Beachcombing has long been a relaxing pastime for the lucky
few who vacation or live near the coast. Shells have long been the
beachcomber's treasure, but in recent years an old commodity has
exceeded the shell's value: sea glass.
Also known as beach glass, mermaids tears, ocean glass, and trash
glass, this collectible is formed after years of tumbling in ocean
waves, softening the sharp edges of shards of broken glass. When
spotted on the shoreline, a water-drenched piece of sea glass can
stand out like a shiny, glistening jewel.
Sea glass originates from man-made trash - bottles or jars tossed
overboard ships or dumped with other garbage into the ocean, where
they would break into pieces and tumble around. Most sea glass found
today dates before the mid 1960's (when plastics became the norm).
A perfectly smooth piece may have been in the ocean for decades,
even a century. Collectors value the glass for its beauty and the
mystery of its history - whose hand might have held the original
item? What story might the sea glass tell?
A piece of broken glass undergoes a dramatic transformation on
its journey to become sea glass. Once sharp, the shard's edges gradually
smooth by tumbling against rock and sand. Over years water leaches
out lime and soda from the glass, leaving a frosted surface where
it was once shiny and translucent. This process is called hydration.
Some pieces even have pit marks and other patterns in the surface,
evidence of their traumatic metamorphosis in the sea. Sea glass
qualifies chemically as a mineral gem, claims Carol Lambert, author
of Sea Glass Chronicles: Whispers from the Past.
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Colors range from the common white, green, and amber (think beer
bottles), the less common cobalt and aqua, the rare purple and peach,
to the extremely rare red, turquoise and orange. The rarity of these
colors is due to the rarity of the bottles of origin. Pieces containing
bubbles might have originated from hand-blown glass of the 19th
century. Collectors also seek unique pieces such as bottle stoppers,
etched surface designs, bottle bottoms with unique markings, and
campfire glass. The latter is formed when glass melts in fire, breaks,
then is processed in the ocean's elements to become another unique
element in the sea glass category.
Artisans have turned these shards of humble beginnings into various
crafts. Sea glass jewelry is becoming increasingly popular. Other
artists use the glass to make hair accessories, candles, sculptures,
sun catchers, and mosaics. Sea glass is the recycler's dream, proving
that trash can be turned into treasure. If you don't believe it,
visit a website selling jewelry made from natural sea glass. A pair
of earrings crafted from little more than tiny bits of rare red
sea glass can fetch $200 or more. Sea glass jewelry has become increasingly
popular since the late 1980's.
The popularity of sea glass has prompted imitations to appear
on the market in large quantities. Reputable dealers will state
up front whether their sea glass is natural or fake - though they
may term their imitations as "replica", "craft glass", or "faux".
Craft glass is easily made in any color using a rock tumbler or
acid baths, and is a good alternative for projects requiring large
amounts.- E. E. Kane
uot;
Is like finding diamonds . There is nothing like the real thing.
Danielle Renee'
Sea Glass Jewelry by Danielle Renee'
Lisl Armstrong
Out Of The Blue Seaglass Jewelry
(B-):oops::-[]:-P
Genuine, beachcombed sea glass is clearly becoming a rarer and rarer natural phenomenon. And certain colors are taking a lifetime to find.
Mary Beth
Always appreciated when articles make known to potential customers that there is fake beach glass out there and by using the word 'reputable' you are also pointing out that there are folks who are not reputable...be aware, do your homework and know what authentic beach glass or sea glass looks like.