Al Heilman

I am a spine surgeon turned glass artist, goldsmith, and writer — working from a lakeside studio in Texas where nature, light, and the quiet practice of making shape everything I create.

Each piece is crafted with intention, patience, and attention to the story it carries. I work closely with clients to create something lasting, meaningful, and worn close to the body.

My memoir The Quiet Return explores the creative life after illness.

I write regularly at thesehandsremember.substack.com

The Quiet Return

Available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle.

After more than a year of writing and revision, The Quiet Return grew out of daily reflections shaped by illness, recovery, creativity, and the slow return to self.

This book is not about fixing everything.

It is about noticing what remains.

Written in quiet moments—many first shared here—these reflections explore healing, presence, and the steady work of becoming. They speak to interruption, endurance, and what it means to live attentively when life asks you to slow down.

My hope is that The Quiet Return offers readers something familiar, grounding, and quietly reassuring—a companion for moments of pause, recovery, or reflection.

18 k Gold with granulation and pink princess cut sapphire

The joy of creating is working out a solution that involves the client and gives the jewelry a voice that matches the dream.

18l gold dangle earrings with pink sapphire and diamonds

The process of creating a pair of earrings for my muse, blending design, materials, and inspiration into a wearable work of art.

18k gold with Argentium silver band and trillion Blue Topaz

"Jewelry should be fun, exciting, and uniquely yours. I love blending silver and gold with a touch of eccentricity to craft one-of-a-kind pieces. Let’s collaborate to create something truly special together."

Argentium silver and 14k gold inset

"Men deserve a place at the table in jewelry design. Let’s create a bold statement piece that reflects your individuality and style."

Cushion Blue Topaz with 18k gold and argentium silver

"Jewelry should be fun. Let’s collaborate to create something truly special together."

Argentium Necklace

"Wearing custom jewelry should be a fun and playful experience."

"Rain Drops" Fused Glass Pendant with argentium silver and 14k gold and Tanzanite set in 18k gold

"Combining glass and metal so they speak to each other is my passion and magic happens"

Fused Glass Drop ring Vessel

"Color and design are true partners in creation. Adding hand-made murrini to the mix makes the result truly magical."

Genes.. Fused Glass on canvas and wood

"Genes: We’re all made of the same ones, just arranged in different patterns. This panel represents the randomness of those pairs."