Have you ever walked along the beach and stumbled upon a smooth, colourful piece of glass?
The chances are, you've found a piece of sea glass. Sea glass is a fascinating phenomenon that occurs when shards of glass are weathered and tumbled by the ocean waves, transforming them into beautiful, frosted gems. In this blog post, we will explore what seag lass is, how it occurs, and the joy of collecting these unique treasures.
What is Sea Glass and How Does it Form?
Seaglass, also known as beach glass or mermaid's tears, is glass that has been discarded or lost at sea and then transformed by the natural elements. It starts as ordinary glass, such as bottles, jars, or even windows, that find their way into the ocean.
Over time, the glass is broken into smaller pieces and smoothed by the constant motion of the waves, sand, and rocks. The saltwater, sand, and minerals in the water also contribute to the weathering process, giving the glass its characteristic frosted appearance.
One of our aqua-drop sea glass necklaces from glass found on the Isle of Wight beaches.
The Joy of Collecting Sea glass
For many beachcombers, collecting seaglass is a beloved pastime. The act of searching for these treasures can be both meditative and exciting.
As you stroll along the shoreline, your eyes scan the sand, eagerly seeking out glimmers of color. Each piece of sea glass is like a tiny surprise, waiting to be discovered. The thrill of finding a rare hue or a perfectly shaped gem is unmatched.
Not only is collecting seaglass enjoyable, but it also offers a sense of connection to the natural world. Walking along the beach, listening to the crashing waves, and feeling the sand between your toes can be a grounding experience. It allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
The Serendipity of Seaglass
One of the most enchanting aspects of sea glass is its serendipity. Each piece is unique, with its own story to tell. You never know what you might find during your beachcombing adventures. Perhaps a fragment of a vintage soda bottle or a shard from a long-lost shipwreck. The possibilities are endless, and the mystery adds to the allure of seaglass.
At Serendipity Diamonds, we have taken this serendipitous treasure and transformed it into stunning handmade jewelry. Our collection features unique Isle of Wight shaped sea glass designs, crafted with care and attention to detail. Most of our pieces are made in sterling silver, complementing the natural beauty of the seaglass. Each jewelry item is beautifully presented, making it a perfect gift or a special treat for yourself.
Where to Find Sea Glass on the Isle of Wight
Many beaches across the Isle of Wight have sea glass nestled amongst the pebbles. To find it you need a keen eye and a slow walk as you amble across the sand.
Some beaches reveal more than others. For example, Yaverland, Fort Victoria and Ryde Beach are great beaches to start with. In addition, many of the beaches along the south coast of the island are also bountiful for sea glass.
Despite its beauty, Seaview, Seagrove Bay and Priory Bay continue to disappoint with very few examples found.
Where to look on the beach
Sea glass can appear anywhere on a beach. But, certain parts of the beach often produce more than other areas. For example, the wrack zone where organic material washes up is a good place to look. Walk just below the wrack zone as the shingle falls away. This is typically where I find most of my own sea glass.
Look out for the halo effect
Lighter coloured pieces of shallow sea glass allow light to penetrate through the glass. As such, these examples often leak light from the edges of the glass. For this reason, a halo appears around the sea glass making them easier to spot. In addition, gentle sunlight often helps these pieces to stand out amongst the shingle. Conversely, dark brown chunks are much harder to see.
Our seaglass jewellery comes from various locations, including Ryde beach, Shanklin beach, Yaverland, and other picturesque spots on the Isle of Wight. We take pride in incorporating these local treasures into our designs, creating pieces that capture the essence of the island and its coastal charm.
Next time you find yourself strolling along the beach, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of seaglass. It is a testament to the power of nature and the serendipity of life. Whether you collect it, admire it, or wear it as jewellery, seaglass is a reminder of the hidden treasures that can be found when we open our eyes to the wonders of the world.
Sea Glass in the Making
Not all glass found on the beach qualifies as sea glass. In fact, as you sweep the shore with your eye, it is more likely you will see what we refer to "uncooked" sea glass. In other words, recently broken glass. One day this glass will weather, age and erode into sea glass.
What colours can you expect to find?
Certain colours occur more frequently than others. For example, white, green, aqua blue and brown occur more frequently. Most come from broken wine bottles and beer bottles. In contrast, colours such as red, orange, violet and bright blues seldom appear. As such they are rare finds.
