Business Details
Handcrafted Jewelry in Iowa City
Glassando is a family-operated jewelry store established to bring exceptional craftsmanship and unique artistry to jewelry lovers. Our dedication to quality is reflected in our curated selection of handmade pieces, including Murano glass from Venice, Baltic amber, and fossil materials that showcase nature's beauty. With decades of combined experience in curating fine art glass and rare materials, we ensure every customer receives expert guidance in finding meaningful, sustainable jewelry. Our expertise in sourcing globally recognized materials like Venetian glass and Baltic amber is matched by our commitment to supporting ethical practices, including partnerships with butterfly farms that protect rainforest ecosystems. As trusted local jewelers in Iowa City since 1990, we offer both traditional and contemporary designs through our physical store and online platform, ensuring accessibility to our ever-evolving collection.We emphasize transparency in our sourcing practices and authenticity in every piece we sell. Our longstanding relationships with artisans and international suppliers allow us to provide exclusive items unavailable elsewhere. We maintain rigorous quality control standards while offering personalized service for custom designs and special orders. Our store's strategic location in downtown Iowa City's Old Capitol Mall ensures convenient access for local customers, while our shipping services extend our reach nationwide. We remain committed to educating customers about the historical significance and craftsmanship behind each material, from 7th-century Venetian glassmaking traditions to the geological formation of fossilized dinosaur bone jewelry. This combination of heritage, expertise, and ethical responsibility forms the foundation of our business.
Services
Murano Glass Jewelry
Baltic Amber Jewelry
Fossil Jewelry
Butterfly Wing Jewelry
Dichroic Glass Art
Highlights and features
- We specialize in authentic Murano glass from Venice
- Our jewelry supports rainforest conservation
- We offer one-of-a-kind fossil pieces
- Our Iowa City store has exclusive inventory
- We maintain 34 years of jewelry expertise
Services
Murano Glass Jewelry
Handcrafted Murano glass jewelry directly from Venice, Italy, showcases centuries-old glassmaking techniques. Each piece demonstrates Venetian artisans' mastery through intricate patterns and vibrant colors. This collection combines historical craftsmanship with modern design aesthetics.
Baltic Amber Jewelry
Baltic amber jewelry features natural inclusions preserved for millennia in fossilized tree resin. Available in multiple hues including cognac, green, and cherry amber, these pieces combine organic history with wearable art. Sterling silver mountings enhance their natural beauty.
Fossil Jewelry
Fossil jewelry collection includes ammonite, trilobite, and dinosaur bone specimens transformed into wearable artifacts. Each piece preserves geological history while offering unique patterns and textures. These items connect wearers to Earth's ancient past through authentic paleontological materials.
Butterfly Wing Jewelry
Jewelry made from naturally expired butterfly wings supports sustainable rainforest farming. Ethically sourced wings create iridescent patterns that change with light angles. This collection preserves biodiversity by providing economic incentives for habitat protection in tropical ecosystems.
Dichroic Glass Art
Dichroic glass jewelry combines modern technology with traditional glasswork. The iridescent glass displays multiple colors that shift with viewing angle. American artists create these pieces using vacuum deposition processes that alter light reflection at microscopic levels.
Questions
What types of jewelry does Glassando specialize in?
We specialize in Murano glass from Venice, Baltic amber, fossils, and handmade art glass jewelry. Our unique collection also features butterfly wing pieces and dichroic glass creations.
Can I find exclusive items only available at Glassando?
Yes, our physical store carries limited inventory items not available online. The selection changes regularly to include rare pieces like fossilized dinosaur bone and up-cycled fordite pendants.
Does Glassando offer sustainable jewelry options?
We provide butterfly wing jewelry that supports rainforest conservation and sources materials from sustainable providers, including butterfly farms that protect tropical habitats.
What are Glassando's holiday hours?
We close early (4 PM) on days before major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, and remain closed all day on those holidays.
Can I see products in person before purchasing?
Yes, our Iowa City store inside Old Capitol Mall offers in-person shopping. Many items available there aren't listed online, making it ideal for unique gift seekers.
How does Glassando verify authenticity of materials?
We maintain direct relationships with Venetian glassmakers, Baltic amber suppliers, and fossil vendors. Each piece comes with documentation about its origin and creation process.
Reviews (5)
Clara C. S.
Jun 14, 2022
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This store has rare and well priced finds. The proprietors are quiet and have class; other stores in Iowa City take my regular purchasing for granted and I actually get worse customer service over time. Glassando a class act in how they treat customers. They have rare finds, such as this raw Tanzanite necklace I last purchased (see photo). I consider them to be the best jewelers in town. They also have a nice selection of crystals that aren't necessarily mounted into jewelry.
Their jewelry is not limited to precious and semi precious stones; they also have art pieces and decor for holidays. The prices are just right considering the rarity of their products. I love this place and even though I am moving to another state, I plan to shop online with them until I can't shop anymore!
Their jewelry is not limited to precious and semi precious stones; they also have art pieces and decor for holidays. The prices are just right considering the rarity of their products. I love this place and even though I am moving to another state, I plan to shop online with them until I can't shop anymore!
Rebecca Machtel
Jul 20, 2021
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Wonderful and creative jewelry representing talented artists near and far. Such reasonable prices and they always stand behind their quality pieces. Very proud to gift my daughter a keepsake from here for her first job!
Tango Iowa City
Apr 05, 2021
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Very artsy and unique jewelry collection, it's an easy place to find a quick gift. Jewelry has a wide range of prices, from quick small gifts to big special occasions. It's a staple for me when finding gifts for my wife.
Amanda Strasser
Mar 30, 2021
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Beautiful handmade pieces at affordable prices, this place is a hidden gem! If you find yourself looking for a unique piece of jewelry, be it a bracelet, necklace, or even a custom made ring with a gemstone of your own choosing, Glassando should be the first place you check. I promise you won't leave without finding at least one piece you wish you could bring home with you!
Gayle Trier
Jan 06, 2021
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I love, love, love Glassando! I have purchased or received so many stunning and unique pieces of jewelry over the years from Abby. I'm in the Chicago area so I appreciate being able to shop on line or at her live online video sales events. My daughter was thrilled when I was able to electronically share my wish list from Glassando for some Mother's Day gift suggestions, and I was equally thrilled to receive the pieces I loved.
My husband often seeks Abby's advice for gifts and they have selected some fabulous jewelry and a large amethyst geode that I treasure. I receive so many compliments whenever I wear one of these statement pieces. Each piece is so different from the mass produced pieces out in other stores. I have fossil earrings, carved amber jaguars, alien cameos, hand-painted pins, geode pendants, and a breathtaking blue topaz bracelet, just to name a few! Thank you Abby and Glassando for all the joy you send my way!
My husband often seeks Abby's advice for gifts and they have selected some fabulous jewelry and a large amethyst geode that I treasure. I receive so many compliments whenever I wear one of these statement pieces. Each piece is so different from the mass produced pieces out in other stores. I have fossil earrings, carved amber jaguars, alien cameos, hand-painted pins, geode pendants, and a breathtaking blue topaz bracelet, just to name a few! Thank you Abby and Glassando for all the joy you send my way!
