The Art of Handcrafted Jewelry: Stories in Metal and Glass

March 7, 2025

Jewelry is more than an accessory—it’s a form of wearable art, a personal expression, and often, a piece of someone’s story. Each handmade piece carries the artist’s touch, shaped not only by tools and fire but by inspiration, patience, and passion.

For local jeweler Cindy Gentry, that passion comes to life through a mesmerizing process. Her jewelry is a fusion of craftsmanship and creativity, a testament to the beauty of handmade art.

Silversmith, Cindy Gentry creating glass beads

Handcrafted Jewelry: From Molten Glass to Wearable Art

The art of lampwork glass—bead making over an open flame—dates back over 3,000 years. For Cindy, it was love at first sight in 2006. The hypnotic movement of molten glass, the delicate balance of heat and timing, and the endless color combinations sparked an artistic journey that continues to evolve.

Using a propane and oxygen torch, she melts rods of glass, carefully shaping them into beads and cabochons. Some pieces incorporate reactive glass, creating shimmering iridescent colors when exposed to oxygen or propane. The process requires precision—too much heat and the glass runs, too little and it cracks before it’s complete. She also “paints” intricate designs onto the beads using hair-thin rods of colored glass, adding another layer of detail to her work.

What makes her pieces even more extraordinary is the challenge of creating perfectly matched beads for earrings—something incredibly difficult when working with molten glass. Yet, she manages to craft pairs that complement each other beautifully, resulting in striking sets of earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets.

Mandalas in Metal: Etching Meaning into Silver

Beyond glasswork, Cindy has embraced metal fabrication, particularly the art of etching silver with intricate mandala designs. What began as an interest in setting her handmade glass cabochons soon turned into a fascination with creating original patterns.

Each of her mandala patterns are unique and deeply personal. She etches her hand-drawn designs onto silver using ferric nitrate, transforming them into wearable works of art.

A Joy to Watch, A Joy to Wear

One of the most exciting aspects of her work is seeing it come to life before your eyes. When she demonstrates bead and jewelry making at the gallery, visitors are drawn in by the glowing heat of the torch, the precision of her hands, and the transformation of raw materials into something beautiful. The experience makes her jewelry even more meaningful, knowing the skill and dedication behind each piece.

She also shares her love for design through teaching, offering classes at the gallery on mandala drawing, pendant making, and etching techniques. 

Sterling Silver Jewelry by Cindy Gentry Designs

A Story in Every Piece

Her collections, carefully curated and handcrafted, embody the heart of what makes handmade jewelry so special. The imperfections of mass production don’t exist here—only the touch of an artist, the patience of a maker, and the intention of creating something meaningful.

At Padre Island Art Gallery, you can see her work up close, watch the process unfold, or even take a class and create something of your own. Because, in the end, jewelry isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about the hands that made it, the story it tells, and the beauty of art in everyday life.

The Art of Island Life will return next week with more stories and inspiration from our coastal community. Have a story to share or an upcoming event? Reach out to me at melissa@padreislandartgallery.com.