shiner incorporated copper to create cuff bracelets and rings inspired by an often-overlooked insect. 

“I was drawn to moths and how they're kind of like the underdog for creatures that show transformation and resilience,” Shiner said. “I felt a connection to them and how they transform silently. They're not always seen. The butterfly is always the main symbol of transformation, but I wanted to give moths the spotlight.” 

The event highlights diverse materials and vibrant design choices. For guests looking for something a bit more colorful, Mia Martinez is making jewelry using purple, green, yellow and blue acrylic. 

“I am using a bit of copper and a lot of acrylic sheets. It’s a new technique and a new bit of everything. I haven’t really used acrylic,” Martinez said. “I’m really excited for someone to see something of mine that they like.” 

Over the past month, artists have been working in and out of class to make at least 20 pieces ready to sell. Each piece is unique, handcrafted and priced between $15 and $100, giving every guest an option to choose the piece that resonates with them the most. 

Azure Mitchell writes for New Mexico State University Marketing and Communications and can be reached by email at azurekm@nmsu.edu.