Thomas Gentille, Pioneering Jewelry Artist Known for Wearable Sculptures, Dies at 89

Thomas Gentille, an influential jewelry maker whose conceptual pieces resembled miniature abstract artworks, passed away on March 6 in Manhattan at age 89. His death resulted from leukemia, according to friend and collector Susan Grant Lewin. Gentille created geometric brooches and other wearable objects using unconventional materials like wood, aluminum, glass, and acrylic rather than traditional precious metals and gems. His technically innovative works, which took months or years to complete, are held in major museum collections including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Victoria and Albert Museum. Gentille's approach aligned with the studio jewelry movement that emerged from Bauhaus influences, expanding definitions of wearable art.