Frosted sea glass jewelry by Scottish designer Gaynor Hebden-Smith. Image from ScottishSeaGlass.co.uk.
A lot of glass has found its way into our seas over the centuries. But our oceans can take this trash and turn it into beauty. Over the years, the glass is broken up and tumbled by the salty water and sand. The sharp, dangerous edges are smoothed away, and the glass takes on a lovely frosted look. The ocean then gives it back to us, as it washes up on shores and beaches all over the world. Designers throughout Europe are creating striking sea glass jewelry that makes a statement without harming the environment.
Because sea glass is created naturally, any manufacturing or production associated with sea glass jewelry is only related to the setting materials or chains. Silver is the most popular material, because it compliments the cool blues, pale greens and translucent whites of most sea glass.
Another great thing about sea glass jewelry is that no two pieces are alike. Each piece of sea glass is different, and designers will rarely chip away at it or refashion it into other shapes. Instead, most prefer to let the natural elegance of the glass come through. Wire-wrapping sea glass jewelry is a popular technique, since it doesn’t require drilling through the glass. Drill holes and posts are often vaguely visible in sea glass jewelry, since it’s so translucent.
Foraging for sea glass is a time-consuming pursuit, though. It requires patience, and you may have to roam a little further than you planned to find good pieces. Some designers employ people to “harvest” the sea glass for them, so they can spend more time actually creating sea glass jewelry. But if you’ve got patience and persistence, foraging for sea glass could be a very relaxing pursuit that could even make you a little money.
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I love collecting glass from Scotland’s beaches – I am truly lucky, and to make jewellery from it is just the biggest joy.
I hope one day to cross the big pond and maybe collect beautiful sea glass from your shore.
Thanks for using my pictures – it made my day !!!
Kind Regards,
Gaynor