About Sea Glass

Sea Glass also referred to as seaglass, beach glass, beachglass, ocean glass and mermaid tears, can be located on beaches and lakes worldwide. These beautiful gifts from the ocean have been naturally tumbled by the constant motion of the water and sand over several years resulting in beautiful polished gems offered in the glistening sand. Sea glass originates from glass that was deposited into our oceans and lakes many years ago and after years of tumbling, finds its way to our shores in spectacular forms. Each piece of seaglass is unique and intriguing with a mysterious past. Many pieces can be traced back to over 100 years. Beachcombing and finding sea glass along the world’s beaches and lakes has become a favorite hobby of many beach lovers. Sea Glass (seaglass) is becoming more and more difficult to locate due to diminishing supplies of these precious jewels.

Sea Glass can best be located at coves, harbors or anywhere where there is a current flowing. We find rocky coastlines the best source of beach glass. There is no golden rule for finding beach glass, but it helps to seek the proper areas. When beachcombing, pay attention to the tides, as sea glass can be located at low tide or when the tide is receding. Pay careful attention to the high tide line on the beach where you will find small pebbles and shells, as you are sure to discover these gems sparkling in the sun. Beachcombing the shores after a storm has proven to be beneficial, but you best get there early, as you will be met my many avid sea glass hunters. Old shipping lanes are worth investigating as they are ideal for sea glass hunting ventures. Make sure you have something to collect your glass in and then simply rinse them in tap water and air dry when you arrive home. These beach treasures are perfect for jewelry, crafts, jar displays, mosaics, wreaths, wind chimes and many other creative projects.

As the availability of natural sea glass declines we find that we treasure these gifts from the sea, even more with each passing day. We have initiated a way to increase the sea glass supplies by returning many of our sea glass nuggets, which are not jewelry quality, back into the ocean so that they continue another journey for others to discover on the beach some day. We hope you will join in on this adventure.

We highly recommend the book “Pure Sea Glass” by Richard LaMotte. This is an informational read for those sea glass lovers.

Seek and you shall find these precious Tears Of The Sea.

          “Many thanks for turning your sea glass into beautiful pieces of
            jewelry that I am so proud to wear"

                                                          LaVaughn of Virginia

                                                                                         More Testimonials

Questions And Answers You May Have About Sea Glass

Where Can I Find Sea Glass?

Sea glass can be found on just about any beach around the world. There are many sea glass beaches that are more productive than others and much depends on the location and the amount of glass that was deposited into the waters in and around that particular area. Some of the key points you will want to consider are:

- Old shipping lanes where garbage, glass and ceramics were deposited.

- Commercial Seaways And Heavy Areas Of Boating Activity.

- Beaches that are known for dumping areas or heavy activity for depris being depositing into the waters.

- Beaches that have adequate wave action/currents so that the glass moves around freely against the sand and gets tumbled constantly. Crashing Waves Are Ideal. Many of the areas that I have discovered in my travels reveal plenty of sea glass but limited wave action producing sea glass that is not done or frosted. You may find salt water rivers a great example of this.

- Beaches That Have Structure And Rugged Terrain. I Find That Areas That Have Pebbles And Rocks Reap The Best Treasures As The Sea Glass Gets Caught Up In The Crevices During The Changing Of The Tides.

What Are Some Of The Best Sea Glass Beaches?

Some of the most famous sea glass beaches are located in areas are listed below:

Fort Bragg CA (Also Known As Glass Beach)

Bar Harbor Maine

Casco Bay Maine

Alexandria Battery Beach - Bermuda

What Are The Colors Of Sea Glass?

Sea glass is naturally produced in a variety of stuning colors ranging from the most common white sea glass to the extremely rare orange sea glass. Here is a summary of some of the top sea glass colors from less common to extremely rare.

White Sea Glass (common)

Originates from windshield and window glass, glassware and tableware.

Brown Sea Glass (common)

Originates from beer bottles, soda bottles. antique bitter bottles and whisky bottles. The Less common and more difficult to locate are the amber sea glass shades which were used for bitters and some poisons.

Green Sea Glass (common which includes emerald green, kelly green)

Originates from old beer and soda bottles. Other shades of green sea glass include lime sea glass which is very rare and most likely comes from tableware and bottles, such as soft drink bottles. Dark green or forest green which is much darker most likely came from old liquor/bitter bottles.

Sea Foam Green Sea Glass (less common)

Originates from old coca-cola bottles and beer bottles.

Aqua Blue Sea Glass (less common and considered rare, except for deep aqua blue which is very rare)

Originates from canning jars (fruit jars) and bottles for soda and water and insulator glass.

Olive Green Sea Glass/Forest Green Sea Glass (less common)

Most likely originated from old liquor bottles including wine, beer and some bitter bottles.

Soft Blue Sea Glass (less common)

Made from old soda bottles, ink bottles, fruit jars and some medicines and windshields.

Cobalt Blue Sea Glass (rare)

Originates from antique medicine bottles. The bottles were made this color to clearly identify them as medicine/poison bottles. Examples are Milk of Magnesia and Bromo Seltzer.

Cornflower Blue Sea Glass (rare)

Also originates from medicine bottles as the cobalt blue, just a lighter concentration of coloring in the production process.

Amethyst Sea Glass (rare)

Also referred to as purple glass. Glass containers that held food.

Turquoise Sea Glass (very rare)

Examples of origin are old flask and tableware.

Yellow Sea glass (very rare)

Most likely originated from tableware and decorative art glass.

Gray Sea Glass (very rare)

Result of chemical process when making clear/white glass. Glassware/Plate Glass.

Teal Sea Glass (very rare>

Made from old bottles, water bottles and ink bottles.

Pink Sea Glass (very rare)

Tableware/Plate Glass around the depression period.

The rarest of all sea glass colors include orange sea glass and red sea glass. Glass. Your chances of finding one of these colors is unlikely as they were not colors that were produced often due to the expense of achieving t these colors in production. Some of the areas that red sea glass originated from are old hurricane lamps (lanterns and nautical lights), tableware and red glass taillights prior to the 50’s. Orange sea glass most likely originated from tableware and is on the top of the list for the rarest of all sea glass colors.

Where do sea glass marbles come from?

Sea glass marbles most likely originated from children throwing marbles into the sea as a form of recreation many years ago. Another possible origin is marbles were used in ships years ago to balance there loads while traveling at sea. When these ships were lost at sea, the contents of the ship were tossed into the ocean and eventually made there way back to shore. Antique sea glass marbles have become very popular is sea glass jewelry designs the last few years.

How Do You Place A Value On Sea When Designing Sea Glass Jewelry?

The value of sea glass is determined by the color rarity, the condition that the piece of sea glass is in, and the shape and the size of the particular piece. Sea glass/beach glass is more valuable when there are no blemishes, otherwise flawless. and is a very well worn piece of glass.

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