SEA GLASS TREASURE

I have discovered sea glass at some of Bermuda's beaches.  They lie in iridescent splendor - standing out from the sea sand in a myriad of  glinting, frosted greens, browns and whites.  Smooth to the touch, in all shapes and sizes, they are instantly appealing.

Bermuda happens to be one of the most popular sources of sea glass, and it can be found on a few select beaches here.  They are the product of landfill sites, and shipwrecks, and, if I am to be blunt, from the laissez-faire attitude of beach lovers and boaters everywhere, who nonchalantly toss that empty wine, beer or pop bottle into the ocean.  

Worn by waves, tumbled in sea sand, and carried by tides in a multitude of glistening and gleaming pieces to shorelines everywhere - a manmade artifact refined and returned from the sea.  According to my research, it can take between 7 and 10 years for broken pieces of bottle or jar to produce the frosted, smooth-edged surfaces of authentic pieces of sea glass.  It has become a collectors item: a hobby for some and a source of income for others.  There are many artists who work with sea glass to produce beautiful jewelry and distinctive artwork.

Most sea glass comes from glass bottles and jars, but pottery, ceramics, plates, flat glass from windows and windshields, pictures and painting frames, also provide lots of shards for collection.   

The value of sea glass is determined by its colour.  The most common colours are green, brown, opaque white, and clear glass.  The less common colours come from glass produced for whiskey or medicine bottles - a jade or amber colour.  Others are lime green, forest green or ice blue from pop bottles, fruit jars and ink bottles that were popular prior to the 1960's.    Rare finds are red, purple, cobalt or cornflower blue - remember the Milk of Magnesia bottles and Vicks containers from years gone by.  And yellow, black, or orange are the rarest of them all. 

I have become a collector - I love standing on the edge of the waves, watching for shapes or colours that catch my eye.  Or digging my feet and hands into the wet sand, uncovering pieces that have been bedded down for awhile.  Not sure what I will do with them, but for now it's adding to the quiet and peaceful ocean side lifestyle.