What is sea glass and where to find it

If you love the beach, searching for beach treasures, or decorating with coastal decor, I'm looking for YOU!

Let's go hunting for sea glass today! Or let's pretend I've just found all of these amazing treasures, because I can't predict when I'm going to find sea glass! The past few times I've been to the beach here on Amelia Island, it's been pretty bare except for seaweed.

If I could only ever find one treasure on the beach, I would make it sea glass, but I'm glad it's not the only thing I can find here.

Did you know that sea glass is really, well, it's not a treasure from the sea, but trash that the sea has turned into treasure! I know a lot of us think that's common knowledge but it isn't always.

Sea glass is made from glass bottles, or other glass objects that were once dumped in the sea. Using less glass and being more careful to not litter has made sea glass more rare. Glass is made from sand too but I'll admit I don't know much about that!

The shinier and sharper a piece of sea glass is, the newer the piece is. One that has been in the ocean a long time is more frosty and rounded.

Lots of our sea glass here on Amelia Island is newer, but I still love it. If it's too new looking and not a blue color, I'm likely to throw it back to let it "cook" more! Let me know below if you love sea glass too and follow for more coastal inspo!

Shop Our Sea Glass Lover Signs

If sea glass is your treasure, we have a sign for you. Every piece is hand-painted on real wood and made to order in our Amelia Island, Florida studio.

I'd Rather Be Hunting Sea Glass Sign - for anyone who would always rather be on the beach with their eyes on the sand. One of our most popular sea glass lover signs and a perfect gift for any collector.

Sea Glass Sign - a clean, beautiful sea glass motif on real wood. Perfect for beach houses, display shelves alongside your collection, and anywhere a sea glass lover wants to celebrate their favorite treasure.

Coffee Beach Hunt Sea Glass Repeat Sign - the perfect daily routine for a sea glass hunter. Coffee, beach, hunt, repeat. A fan favorite for kitchens and beach house walls.

I'd Rather Be Beachcombing Sign - for the beach lover who lives for the hunt, whether it is sea glass, shark teeth, shells, or whatever the tide brings in. A perfect sign for any beachcomber's home.

More Beachcombing and Coastal Inspiration

• Finding Shark Teeth on Amelia Island - tips from a local on where and how to find shark teeth
• Why We Chose to Move to Amelia Island Over the Panhandle - what makes Amelia Island so special for beachcombers
• Decorate with Coastal Style Wherever You Live - bring the beach home no matter where you are
• Shop All Beachcombing Signs - our full collection for shark tooth hunters, shell collectors, and sea glass lovers

Frequently Asked Questions About Sea Glass

What is sea glass?

Sea glass is glass that has been tumbled and frosted by the ocean over many years. It starts as broken glass bottles, jars, or other glass objects that ended up in the sea, and over decades of wave action, salt water, and sand, the sharp edges are worn smooth and the surface becomes frosted and opaque. The result is a beautiful, jewel-like piece of beach treasure.

Where is the best place to find sea glass?

Sea glass is most commonly found along rocky beaches and shorelines near historic dumping sites or old ports. On Amelia Island, look along the waterline at low tide, especially after storms when wave action brings new material to the surface. The north end of the island and areas near the inlet tend to be productive spots for beachcombers.

What colors of sea glass are most rare?

The most common sea glass colors are white, brown, and green, which come from everyday glass bottles. Blue sea glass is less common and highly prized. The rarest colors include red, orange, yellow, and turquoise, which come from specialty glass like old medicine bottles, art glass, and vintage tableware. Finding a piece of red or orange sea glass is considered a real treasure.

How can you tell old sea glass from new sea glass?

Older sea glass has been in the ocean longer and is more frosted, rounded, and opaque. The surface has a soft, matte finish and the edges are completely smooth. Newer sea glass is shinier, may still have some sharp edges, and looks more like frosted glass than true sea glass. Many collectors prefer the older, more frosted pieces for their authenticity and beauty.

Is sea glass becoming more rare?

Yes, sea glass is becoming increasingly rare. As society has moved away from glass packaging toward plastic, and as environmental awareness has reduced ocean dumping, less new glass is entering the ocean. The sea glass that exists today is a finite resource, which makes finding a beautiful piece feel even more special.

Celebrate Your Love of Sea Glass

Whether you have a jar full of sea glass on your windowsill or you are still hunting for your first piece, our handmade sea glass signs are made for you. Browse our full Beachcombing Signs collection for sea glass, shark tooth, and shell collector favorites, all hand-painted on real wood and made to order in our Amelia Island, Florida studio.