Introduction to Beach Glass

What is it about walking along the shore that brings such peace to so many? The sound of the waves, the smell of wet sand and water, the feel of the breeze engage the senses to stir the core of our soul. Beach glass, also known as sea glass or mermaid's tears, crystallizes these shoreline memories. Formed by the action of water, wind, wave action, sand, stone and time on bottles and other glass carelessly tossed into lakes and oceans, collectors all over the world treasure these brightly colored finds.

Ranging in size from flecks as tiny as a grain of sand to chunks larger than a fist, beach glass can be found along the water's edge around the world. The most common color of sea glass is white, which began as clear glass. Physical and chemical actions frost the surface of the glass, turning it opaque. Other common colors include green and brown from beer and wine bottles, but their hues can vary from pale amber to an olive so green it appears black until held up to the light.

Some collectors prefer to keep their finds in jars placed on windowsills to catch the light. Others creatively experiment with art and design, creating everything from sun catchers to bird houses. And some carefully choose the rarest shapes and colors to transform into one-of-a-kind jewelry. The soft edges and deep colors of beach glass jewelry create eye-catching pools of liquid color at the ears, throat or wrist. Whether set in filigrees of silver and gold or simply suspended from a bail, sea glass jewelry is wearable art.