If the “I Love You” key chain and wilted flowers you got for your girlfriend on Valentine’s Day didn’t quite cut it, have no fear, you can bring that smile back to her face without burning a hole in your pocket. Head over to the Binghamton University Art Museum in the Fine Arts Building, they sell classy-looking jewelry for cheap. You can find a wide, colorful variety of beaded necklaces, earrings and bracelets priced as low as $5 and no more than $12.

Buying your girl a stunning, handmade necklace will not only turn her frown upside-down, but you will also be contributing a couple dollars to a great cause.

All the proceeds from the sale of the jewelry items fund the restoration of the art in the museum’s Permanent Collection. The collection contains many works of art from all over the world, some of which are over 2,000 years old. However, many of the pieces are not in the greatest condition and need restoration. That involves cleaning, fixing and preservation.

The jewelry has been on sale at the museum for about a year. Most of the pieces are made from glass beads, stone or metal. They are all original pieces created by the staff of the museum and work-study students.

“We keep prices low,” said Jackie Hogan, assistant director of the museum. “We’re not here to make a mint. Students don’t have a lot of money.”

She said that three to four items are sold each week and that there are a few “steady customers.”

“We didn’t put our expectations to the sky,” Hogan explained about the profits accrued from the sales. “We’re not a store. We’re not here to make money. We are here for the Permanent Collection Restoration.”

Although a slow process, Hogan said that these sales are a way to get funds for restoration “one piece at a time.” Two works of art from the collection have been fully restored. One painting, which was tainted with holes, cost $1,200 to repair.

“We want students to see everything we have in the best possible condition,” Hogan said.

She also hopes that the Permanent Collection will be in top shape for future generations.

These pieces of jewelry are only sold at the University Art Museum. They are not sold or advertised anywhere off campus. The museum is open during the afternoon Tuesday through Saturday. Next time you pass by the Fine Arts Building take a walk through the museum, and on your way out check out the unique jewelry. There are paintings with holes and prints with blotches that are in great need of fixing. Any contribution will bring the Permanent Collection one step closer to being completely restored.