This is, hands down, one of the questions I get asked most often at markets and shows:
“Do you find all of your sea glass yourself?”
I love that people ask — it tells me they're curious about the story behind the materials, not just the finished piece. The honest answer is a little layered, so let's dive in.
What Is Sea Glass?
Sea glass is broken glass that has been naturally tumbled and softened by waves, sand, and time. Over many years — often decades — the sharp edges are worn away and the surface becomes smooth and frosted. What begins as garbage — discarded bottles, fishing floats, and other glass objects — is transformed by the ocean into something uniquely beautiful, with each piece shaped by its own journey through the water.
Do I Find My Own Sea Glass? Yes and No…
Yes — I have spent many hours beach combing over the years, and I truly love the process. There's something meditative about scanning the shoreline, listening to the waves, and spotting that perfect frosted piece tucked among the stones. These finds are for me, like the sea glass I found near Half Moon Bay, California.
No — I don't personally beach comb all of the sea glass I use in my work. But when it comes to creating consistent, high-quality jewelry and sea glass art, sourcing my glass is the most practical — and ethical — choice.
Why I Don't Use My Own Finds
- I can't part with my own finds, unless a piece of jewelry is for me or family.
- There is no way I could afford to travel the globe to source my own sea glass.
- I'd never have enough sea glass jewelry to sell! I go through a lot!
Sourcing Sea Glass Allows Me To:
- Offer a wider range of colors and perfect shapes for jewelry
- Focus my time and money on craftsmanship rather than constant hunting
- Use high quality, perfectly frosted sea glass from around the world
Where My Sea Glass Comes From
I source my genuine, surf-tumbled sea glass from trusted sellers around the world — many of whom are lifelong beachcombers or small businesses themselves. eBay, Etsy, FB Groups, and Instagram are where I go to source my sea glass from reputable sellers.
I spend a lot of time selecting pieces — rejecting sharp edges, uneven frosting, or shapes that won't work structurally in jewelry or framed art. Only glass that meets my standards makes it into my designs. Actually, a very small portion of what I buy ever makes it into a piece of jewelry. The rest is used for our displays or sea glass art.
Why This Matters To Me
Transparency matters in handmade work, especially jewelry! I want you to know:
- What you are buying — real, genuine sea glass sourced from around the world
- Where the materials came from
- Why I choose my sea glass and other materials
When you choose a piece of sea glass jewelry or art from my shop, you're not just getting something beautiful — you're getting something thoughtfully made, responsibly sourced, and designed to last.
If you ever have questions about materials, process, or sourcing, I'm always happy to talk about it. These conversations are one of my favorite parts of being a maker.