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Much of the beauty of Spanish Market lies in its many facets — and how, like those of a precious stone being turned, they change from year to year, decade to decade.

At the 59th event, opening on the Plaza and surrounding streets tomorrow at 8, first-time and occasional visitors will find themselves fascinated by the very variety of offerings, entertainment and food,discount tiffany, while folks who rarely miss it tend to be captivated by Spanish Market’s evolution and the innovations behind it.

Newcomers and veteran marketgoers, from near and far, will find the best of our region’s artistry and artesanias:

–Hand-loomed weavings, by families of Santa Fe and the villages surrounding us.

–Furnishings: tables, chairs, wardrobes, bedsteads, trunks and boxes, reflecting the tools of times gone by.

–Paintings, sculpture and other artwork.

–Santos — religious figures, as carved-wood bultos and painted retablos.

–Colcha embroidery, long renowned in Northern New Mexico and gaining fame around the nation and beyond.

–Straw-appliqued woodwork in traditional and modern forms.

–Ironwork, in forms both useful and traditional in design.

–Jewelry,tiffany earrings, in silver and gold.

–Leatherwork reflecting our frontier heritage.

–Tinwork in increasingly creative forms.

That last category offers great examples of Spanish Market’s many changes, subtle as some may be:

Santa Fean Carmella Padilla is one of several noted writers whose articles appear in The New Mexican’s official guide to Spanish Market — part of Wednesday’s paper, but also available downtown now through Sunday.

Padilla tells of the innovations in that comparatively recent medium; it sprouted only a century or so ago with the arrival of tin containers, but has blossomed with intricacy. From simple designs, often nail-pointed into utilitarian items such as mirror and picture frames, candleholders and sconces, the form has moved into florid and flowing designs, even portraits. Some works even offer homage to other Spanish Market forms,tiffany cuff Links, such as colcha embroidery.

The many other media on display also will offer evidence of a dynamic market — which this year brings the works of 300 adult artists and scores of youngsters who’ve been learning at the side of maestros and maestras. Thanks to their efforts, and those of more than

100 year-round volunteers, Spanish Market, and Contemporary Spanish Market, along Lincoln Avenue,tiffany bangles, are highlights of the Santa Fe summer.

The atmosphere. The food, at booths behind the First National Bank. The music and dance from the Plaza’s community stage. The friends you’re likely to come across. It’s a truly fine time to be in Santa Fe.

Spanish Market and Contemporary Spanish Market are not to be missed; 8-5 tomorrow, 9-5 Sunday. See you there!