In Albuquerque’s vibrant creative scene, where art and community thrive, it’s common to meet talented individuals.
But few are as multifaceted as Harley McDaniel: a jewelry designer, educator, and visionary artist who’s spent 25 years shaping not just metal, but minds.
Currently teaching at Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), McDaniel blends the technical precision 
of a master goldsmith with the heart of a teacher. “I’ve always loved design and creating, since I was young,” he shares. “My first jewelry course was during my freshman year in the BFA program at Bowling Green State University. I didn’t know I loved silversmithing until that first class.” That early spark became a lifelong calling. After earning both a BFA and MFA in jewelry, McDaniel spent decades teaching and viewing jewelry through an academic lens. “
Twenty-five years later, I opened my retail jewelry business. It has been a pleasure adapting my many years of academic design and art practice into a product that I can share with my community.”
That business is now known as The Jewelry Professor– a nod to both his artistry and his years in the classroom. From custom pieces to one-on-one consultations, the studio has become a creative outlet where technical skill meets personal storytelling. McDaniel’s intuitive design process- whether for his own work or client commissions- starts with a feeling and a sketch, then flows into craftsmanship. “The real artistry is in the translation,” he says. And when it comes to client work? “I listen, listen, listen.” That same energy carries over into his classroom. At CNM, McDaniel encourages students to explore their creativity while staying grounded in their unique voice. “Find what you’re good at and lean into it.”
Building a business took time- and guts. “The biggest challenge was taking on custom work for people I didn’t know,” he admits. “But once I did, I realized just how strong my skills really were.” He uses transparent pricing through the Geller Bluebook model and focuses on delivering quality with integrity. He credits mentors like Tom Muir and Suzan Ewing for helping him shape his path. “They taught me to trust myself and think outside the box,” he says. “That mindset still drives my work.”
From sketching custom rings at The Jewelry Professor to mentoring students at CNM, Harley McDaniel isn’t just crafting jewelry- he’s shaping the future of design, one piece and one student at a time.
Want to see his work up close or need expert jewelry repair?
Visit Harley McDaniel at The Jewelry Professor, located at
12165 NM-14, Suite B-10, Cedar Crest, NM
(505) 289-3937
thejewelryprofessor.wildapricot.org
Article By ABQLive Staff
Photos Courtesy of Harley McDaniel
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