13/06/2026
Over all the years I’ve been collecting sea glass, I’ve only ever found five beads.
When you find something this rare, it isn’t sellable in the first instance, at least not to me. The emotional connection comes first. My first thought is never, “I wonder who will buy this?” It’s always, “Wow, what a stunning piece.” Then I spend a little time simply appreciating it before I can even think about letting it go.
This little bead was the first one I ever found, and for the last five years I’ve been sharing its story with visitors who attend my sea glass workshops. It’s been passed around, admired, and wondered over more times than I can count.
For a long time, I couldn’t imagine offering it for sale. But after five years, I’ve finally decided it’s time for someone else to enjoy it.
Now set in a beautiful sterling silver frame, the bead’s unusual colour and texture take centre stage. Although this photograph doesn’t capture the finer details, the surface is covered with tiny diamond like patterns that have survived years of tumbling by the sea.
Its original purpose remains a mystery. I can’t imagine it was functional. It feels far more decorative than practical. Perhaps it once formed part of a piece of jewellery, or maybe it adorned a dress or jacket. I’ll never know for certain.
What I do know is this. Amongst the many thousands of pieces of sea glass that have passed through my hands, this remains one of the most unique and beautiful.
You might say it’s not the most business minded approach to hold onto a piece for five years before offering it for sale. But sea glass found me at exactly the right time in my life, and over the years I’ve come to believe that every piece eventually finds the right person at the right moment.
So for now, here it is.
Admire it, wonder about its journey and imagine where it began. Perhaps one day, whether that is next week, next month or next year, it will find its new home.
