FAQs

Here are some questions I get asked about my work.

Where do you get your sea glass?
Well,  apart from a few pieces which I collected myself - I buy it from reputable sea glass sellers in the UK, but I have also purchased sea glass from Scotland, USA, Russia, Japan....
I also get donations from people who have been on holiday and have collected it for me :-)
I only use real surf tumbled beach found glass, to the best of my knowledge. I think that after all these years I can tell the difference!

Do you shape or polish the sea glass?
In most cases I use the glass as it comes, and just make a frame round it (a bezel) from fine silver. In rare cases I will cut and shape glass from a piece that is too large for jewellery, but is a lovely colour that I really need.

Is it silver?
Yes, I use sterling silver and fine silver for all my pieces, with the occasional enamel on copper, or a touch of gold for embelishments. 

It must take to ages make?
Yes, most of my pieces take ages to make. I make all of the components myself -  including the jump rings, ear wires, granulation... it's all good fun though. 

What is enamel? 
Enamel is basically powdered glass, which in my case is mixed with distilled water to a paste, and fused onto the silver. I use leaded transparent enamels from various sources but my favourite brand is Soyer.

Can I swim, bathe and wash dishes with my sea glass jewellery on?
No. 
Noboday has actually asked me that, but please don't - water will find its way under the sea glass and make a dark spot that will spoil the glow and change the colour. The only way to resolve that will be to remove the glass, clean and re-set it.
If you look after the pieces and keep them dry, they will stay looking great for a very long time.

Any other questions - feel free to ask!